lifestyle and culture

Subterms

    More stories

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Another history-making moment for women has happened in Saudi Arabia

      by

      As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to champion women, a history-making appointment has been made.
      In a new appointment for Dr. Khulood Mohammed al-Khamis to Secretary-General of Tabuk’s regional council, it made her the first woman to hold this role across the entire Kingdom.

      Having worked as an associate professor in the science department at the University of Tabuk, Dr. al-Khamis knows the area well.
      To solidify her new role, the new secretary-general met with the Governor of Tabuk Region Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz on Monday after her new appointment was announced.

      The governor expressed how confident he was in Dr. al-Khamis being the first woman to hold such a position.
      “His Highness congratulated Dr. Khulood al-Khamis on this confidence as the first woman to hold the position of Secretary-General of the regional council at the level of the Kingdom, wishing her continued success in her new work,” a statement said about the pair’s meeting which was obtained by the Saudi Press Agency.
      In a statement to Al Arabiya, she expressed her gratitude for being the first woman in Saudi Arabia to hold such a position.
      “I’m happy to be the first Saudi woman to hold this position and to be a daughter of Tabuk, and this is not surprising from the leader on the matter, and from [His Highness] Prince Fahd bin Sultan, Governor of Tabuk region, and the keenness to empower Saudi women to assume leadership positions in the Kingdom,” she said.
      READ: ‘Historical’ court ruling in Saudi Arabia will benefit equality for women
      This latest appointment is just one of the many things have changed for women in the last few years in the Kingdom since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in 2017.
      Under his Vision 2030 initiative, an ambitious post-oil economic plan, there has been a major focus on women’s rights in the Kingdom.
      Just three months after he stepped into the role in 2017, the Crown Prince revealed in a royal decree, women would be able to secure driving licenses from June 2018.
      Then, in March 2018, it was announced by the Ministry of Justice that women who are divorced in the country would be able to instantly retain custody of their children.
      Under his plans, women are now also able to attend sports events in stadiums in three cities, female students in the Kingdom are now allowed to carry their phones while on campus and as of August 2019, women aged over 21 are now allowed to travel independently.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Saudi Press Agency More

    • 75 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Positive news for Dubai’s tourism industry

      by

      For the better part of four months of this year, the world was largely put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the travel industry.
      The UAE closed its borders in March, with only repatriation flights and cargo flights allowed to come in and out of the country.

      Following the long pause of travel, Dubai reopened its borders for international tourism on July 7, and a month on the tourism and hospitality sectors in the emirate are now “benefitting from a rapid rebound”, according to WAM.
      The Director-General of Dubai Tourism, Helal Saeed Almarri, has said that since the reopening of the borders they have “been greatly encouraged by the market’s response in the second phase of our recovery strategy”.

      “People are much more optimistic and well-informed now and are ready to go on holidays to destinations that are safe and have put in place strong health and safety protocols,” he added.

      Green shoots of revival bloom as #Dubai accelerates tourism rebound #WamNewsRead More: https://t.co/3DC1NctOhu pic.twitter.com/Gzmzu7bDFU
      — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 10, 2020

      With Emirates now flying to over 70 destinations and flydubai covering 66 desintations this summer, bookings for both local airlines are reportedly increasing.
      During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism industry was brought to a complete standstill and according to the World Tourism Organisation, this could be losses of between US$1.2 and US$3.3 trillion globally for the industry, which is dependent on the recovery time.
      But for Dubai the “pause phase” – as Almarri refers to it – gave the travel hub time to rethink strategies in order to build a framework that would work in the current climate.
      “We rethought business strategies and plans working closely with stakeholders and partners to develop innovative initiatives to manage the ‘new normal’,” he explained. “In cooperation with key authorities, we mapped out stringent health protocols and precautionary measures that would reassure even the most demanding safety-conscious tourists.”
      As we head into the final quarter of the year, the Director-General of Dubai Tourism remains optimistic about regrowth for the industry given the obstacles and challenges 2020 has posed.
      “We expect to see good progress in the last quarter of 2020 based on growth strategies we have adopted to accelerate momentum ahead of the full reopening,” he said.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Dukes the Palm More

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Sheikh Mohammed has opened a Dhs300 million Dubai medical research centre

      by

      From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai’s prerogative has included mass testing and conducting immediate research to tackle the virus.
      Now, under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a new medical research centre has opened in Dubai which will not only study COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases.

      His Highness toured the new Dhs300 million centre on Tuesday, August 11, 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.

      .@HHShkMohd: We have launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research at a total value of AED 300 million. The Centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country, in addition to research on COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/vh3VfPUWiZ
      — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020

      “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.”

      .@HHShkMohd: Medical research is an important part of our society’s health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country. It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history. pic.twitter.com/snBYWobYgz
      — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020

      Just last month it was announced by UAE authorities that research was being conducted for two potential vaccines for COVID-19 to be developed. Per Gulf News, human trials are reportedly set to be conducted.
      “We have more than 15,000 volunteers to conduct trials, and the best scientific standards for medical studies will be followed and guaranteed,” Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection stated during the briefing. “If the safety and efficacy of the vaccine are proven during this phase, the test will be considered successful.”
      If either strain of the vaccines tested in the UAE are proven to be both safe and effective in combatting COVID-19, they would move to manufacture them.
      To date, the UAE has had 62,704 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – 56,766 of those have recovered and there have been 357 deaths.

      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Dubai Media Office Twitter More

    • 175 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      The perfect staycation deal for those who like to live in the fast lane

      by

      Adrenaline junkies should look no further than Palazzo Versace Dubai for a staycation like no other.
      Rev up your weekend with the hotel’s ‘Ultimate Stay and Drive Experience’ that will see you zoom around the city in some of the world’s most powerful and luxurious cars – all yours for three thrilling hours. Before you jump into the driver’s seat, relax in one of the stylish rooms designed exclusively by Versace before tucking into a fine breakfast at Giardino.

      The deal is priced at Dhs1,799 for two people and also includes a choice of set menu for lunch or dinner in any of the hotel’s fabulous restaurants, a 20 per cent discount on food and beverage (except Q’s Bar and Lounge) and 20 per cent off Spa treatments – a must, especially after clocking up the miles in the Aston Martin.

      Not a car buff? Don’t worry, the hotel has other staycations starting from Dhs599 that gets you a room and access to all of the chic facilities.

      Those who simply want to unwind should take advantage of the spa and pool deal which is priced at just Dhs275. It includes a de-stressing full body massage and access to one of Palazzo Versace Dubai’s three outdoor pools with views of the Dubai creek. Note that this package is only available from Sunday to Wednesday for massage bookings between 1 and 4pm.
      The pool day passes are also on offer at Dhs200 which is fully redeemable on food and drinks at any of the watering holes you choose to unwind at.

      Click here for more information or contact them on 045568805 or dining@palazzoversace.ae.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 88 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Expired UAE visit visas have been extended

      by

      If you were worried about your visit visa, we have some good news. The Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship in the UAE announced that all permits that expired after March 1 will get an additional one-month extension.
      The extended grace period was confirmed yesterday, the original deadline for UAE visit permit holders.

      “The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship extends the grace period for holders of expiring entry permits, starting from 11 / 8 / 2020 for a period of one month, with the aim of enabling them to leave the country with exemption from all fines during this period,” reads the Tweet.

      “الهيئة الاتحادية للهوية والجنسية” تمدد مهلة حاملي أذونات الدخول للدولة المنتهية اعتباراً من 11 / 8 / 2020 ولمدة شهر، بهدف تمكينهم من المغادرة مع الإعفاء من كافة الغرامات المترتبة خلال هذه الفترة. #وام pic.twitter.com/RHPvpiFarm
      — وكالة أنباء الإمارات (@wamnews) August 10, 2020

      If your visit visa expired before March 1, you are still required to leave by August 18 to avoid overstay fines which are Dh200 for the first day and then Dh100 for subsequent days.
      At the end of March, it was announced that residency visas that expired from March 1 will be automatically renewed for three months for free, the same goes for Emirates IDs that expired from March 1.
      The three-month extension also applies to government services – including documents, permits, licenses and commercial registers.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Unsplash More

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      This is what Gigi Hadid is really missing during her pregnancy

      by

      Whilst she’s normally jet-setting around the world, walking down every catwalk during Fashion Month, the last few months have seen Gigi Hadid embrace a slower pace of life not only due to COVID-19, but also her pregnancy.
      As time as gone on throughout her pregnancy – the model is reportedly due to give birth next month – Hadid has been forced to give up some of her favourite pastimes including horseriding.

      After a fan asked her on Twitter whether she was still riding or “totally avoiding it”, the 25-year-old gave an honest answer admitting that early on in her pregnancy she was still riding, but “only walking”. However, as time has gone on she’s had to stop and admitted she’s “missing” one of her favourite activities.
      Luckily, the mum-to-be is still ensuring she is spending quality time with her horses bringing them carrots to “hang [with] them”.

      Early on I did (only walking tho) but not anymore. Missing it!! https://t.co/4dS2s4IQTn
      — Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) August 9, 2020

      Hadid, 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.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Media: Twitter/Instagram, Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      A new lunch deal that’s worth leaving the office for

      by

      If you’ve gotten into the habit of dining “al desco”, now is the perfect time to take advantage of your allocated lunch break somewhere très chic.
      It’s not uncommon to work through your lunch, but taking your meeting beyond the screen could boost your mood and productivity, especially if you’re grabbing a table at the stylish La Serre restaurant in Downtown Dubai.

      Traditional French restaurant has launched a new business lunch deal, available on Sunday through to Thursday from 12pm to 5pm. The Rendez-vous lunch menu is priced at Dhs110 for two-courses and Dhs130 for three courses.

      The varied menu includes a choice of red bream ceviche marinated in tiger milk with tomato confit and chilli, grilled prawns with spinach cream, or a cherry tomato salad with goat’s cheese and hazelnut to start.
      For mains, select from either fish of the day served with crushed potato, asparagus and lobster sauce, chicken breast supreme with mashed potato, green beans and Périgueux sauce, or homemade gnocchi with endive and blue cheese sauce.
      Round off the perfect lunch with a blueberry panna cotta topped with crunchy pecans.
      For reservations or more information, call +971 4 528 3779, e-mail reservations@laserre.com, or visitlaserre.com
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 163 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Dubai’s Cinema Akil to screen Nadine Labaki’s film to raise money for Beirut

      by

      Ever since the horrific explosion rocked Beirut last Tuesday, people from around the world have been coming together to support the people in any way they can.
      This weekend, Cinema Akil is screening West Beirut(1998) from Ziad Doueiri and Nadine Labaki’s Where Do We Go Now? (2011). All proceeds from the ticket sales go to the Lebanese Red Cross relief efforts.

      In partnership with MENA distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment and the Kuwait National Cinema Company, the arthouse cinema will be showing the films on Friday  14 August and Saturday 15 August.
      “Cinema Akil is proud to open its doors in what we consider a small contribution towards a much larger relief effort needed to support the people of Lebanon whose lives and futures  lay in peril as a result of these catastrophic events with the hope that  our community will be encouraged to do their part in supporting local and regional effort and support the right organizations doing the work on ground in Beirut,” reads the press release.

      “While both set against the backdrop of the civil war the films; equally, exhibit Lebanon not as a theatre of tragedy and destruction – but a Lebanon that is beautiful, a Lebanon that is joyful and a Lebanon that is resilient: a clear parallel to the Lebanon we are seeing come together today in solidary to pull the country from under the rubble.”

      West Beirut chronicles the lives of a pair of school friends who enter a series of misadventures as they roam the city in the very early days of the Lebanese civil war, while Labaki’s feminist-themed Where Do We Go Now? follows the inhabitants of a small village in the Lebanon mountains as a group of women try to ease tensions between Christian and Muslim men.
      “I am part Lebanese and spent a large chunk of my youth in school and university in Beirut.Same applies to some of our team. The place is near and dear to our hearts,” said Front Row CEO Gianluca Chakra.
      “Seeing the damage from that explosion truly affected us all at Front Row and these screenings with our close partners Cinema Akil are a way for me to give back to my home country. I’m confident in Lebanon’s people and in their ability to always rise above tragedy and move forward.”
      The blast has killed over 200 people and injured thousands more. It is beilived to have been caused by the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at the port. Yesterday, Lebanon’s government resigned following mounting anger from the public.
      Beirut relief donations can also be made out through the following link: https://helplebanon.carrd.co/
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram, supplied More