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      Your fabulous guide to this weekend in Dubai: August 6-8

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      This weekend it’s all about lavish staycations, a bit of retail therapy, DIY flower arranging and some seriously good sushi.
      Staycation like a VIP

      Live a night like an Oscar-winning star at the Rove Downtown Hotel that has curated a movie-lovers package for you and 19 of your nearest and dearest. The Ultimate Movie Staycation takes over an entire floor comprising of 10 Rover rooms with access to a private movie screening from the Reel Cinema’s catalogue. Enjoy popcorn and soft drinks (alcoholic beverages come at an additional charge) with your film of choice followed by breakfast the next morning. The offer is available throughout August and September and priced at Dhs2,999 inclusive of taxes and fees. It is valid for up to 20 guests, with additional rooms on offer at Dhs195 per night. Email on events@rovehotels.com or phone +971 4 561 9099 to book.
      Forever bunch

      It’s always feels like a sad day when you have to throw out a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. For centrepieces that last forever and feel just as good as the fresh variety, if not better, look no further than the recently launched flower brand Fridas. Brought to you by creators of Florette, the dry arrangements look extremely fashionable and there is a selection that arrive in their very own pots. The high quality dried and preserved flowers, that are both long lasting and sustainable, will easily enhance any space. If you want to flex those creative muscles then go for the Florist Collections that allows you to take the arrangement apart to create your own selection of smaller bouquets to dot around your space.
      Campfire favourite

      Transport yourself back to childhood of sitting by the fire and roasting marshmallows on the flames with a one-off special at Black Tap. The limited-edition S’mores CrazyShake® infused it’s ice-cream with a campfire marshmallow flavour. It’s decorated in crisped s’mores and topped with whipped cream and Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. Available in limited quantities between August 7– 10 across Dubai venues, it will be priced at Dhs69 at Jumeirah Al Naseem, Rixos Premium JBR and Intercontinental Dubai Festival City venues.
      Look sharp

      Tailoring might be the furthest thing from your mind during the summer heat, but hear us out. With more of us heading back to the office and events being allowed to resume, it’s the perfect time to invest in a great blazer and pristine trousers. COS is keeping the summer heat in mind with it’s newest collection of relaxed tailoring, featuring collarless linen belted jackets and unstructured shirt dresses that offer a relaxed take on elegance. Head to your nearest store to discover more timeless must-haves.
      Desert escape

      Looking to get away from the tall building and busy Sheikh Zayed road? Luxury desert resort Bab Al Shams has curated a number of offers that will see you relaxing in style, surrounded by golden sand dunes. Rates start from Dhs799 per night inclusive of complimentary breakfast, 20 per cent savings on dining and desert activities. If you book two nights, you will save 15 per cent on your stay with breakfast. Those who wish to escape for three night will benefit from a 20 per cent saving.
      Weekend reset

      Located in Jumeirah, The Hundred Wellness Centre (open from Saturday to Thursday) has launched a day pass for you to unwind in a calm space. Priced at Dha230 per person, the pass includes a private Pilates session with Head Pilates Instructor Walid Tebarki for up to four friends, followed by a nutritious meal in the health-focused café, providing a wholesome rest and re-set for the week ahead.
      For you and your bestie

      Need a weekend away with your BFF? Grosvenor House Dubai has joined forces with Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa to launch an indulgent spa and stay promotion that has all the ingredients you need for a fabulous escape. The Ladies First package includes a complimentary breakfast, bottle of prosecco and sweets on arrival and a welcome gift from luxury skincare brand Elemis when you book a Deluxe Room, Premier Room or Deluxe Suite until September 30. Starting from Dhs850 a night, you will be treated to a host of spa experiences at Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, as well as access to the landscaped gardens, sparkling temperature-controlled pool and pristine white sandy beach, as well as the varied dining choices.
      Date night

      If you’re looking to spoil someone special in your life to an elegant yet laidback dinner out, look no further than Nassau by celebrity Chef Silvena Rowe that has reopened for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Enjoy the finest Mediterranean cuisine while gazing towards the golf course of the Jumeirah Golf Estates.
      Vegan style brunch

      Love Parties Hidden Brunch at the Treehouse & Tesoro, Taj Hotel Dubai, has introduced a vegan friendly menu. The brunch kicks off with the breads and dips, moving to the starters, such as sweet potato fries, mushroom sliders, edamame and quinoa tabbouleh. main course feel like a feast in themselves, expect Cajun spiced avocado, pasta Arabiatta, Thai green curry, sweet and sour tofu and more. leave some space for dessert that includes berry trifle, tropical fruit skewers and walnut brownie. Taking place every Friday from 1-4pm, prices start at Dhs325 for soft beverages, Dhs375 for house drinks and Dhs450 for the bubbly package.
      Sushi fill

      Known for fresh sushi, creative salads and buttery wagyu steak, 3FILS located in Dubai’s Jumeriah Fishing Villageis back in business. To keep up with demand, the venue has expanded it’s seating area and now also hosts artwork from Mawaheb to showcase the local talent of people of determination in Dubai. Make sure to stop by it’s sister venue BRIX next door, serving up contemporary sweet treats.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram, supplied, main image instagram.com/osereeswimwear More

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      Lebanese actress Nadine Njeim has been injured in the Beirut explosion

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      After the devastating explosion that took place in Beirut, Lebanon, it’s been reported that over 100 people have now died, with an estimated 4,000 that were left injured.
      Lebanese actress Nadine Njeim was one of those left injured from the blast. The 36-year-old had to undergo a six-hour surgery, she confirmed in an Instagram post showcasing the devastation from the blast in her home.

      In the video she posted, debris is strewn across her living room.
      In the caption of the post, the former Miss Lebanon 2004 discussed how she managed to climb down 22 flights of stairs barefoot to safety. The actress also confirmed she underwent a six-hour surgery due to the injuries she sustained but is now recovering. Luckily, her children were not home with her and are safe and well, she added.

      Following the blast, videos began circulating around news channels as well as social media showing fire and smoke coming from the port area before the blast, which is followed by a mushroom cloud. The blast was said to be heard 240km away on the island of Cyprus.
      Authorities have blamed a supply of reactive chemical ammonium nitrate for the explosion.
      In order to help those who have been affected by the blast, click here to find out some of the ways you can help.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Lebanese Red Cross Instagram More

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      Here’s how you can help after the devastating explosion in Beirut

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      Following the devastating explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday night, hospitals have been left overwhelmed, quickly reaching capacity with pleas for blood supplies.
      With the death toll reportedly rising above 100 and more than 4,000 people left wounded, there’s many needing to be treated in the country’s capital.

      However, according to CNN, in a press conference on Wednesday morning, Lebanon’s Health Minister Hamad Hassan said that four hospitals in Beirut have been left out of service due to damages from the blast.
      Videos have been circulating news channels as well as social media and show fire and smoke coming from the port area before the blast, which is followed by a mushroom cloud. The blast was said to be heard 240km away on the island of Cyprus. Authorities have blamed a supply of reactive chemical ammonium nitrate for the explosion.

      In order to help those who have been affected by the blast, here’s some ways you can help.
      Donate money to the Lebanese Red Cross
      Many fundraisers have been launched since the devastating blast, but the Lebanese Red Cross has issued a statement saying that any third party fundraisers set up in their name are not authorised and are not legal. To donate directly to the Lebanese Red Cross you can do so by their official website or app, or by sending a cheque or wire transfer.

      Donate blood
      An “urgent” plea for blood donations has been issued by the Lebanese Red Cross. If you’re based in the Beirut area and are safe, well and healthy there are open blood centres for people to donate in: Tripoli, Jounieh, Spears, Antelias, Zahle, Saida and Nabatieh.

      We will continue to update this as we hear more on ways to help.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Lebanese Red Cross Instagram More

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      These Maldivian resorts are offering PCR exit screening in villas

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      Leading tourist destinations and airlines are making significant efforts to encourage holidaymakers to book, and CROSSROADS Maldives – a multi-island destination in the Indian Ocean – is going the extra mile.
      With two of its fabulous resorts back up and running – SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – it has recently introduced PCR exit screening without having to travel out of the resorts and visit a testing facility.

      Thanks to its well-equipped clinic with a doctor and nurse based at The Marina at CROSSROADS, you can completely unwind knowing that you’ll have everything you need to safely return to Dubai. The test can be carried out at the clinic or in your villa and then will be sent to Male for analysis.

      Priced at $162 (approximately Dhs595) per person, reports will be received via email and delivered straight to your door.
      Right now, CROSSROADS Maldives is offering a ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ package, allowing you to purchase vouchers that can be redeemed any time before October 31 2021 – ideal for those who are still unsure of when they can travel. The package also includes a free night stay for each consecutive two nights booked.  Complimentary activities such as Sunrise Yoga, Coral Propagation Programme, Aqua gym and cocktail class are offered at SAii Lagoon Maldives.
      The Maldives lifted all COVID-19 travel restrictions on 15 July, requiring only a health declaration form from international travellers, without mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival.

      Since August 1 passengers coming into Dubai have to obtain a negative PCR test before flying. Test requirement is applied to anyone flying into Dubai, whether as a tourist, resident, or connecting passenger.
      Those coming from these 29 countries will need to have an additional test done upon landing in Dubai and self-isolate until they receive their results.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Kim Kardashian was ready to ‘end her marriage’ to Kanye West

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      Kim Kardashian West is reportedly trying to “save” her marriage to Kanye West.
      Following West’s very public erratic behaviour with Kardashian having to make a statement about his bipolar disorder, the makeup mogul flew to Cody, Wyoming in the USA where the pair own a ranch together.

      According to People, the 39-year-old was ready to tell her husband “their marriage is over and to say goodbye”, but the publication reports that Kardashian has had a change of heart and is willing to give things a second go.
      “She feels like she did reach him on some levels during that trip,” a source told the magazine. “Before the trip, she was ready to end her marriage, but Kanye has been listening to her concerns.”

      As a result of listening to his wife, West has apparently “made some promises to her”. This prompted the 43-year-old rapper to reportedly suggest going on a family trip, with Kardashian “wanting to do everything she can to save her marriage”.

      However, there’s some “complicated” aspects the pair need to work through, including the rapper getting “proper help”.
      “Kim is just taking things day by day right now,” the source said. “She isn’t sure if their marriage can be saved, but she is willing to keep trying for their kids.”
      A couple of weeks ago, Kardashian took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.
      “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
      She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
      The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.

      “He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an artist and a Black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bipolar disorder,” she said. “Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times [sic] do not align with his intentions.
      “Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some. That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
      She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Kim Kardashian Instagram More

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      Live concerts, weddings and events can resume in Dubai

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      Let party dressing and vow-exchanging begin as the Dubai Government has announced that live concerts and events – such as weddings – can resume in the city.
      The good news comes after months of restrictions that have taken a significant financial toll on businesses such as event suppliers and organisers, and an emotional toll on those who have been preparing their dream nuptials for a year or more.

      But before you select on table décor and decide on whether to have a string trio or a live jazz band, be aware that there are certain guidelines in place to maintain the safety of all guests and concert-goers.
      All tickets should be purchased online, but the box office will operate with social distancing markings in place. Entry will be staggered and exiting will be done on row-by-row basis.

      Limited capacity will apply to indoor events in order to ensure a four metre radius around each individual. If it’s a seated concert, there will be two empty seats between each group or one individual, regardless of the ticket category.
      As with any indoor space, you have to wear a mask throughout while the performers can remove them as long as they are four metres away from the audience. If you’re off to a standing event, expect clear markings of where you should stand to keep a safe distance from others.
      For events of 25 people or more, venues must be sanitised every 30 minutes before the event kicks off. For smaller gatherings, the space should be cleaned every hour. All venues will be sanitised at the end of each day and after any event.
      As far as the food goes, pre-packaged selection is permitted as are buffets as long as social distancing is observed and the food is served by staff.
      Nightclubs are exempt from the latest update but in addition to weddings and concerts, the below list of events can also go ahead.
      Exhibitions – including tents
      Conferences
      Award ceremonies
      Graduation
      Indoor sports
      Product launches and brand sales
      Temporary structures
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram, main image Victor & Rolf bridal More

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      Nancy Ajram postpones TikTok concert following explosion in Lebanon

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      The Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram and TikTok have decided to postpone the concert following the tragic incident in Beirut.
      Her first ‘magical show’ was meant to take place on August 6 at 10pm (Dubai time) and was going to be live-streamed on the social network to fans across the world.

      “In light of the devastating explosions that took place in Beirut, TikTok expresses its deepest condolences to the Lebanese people and stands with them in solidarity during this difficult time,” reads the press release.

      The singer took to Twitter to share an emotional message, writing:  “O Lord, we have nobody but you … Lebanon.”
      With the death toll reportedly rising above 100 and more than 4,000 people left wounded, there’s many needing to be treated in the country’s capital.

      يا رب ما إلنا غيرك… لبنان💔
      — Nancy Ajram (@NancyAjram) August 4, 2020

      In order to support those who have been affected by the blast, here are some ways you can help.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Nancy Ajram Instagram More

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      The Emotional Labor of Being the Only Black Person on Your Team

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      What would it feel like to walk into a room and be the only one who looked like you? How comfortable would you feel to be asked your opinion on a marketing ad that lacks diversity and inclusion if you were the only person of color being asked? What would you do if you were frequently asked to participate in conversations where the expectation is that your opinion speaks for all voices from your community? How would it feel to not be able to talk about specific shows, favorite foods, family traditions that are important to your culture because no one around you can relate from personal experience?Welcome to the life of being the only Black person on your team at work.
      Up until about a year ago, I have been the only Black person on my team in most of the professional jobs I have held. These jobs have varied in industries from being a server at several restaurants while in college, pharmaceutical marketing, to athleisure retail store manager, digital marketing coordinator at a small agency, and many more. Each time I started my job, I always had a pit in my stomach because being the only Black person on a team involves a lot of emotional labor that no one really signs up for.
      Growing up, my three older sisters and I were always taught to do our best, as most children were. The difference is, that when my parents said that, they meant: do your best and make sure it’s better than your white peers. For Black people, we have to put in 110 percent to get half the amount of opportunities, rewards, congratulations, or promotions than our white counterparts. For Black people, from the moment you’re in school all the way until you retire, there is very little room for error. The amount of pressure we feel to do everything perfectly so that we look half as good as our white peers to leadership is overwhelming.

      What is it like being Black in the workplace?
      We are proud to be in the professional roles that we have, we are excited about the work that’s in front of us, and we are determined to put our best foot forward and represent our departments and companies well. Unfortunately, there is more to our workday than projects and presentations—when you’re the only Black person on your team (or one of few), your work starts the moment you wake up. 

      When Black people wake up to go to work, we must think about:
      What we’ll wear—because many of us are born with curves, we’ve been shamed for wearing clothing that shows off those curves, whether it’s is a pair of jeans, a maxi dress, or jogger pants.
      How we’ll style our hair—because for years (and even still now), we have been judged for wearing our natural hair and being told it’s unprofessional, “different,” fun, or exotic.
      What makeup we’ll choose—because bold lip colors or eye shadows can look  “unprofessional” on darker skin, and we feel pressure to tone it down.
      How we’ll speak—because we have been shamed for our loud and boisterous laughs, our directness when correcting or addressing leadership, or being told we’re aggressive when what we’re actually doing is just speaking the truth.
      What we’ll eat or bring for lunch—because the looks you’ll get for heating up your mom’s collard greens and chicken from her infamous Sunday family dinners can make us feel like we’re perpetuating a trite stereotype.
      We’re thinking about most of these things before we even leave the house that day. But these things need to be considered each and every day so that we can make sure we’re doing our part to be seen as close to equal as possible as our white counterparts. 

      Source: Retha Ferguson | Pexels

      Tokenism is rampant in workplace culture
      Right now, as Black people in our work environments, we are going through an incredibly difficult time. Many of our companies are choosing to stand for or against the Black Lives Matter movement and many of the executives are pulling us, Black people, into those conversations for our opinions. What white leadership fails to understand about doing this is that it is not our responsibility to teach white people how to do the right thing. If we have been left out of important conversations in the past, it is very telling to just now be added to conversations and to feel like our voices finally want to be heard.
      Many companies are also tasking Black people with leading organizational initiatives to make their company seem more “woke,” diverse, and inclusive. To be clear, many companies are actually moving in the right direction, taking the necessary steps, and appropriately asking Black people if they’d like to be involved or not. On the other hand, there have been countless stories of companies who have gotten these steps wrong and unfortunately, the Black people in those organizations continue to feel the pain and dismissiveness that comes with those actions (or inactions).
      At work, we are often feeling so much societal pressure and are on such high alert that by the end of our days, we are absolutely spent. All day we have had to codeswitch—a term used to describe what people of color do when they leave their cultural language, style, or demeanor at the door to better fit in with their white counterparts. It is stressful and sometimes anxiety-inducing, to be honest. 

      All day we have had to codeswitch, a term used to describe what people of color do when they leave their cultural language, style, or demeanor at the door to better fit in with their white counterparts.

      Recently, I have noticed many companies making a change to their observed holiday calendar by adding in Juneteenth moving forward. This is a great change and a positive step forward, but up until now many Black people have felt like holidays that supported Black people and Black culture have gone unnoticed. I have worked for companies that have not acknowledged Martin Luther King Jr. Day but believe Columbus Day is worthy of recognition. I have never seen a company honor Kwanzaa, and of course as previously mentioned, it wasn’t until June 2020 that any company I worked for acknowledged and recognized Juneteenth.
      This matters. It is important to recognize as an organization that people from all different walks of life, cultures, religious faiths, and backgrounds may work for you or with you. And while I do understand that a company may not be able to grant a day off for every single important holiday in a calendar year, sometimes an acknowledgment email can go a long way to say, “We know this exists, we believe it’s important, and we want our organization to know.”

      Source: @christinajonesphoto

      What can workplaces do to affect change?
      If you are a leader, reach out to your Black employees and employees of color. Ask to meet with them and to listen to not only how they can help your organization, but also to what they need personally and professionally from you and other leaders. Maybe they’d like a resource group where other people of color can meet, create events or fundraisers, or maybe be a mentor. Listen—truly listen—to them, and do your best to implement real change to improve their career path and working environment.
      Do your own research to become more informed on Black history and how it pertains to your company—think about what discriminations or biases might be occurring at work. Promote Black people just as much as you would promote a white worker and put Black people in places of power and pay them what they are worth. When you’re having conversations that impact the company, make sure Black people and people of color are present in the room and are listened to.
      If you are a coworker, speak up when you don’t see a Black person present in the room for important conversations. Voice your opinion when you notice marketing or brand presence lacks diversity and inclusion. Fill out those yearly surveys leadership often sends around and ask about their diversity and inclusion plans. Take the initiative to learn about racism and racial inequality in the workplace. Stay curious about Black history and Black culture and ask questions if you’re truly interested in being informed. 

      Being the only Black person on a team is an emotional role to play. It is great that many companies are waking up and recognizing that they need more diversity in their teams and within leadership. The next time you have a conversation with a Black employee know that there is often way more going on behind the scenes for them than what meets the eye. 

      This article originally ran on The Everymom. More