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      5 of the best high intensity workouts to book in Dubai

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      16 mins ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 5 IMAGES
      Want to break a sweat and burn those extra calories? Then High Intensity workouts are the best form of exercise to go the extra mile.
      High-intensity workouts are designed to push your body to its limits by incorporating short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise.
      Overall HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, refers to repeated sets of intervals that are between five seconds and a minute long, with a relatively short rest period.
      The main type of workouts include:
      High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
      Alternates between high-intensity exercises and short recovery periods.
      Circuit Training
      Combines strength and cardio exercises performed back-to-back with minimal rest.
      HIIT Cycling
      Pedal your way to that heart-pumping rush. HIIT cycling workouts, on the other hand, can make the time fly as you challenge your body and mind with various effort levels, work intervals, and recovery breaks.
      What are the overarching health benefits?
      Improved Cardiovascular Health
      HIIT can help improve the efficiency and strength of your heart. Also, Regular high-intensity workouts can reduce resting blood pressure.
      Enhanced Metabolism
      HIIT boosts your metabolism and keeps it elevated for hours after exercise, helping you burn more calories even at rest. These workouts are effective at reducing body fat.
      Time Efficiency
      HIIT sessions are typically shorter than traditional workouts, making them ideal for busy schedules. Despite the shorter duration, HIIT can provide significant fitness benefits in less time.
      Improved Muscle Tone and Strength
      High-intensity workouts often include resistance training, which helps build and tone muscles. These exercises can improve overall strength and endurance.
      Better Insulin Sensitivity
      HIIT can enhance insulin sensitivity, which helps your muscles use glucose more effectively. Improved insulin sensitivity lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
      Enhanced Athletic Performance
      HIIT can increase your maximal oxygen uptake, improving your endurance and performance in other physical activities. Overall, it can improve speed and power.
      Mental Health Benefits
      Intense exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve mood. HIIT can improve brain health and cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
      So, if you’re looking to burn those calories, Dubai has a host of venues that work for both beginners and experts.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @malikshibly More

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      Is Princess Rajwa of Jordan having her baby in August? Find out

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      40 seconds ago

      Jordan awaits the arrival of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa’s first child.
      Jordan is abuzz with anticipation as Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein prepare to welcome their first child.
      When is Princess Rajwa of Jordan due?

      According to a source from the Royal Medical Services, the royal baby is expected to arrive in early August, with Princess Rajwa set to give birth at the King Hussein Medical Center. These details, reported by Roya News, remain unconfirmed by the Princess or her team.
      The Royal Hashemite Court shared the joyous news of Princess Rajwa’s pregnancy on April 10, a little less than a year after their grand wedding on June 1, 2023. The couple’s nuptials were a fairytale event, held amidst the grandeur of the palace.
      All of Princess Rajwa’s pregnancy looks so far:
      Princess Rajwa looked radiant in a nude body con dress, standing tall next to her is the Crown Prince, dressed in a formal black shirt.

      Previous Pregnancy Portraits
      The Royal Court has unveiled new photos of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, on the joyous occasion of her first wedding anniversary and her pregnancy in June 2024.
      Princess Rajwa’s Official Pregnancy Portraits

      Radiating elegance and grace, Princess Rajwa dazzled in a vibrant red dress by Alice & Olivia, complemented by exquisite gold jewelry that added a touch of regal splendour to her look. The photos beautifully captured the joyous moment in her life as she lovingly cradled her baby bump, symbolsing both a personal milestone and a bright future for the royal family. This special celebration highlights a year of love and anticipation for the Princess and the entire kingdom.
      The anticipation of royal parenthood grows as the Crown Prince of Hussein and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein of Jordan eagerly await the arrival of their first child this summer.
      First Outing Post Announcement
      For her first public appearance after the announcement captured on video, Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein was spotted wearing a jumpsuit from Seraphine and carrying a Bottega Veneta mini tote, showcasing her radiant baby bump as she left THE ABDEEN store in Amman.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @rhcjo, @arabianroyalagency More

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      EW’s horoscope prediction for the week: What’s in store for you?

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      Life

      by Team Emirates Woman
      16 seconds ago

      This Week’s Horoscope: July 29th – August 4th, 2024.
      The celestial movements this week bring a unique blend of energy for each zodiac sign. Here’s a closer look at the horoscope to see what the stars have in store:
      Aries (March 21 – April 19)

      Your creativity is on fire, Aries! Brainstorm, write, paint – express yourself and watch your ideas ignite. A lucky encounter with someone inspiring is also on the cards.
      Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

      Routine brings comfort and stability this week, Taurus. Focus on tasks that bring a sense of accomplishment. Don’t be afraid to indulge in some self-care – a spa day or a relaxing evening in can rejuvenate your spirit.
      Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

      The stars align for stimulating conversations and intellectual pursuits, Gemini. Network,attend lectures, or simply have a deep discussion with a friend. New connections and exciting ideas are likely to emerge.
      Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

      Nurturing relationships takes center stage this week, Cancer. Spend quality time with loved ones, offer support, and strengthen your emotional bonds. You might also find yourself drawn to helping others in need.
      Leo (July 23 – August 22)

      The spotlight shines brightly on you, Leo! Embrace your natural charisma and leadership qualities. Public speaking, presentations, or simply being the center of attention will come naturally.
      Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

      Your organizational skills are at an all-time high, Virgo. Tackle those to-do lists,declutter your space, or create a system for increased efficiency. This is also a good week to tie up loose ends and get things done.
      Libra (September 23 – October 22)

      Love and partnerships take center stage, Libra. Open communication and compromise are key in maintaining harmonious relationships. Single Libras might find themselves drawn to someone special.
      Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

      This is a powerful week for self-expression, Scorpio. Don’t hold back on sharing your feelings and desires. Embrace your inner mystery and magnetism, as it will attract the right people into your life.
      Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

      Adventure beckons, Sagittarius! Explore new places, learn a new skill, or simply engage in stimulating conversations that broaden your horizons. A romantic getaway or rekindling the spark with your partner is also possible.
      Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

      Your dedication and hard work are finally recognized, Capricorn. Expect praise or even a promotion at work. However, be mindful of taking on too much responsibility. Delegate tasks and prioritize your well-being.
      Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

      Collaboration and teamwork bring success this week, Aquarius. Network with colleagues, brainstorm ideas together, and leverage your unique perspective to achieve great things.
      Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

      Your intuition is razor-sharp, Pisces. Pay attention to your inner voice and trust your gut feeling. This is also a good week to engage in spiritual practices, meditation, or acts of kindness that nourish your soul.
      Remember, these are just highlights, and your individual horoscope can be influenced by other aspects in your birth chart.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Illustrations by Ana-Ruxandra Nastase, sourced from Pinterest, Feature Image: @sarashakeel  More

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      How I got my job as… a UAE-based Cultural Strategist and Art Advisor

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      This week, Emirates Woman spoke to Myrna Ayad, Cultural Strategist and Art Advisor based in the UAE.
      Welcome to the Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and business women both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      Based in Dubai, Ayad established her namesake consultancy in 2018, focusing on art advisory, cultural strategy and publishing. Overall, she develops cultural strategies and support brands and organisations to embrace art and culture within their frameworks. This way, brands stand out.
      Her expertise sees the many intersections between the worlds of art and luxury. Both forms of creation influence one another and present enduring experiences.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      English, Psychology and History.
      What was your first job?
      At a now-defunct publishing house. I started off editing one weekly student paper, Campus Journal and then launched Campus Journal in Kuwait and then came The Buzz, a Village Voice-type weekly.
      What brought you to Dubai?
      The invasion of Lebanon in 1982. My maternal grandfather owned some of the UAE’s first hotels, so we came here ‘temporarily’ and here we are, at home.
      What inspired you to enter the industry?
      Stories. Art and people tell stories.
      Talk us through the concept?
      I work independently as a cultural strategist and editor with a focus on art and culture from the Arab world and Iran.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      Telling stories essentially. I advise organisations on what they should do within the cultural sector, and I produce books. That means I develop the concept, conceive an editorial outline, manage everything from imagery and design, to copyediting and contributing writers, and write! My favourite bit is the writing of course.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      I have a wonderful office at home where I clock in and out of daily – weekends included. I’m a working mother so my day is punctuated by pick-ups, drop-offs, cooking and running errands. If I’m not seeing friends in the evening, I’ll be watching something riveting on TV with my husband.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Read. Ask. Listen. Attend exhibitions. Watch films. Listen to your heart and wonder. Make sure you document everything. Absolutely everything.
      Tell us more about the work done previously?
      Today, my clients include PepsiCo, the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Bulgari, and Pink Tank. I also act as an external advisor to Bain, Pelham Communications, Edelman as well as Riyadh’s Misk Art Institute. I am author of Assouline’s Sheikh Zayed: An Eternal Legacy (2021), a seminal book on the late ruler of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; as well as Dubai Wonder (2021), part of the House’s iconic travel series. I am also author of The National’s monthly series, Remembering the Artist, an intimate portrayal of the lives of pioneering modernists from the region based on exclusive interviews with their relatives, friends or students. I am proud to say that I am recognised as one of the Arab world’s leading cultural commentators.
      From 2016–2018, I was Director of Art Dubai, the Arab world, Iran, Turkey and South Asia’s foremost international art fair. During my time there, the fair enjoyed its largest and most globally diverse editions to date and presented a robust non-profit programme. Preceding this, I wrote about art from the Arab world, Iran and Turkey for titles including The New York Times, CNN Online, The Art Newspaper, Artforum, Artsy, Artnet, Wallpaper* and The National, among others, as well as for artist monographs and exhibition catalogues. . Over the years, I have served as a panellist and moderator for entities such as Arab Luxury World (2019), Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (2018), Global Art Forum (2017), the Art Business Conference (2017), Alserkal Avenue (2015), 21,39 Jeddah Arts (2014) and Art Basel (2009) as well as several UAE art galleries.

      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
      It will all be OK.
      And what is the worst?
      “Ignore it.”
      What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
      Age.
      What’s your future for the brand?
      A countless number of books on art and culture from the Arab world and Iran, and an illustrated children’s series, Noor’s Heroes, that will launch in September.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      Having a sick day? Here’s 13 rom-com movies to watch

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      5 seconds ago

      With the unexpected heavy rainfall, our evening plans might have taken a turn, but with a plethora of rom-com movies available at the touch of a button, there’s always something to do.
      The issue isn’t that won’t find any good romantic movies on the streaming platforms—rather you might spend too much time sifting through the huge assortment of everything from romantic dramas to romantic comedies.
      To reduce your scrolling time, we’ve collated a list of all the rom-com movies from dramatic love stories to classic ones, the list is endless.
      It’s time to settle in with one of the films from our round-up of the best rom-coms out there. Prepare to laugh and cry in equal measure. By being cute, funny or a teensy bit cheesy, these rom-coms make us catch feelings in all the best ways. And oh, the endings! When many of us want to lose ourselves in romantic movies, we reach for some rom-com movies. They’re the perfect blend of funny and heartstring-tugging; perfect for soothing a broken heart after a breakup, reminding the long-coupled how much they love love or just for a relaxing, low-stress movie night.
      They’re so well-made that some even forget about being sick as it transcends you into a completely new world of rom-com movies, allowing you to switch off for a few hours or even run a marathon as all of them are so thoughtfully directed.
      So, if you plan on switching off with just your TV and remote, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide of timeless romcoms to watch as you spend the evening at home.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @noordegroot More

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      19 luxe Saturday brunch spots in Dubai to try this year

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      56 mins ago

      As you unwind from a stressful week, each upscale brunch located around Dubai is sure to let you relax. While you get your money’s worth with a specially curated menu of cocktails and delicious food accompanied by splendid views of Dubai’s skyline.
      It’s no secret brunch is a rite of passage in Dubai. However, it can be overwhelming to decide on where to go.
      From Japanese to Italian, each restaurant offers a myriad of delectable dishes are all crafted to perfection with live music and an enchanting ambience to let guests begin their weekend in style.
      Also, if you’re on the lookout of what to wear. Comfort is key—so it’s best to rely on those easy breezy slip dresses and co-ords. To not make dressing up feel like a chore. Be it Massimo Dutti or Cos, these free-flowing midi dresses can be worn all year round. Overall, the simplest piece can really add depth to the laziest of outfits, and leave you feeling put together for what really matters: gossip shared over mimosas and your favourite playlist. We’ve also compiled the best high-street pieces we use as brunch fit inspiration all year.
      To help you whittle it down, Emirates Woman has rounded up some of the best brunches in Dubai, which hopefully might help you find some new favourites in your mix or help you rediscover old favourites that are just only reopening.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @aimazin More

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      20 luxe Saturday brunch spots in Dubai to try this year

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      July 25, 2024

      As you unwind from a stressful week, each upscale brunch located around Dubai is sure to let you relax. While you get your money’s worth with a specially curated menu of cocktails and delicious food accompanied by splendid views of Dubai’s skyline.
      It’s no secret brunch is a rite of passage in Dubai. However, it can be overwhelming to decide on where to go.
      From Japanese to Italian, each restaurant offers a myriad of delectable dishes are all crafted to perfection with live music and an enchanting ambience to let guests begin their weekend in style.
      Also, if you’re on the lookout of what to wear. Comfort is key—so it’s best to rely on those easy breezy slip dresses and co-ords. To not make dressing up feel like a chore. Be it Massimo Dutti or Cos, these free-flowing midi dresses can be worn all year round. Overall, the simplest piece can really add depth to the laziest of outfits, and leave you feeling put together for what really matters: gossip shared over mimosas and your favourite playlist. We’ve also compiled the best high-street pieces we use as brunch fit inspiration all year.
      To help you whittle it down, Emirates Woman has rounded up some of the best brunches in Dubai, which hopefully might help you find some new favourites in your mix or help you rediscover old favourites that are just only reopening.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @lisonseb More

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      This new hotel epitomises Parisian chic at the French Capital

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      50 mins ago

      At the center of French Capital, a new hotel epitomizes Parisian chic.
      Ahh Paris – always a good idea isn’t it? It’s one of those cities where you find yourself returning to and not get tired of. This summer, the French Capital buzzes with sporting excitement as it gears up for Paris 2024 Olympics. With an uptick in travel and continuous influx of tourists for summer, enjoying the city’s culture, shopping, and food might pose as a big challenge.
      Luckily, Hotel Balzac just opened in June. This new Relais & Chateux five-star haven sits on the corners of Rue Balzac and Rue Lord Byron – a stone’s throw away from the legendary avenue Champs-Élysées, where you’ll feel the magnetic energy of Paris yet are able to retreat with ease.

      Like with any Relais & Chateux property, Hotel Balzac is full of charm and character, providing a unique sense of place. The Parisian epitome of quiet luxury, it offers all the modern comforts of a discerning traveller and a reliable hospitality service.
      Upon walking past its majestic door for check-in, you’ll feel the intimate and warm atmosphere of the lobby, thanks to the renowned Festen Architecture duo, Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. The Festen duo have leaned heavily into the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration, revisited with creative modernity and minimalism deeply anchored in Balzac’s Parisian identity to create ultra-chic spaces within the hotel, which is eminently Instagrammable.

      A Chic Stay
      It features 58 rooms and spacious suites (some with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and sky-high rooftop terraces). The bathroom comes with a bathtub or shower (or both!) and is adorned with goregous wood panelling that contrasts with the mosaic marble as well as bath amenities from Diptyque, which is always a plus.

      Looking for something more exceptional? Located on the 6th and top floor, the Paris Sky Suite features a large living room that extends to a terrace overlooking Rue Lord Byron and the Champs-Elysées, facing the Eiffel Tower. On the other side of the long corridor, two peaceful bedrooms with their bathrooms overlook the courtyard and the rooftops of Paris.
      Sleek & Exceptional Dining
      Beyond the glass-roofed lounge, the Hotel Balzac bar is a sleek space for a break during a day of shopping, a lunch with girl friends, or a night cap, and serves bar-style bites including Petrossian caviar specialties or a lobster roll with Espelette pepper and ginger alongside delicious beverages crafted by Head Bartender Julien Quettier.

      Although the culinary offering is limited, there are plenty of options from the neighborhood and without going too far, there’s the exquisite Pierre Gagnaire restaurant, a 3-star Michelin restaurant which is situated… at Hotel Balzac.

      A Unique Wellness Space
      After a hectic day around Paris, the Ikoi Spa offers a unique escape with a holistic approach inspired by Japanese methods. It provides a range of treatments and massages on tables or tatami mats. The pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness room complete the facilities of this unparalleled spa, which will officially open for guests in July 2024.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image: Supplied / Matthieu Salvaing  More