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    In pics: 10 heartfelt Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid moments throughout the years

    Today, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates celebrates 17 years as Ruler of Dubai.
    Since January 4, 2006, Sheikh Mohammed has turned Dubai into a beacon of hope through his profound leadership skills and remarkable feat over the year. He has always been a source of inspiration for many in the UAE and across the globe throughout the years.
    As the Dubai Ruler marks a milestone in his career, we look back on some of His Highness’ special moments over the years.
    Family man at heart
    While Sheikh Mohammed is one of the key figureheads of this nation, he’s also a family man at heart, particularly when it comes to spending time with his grandchildren. His Highness is regularly seen doting on his grandchildren.
    To mark the end of Ramadan, during Eid Al Fitr, this year, the Dubai Ruler was at a family gathering with 23 of his grandchildren in a photo posted by his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

    True people person

    Time and time again the Dubai Ruler has proven he’s very in touch with his people. A perfect example of this was when he surprised a group of students at Expo 2020 Dubai earlier this year.
    In a video shared on Instagram, the group of schoolchildren were lined up posing for a photo, but what they were unaware of was that His Highness was standing right behind them. The footage, shared by Khalifa Saeed on Instagram, showed the children being treated to a royal surprise. His Highness then took the time to have a chat with the students.
    Changing lives

    Being the compassionate individual he is, the Dubai Ruler is always ensuring he helps those who are less fortunate.
    In February 2021, Sheikh Mohammed pledged Dhs8 million to Massar Mundharr and her daughter who was suffering from a degenerative disease and needed urgent treatment. The little girl was diagnosed with type 2 spinal muscle atrophy which leads to the motor neuron nerve cells in the brain which enable the body to speak, walk, breathe, talk and more. Mundar and her husband were told by doctors at Al Jalila Hosptial that His Highness had agreed to cover Laveen’s medical costs.
    When he met his biggest fan

    Four years ago, in January 2017, the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award ceremony was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented policewoman Halima Al Matroushi the award for Best Administrative Employee. However, chose not to receive the award herself. Instead, she let her mother take her place up on stage.
    Al Matroushi’s mother has always dreamt of meeting Sheikh Mohammed, so when her daughter realised it was a possibility, she gave her the opportunity.
    Advocating young talent
    Sheikh Mohammed has consistently championed young talent in the region.
    In 2020, His Highness sent a heartfelt message to an Emirati student who has graduated from university.
    The Ruler of Dubai first met student Fatima Ahmad Bin Bakhit Al Nuaimi four years ago, posted the sweet message on Twitter.

    قبلة على رأس ابنتي في ٢٠١٦ لأنها حازت المركز الأول على مستوى الدولة في تحدي القراءة .. تخرجت أمس من جامعة نيويورك بأبوظبي بتفوق .. مبروك لابنتي فاطمة النعيمي.. الوطن يُزهر بكم .. الوطن ينمو بالقراءة ..الوطن يعلو بالعلم .. pic.twitter.com/Y52AUgH3EI
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 28, 2020

    “I had laid a kiss on my daughter’s head in 2016 as she ranked first at the state level in the reading challenge,” His Highness said. “Yesterday, my daughter Fatima Al Nuaimi graduated from Abu Dhabi New York University with distinction.
    “Congratulations. The country flourishes with you, thrives in reading and rises with knowledge.”
    Along with the message, Sheikh Mohammed shared two photos – one of their first meeting in 2016 and one of Al Nuaimi’s recent remote graduation.
    Looking to space
    At the start of December 2017, he put the call out for young people who were keen to be the first Emiratis in space.
    “The people of the UAE will break new barriers; nothing can stand in the way of those who believe nothing is impossible,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Instagram. “Our ambitious goals are fuelled by dedicated people, who support us until, without hesitation or scepticism, we succeed.”
    His Highness has gone on to spearhead the UAE making a mark in space, in particular with the Emirates Mars Mission where the Hope Probe entered the planet’s orbit in February 2021.
    Royal friends

    Back in 2017, Sheikh Mohammed met with the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Windsor Endurance Race, and from the looks of things, they had a great time together. At the time, the Dubai Media Office said the pair of royals discussed “historic ties, friendship, and cooperation between the UAE and the United Kingdom”.
    A helping hand
    Throughout the years, Sheikh Mohammed has ensured offering humanitarian aid is a big priority for the UAE.
    In 2020, after the catastrophic explosion in Lebanon leaving around 300,000 people homeless and many injured, His Highness ordered 30 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to be sent immediately on his personal aircraft in response to the devastating blast.

    Looking to the future
    In August 2020, the Ruler of Dubai opened a new medical research centre has opened in Dubai that not only studies COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases. The Dhs300 million centre aims to study an array of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and more.

    .@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

    Praising the women of the nation
    Honouring women across the UAE, the Ruler of Dubai issued a message in August 2020.
    Posting a video to his 10.3 million Twitter followers which paid tribute to Emirati women, he expressed his pride towards every female from the UAE.
    “To the Emirati women, you worked hard, you accomplished and prove to the world who you are,” he said. “[We are] proud of you, proud of your partnership in the development process, we raise our heads with your achievements. Every year you are better and more beautiful.”

    إلى المرأة الإماراتية في يومها.. اجتهدتِ.. فأنجزتِ.. وأثبتِ للعالم من أنتِ.. فخورون بك.. معتزون بشراكتك في مسيرة التنمية…. نرفع رؤوسنا بإنجازاتك.. كل عام وأنت أفضل وأجمل.. pic.twitter.com/mVxW9nzZfI
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 27, 2020
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Fazza shares new photos of twins Rashid & Shaikha to mark his 40th birthday

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    38 mins ago

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is marking a milestone birthday this year, turning 40 years old.
    While it’s a big birthday to celebrate, Sheikh Hamdan, affectionately known as Fazza, is ensuring he’s surrounded by family, including his twins Rashid and Shaikha.
    The one-and-a-half-year-old twins ensured they wished their doting dad a very big happy birthday with some balloons.
    The Crown Prince then shared a couple of photos on social media of Rashid and Shaikha, who are both now walking, holding the balloons.

    The first photo was of little Rashid holding a pink ‘Happy Birthday’ heart-shaped balloon for his father. The second photo showed Shaikha with the same balloon as well as a multicoloured circular balloon also with the words ‘Happy Birthday’.
    A doting dad
    Sheikh Hamdan became a dad for the first time in May 2021 after welcoming the twins.
    READ: 10 times Sheikh Hamdan was the ultimate doting dad to twins Rashid & Shaikha
    The doting father shared the first image of his children a couple of days after their birth was announced, where he was seen cradling the twins in both of his arms.
    “To God…Praise be to God and blessings,” he captioned the image.
    Since then, the father of two has taken the twins on a number of trips with him, including to the UK where he spent the majority of the summer.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images, Feature Image: Instagram @faz3 More

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    In pics: Royal pilot Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum gets a taste of Dubai’s flying car

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    4 hours ago

    Earlier this week the world’s first public flight of the two-seater eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) flying car X2 took place in Dubai.
    The flying car, designed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng, made its debut at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in the emirate.
    With over 100,000 visitors to the convention, one of the people to get a taste of the revolutionary flying vehicle was none other than Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum.
    The Dubai royal made a visit to the biggest technology conferences in the Middle East earlier this week where she explored what the future of technology has to offer.

    The former Emirates Woman cover star shared a series of photos on her official Instagram page and in one of the snaps Her Highness is seen sitting in the eVTOL flying car X2 getting an experience for what it’s like – but on the ground for now.
    “A vision for the future from visionary leadership… From Metaverse to self-flying Cars, what an exciting future ahead of us … #gitex2022,” she captioned the post.
    Given that she’s a qualified pilot – she’s actually the first Emirati royal who qualified as a commercial pilot for Emirates Airline – we’re sure Her Highness would have no problem taking this vehicle to the skies.
    The eVTOL flying car X2 took to the skies on Monday at the Dubai Marina completing a 90-minute test flight, marking an era of short-haul flights and intelligent mobility solutions.
    The two-seater eVTOL flying car X2 is equipped with an intelligent flight control system and autonomous flight capabilities and is developed by XPENG’s affiliate XPENG AEROHT. The X2 emits zero carbon dioxide and is designed with low-altitude city capabilities, with a maximum flight speed of 130 kilometres per hour.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sheikha Mozah Instagram More

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    Mabrook! Sheikh Mohammed’s daughter, Sheikha Maryam, welcomes third child

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    The Dubai royals have welcomed a new addition to the family.
    Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and her husband His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan have welcomed their third child together.
    The daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the joyous news on Instagram.
    Sheikha Maryam shared a picture of a blue heart with the words “It’s a boy”, tagging her husband Sheikh Khaled on Instagram. She also placed the date 10/10/2022 at the bottom of the post indicating the date of the little one’s arrival.

    It’s the third child for the couple who already have two boys – Mohammed bin Khaled Al Nahyan, born September 58, 2020 and Hamdan bin Khaled Al Nahyan, born August 25, 2021.
    As of yet, the name of the newborn hasn’t been announced.
    Congratulations to the couple on their growing family!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Sheikha Mahra spreads joy spending time with children of determination

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    25 mins ago

    Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is regularly seen giving back to the local community.
    With a desire to make a difference, Sheikha Mahra, the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is known for her philanthropic efforts in the region.
    Her latest efforts to spread joy in society were seen in a video shared on her Instagram feed, where she spent an afternoon with children of determination at a Khatoon International event.
    Held on October 2, 2022, Sheikha Mahra was welcomed as the chief guest for the grand finale event, where an exhibition, red carpet and a pageant and awards ceremony took place. After each child made an appearance on stage, they all received a heartfelt applause and affection from the royal herself who made each little member present there feel special.
    In the video shared on her Instagram feed, the caption said, “It was a great honour to meet with my special friends.”

    At the event, Sheikha Mahra also shared an emotional moment where she stopped and reached down to hug a young child, with all smiles in a heartwarming portrait.
    This royal didn’t shy away from her tiny admirer as she welcomed affection with open arms. Her Highness later shared the heartwarming portrait on her Instagram page.

    With her philanthropic efforts playing a key role to raise awareness about different issues in society, Sheikha Mahra’s kindness and generosity are truly irreplaceable.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images/ Media: Instagram @hhshmahra More

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    Arab royals arrive in London ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    19 mins ago

    World leaders, including those from the Arab region, have arrived in London ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
    On Sunday, September 18, 2022, King Charles III held a reception at Buckingham Palace where global leaders paid their condolences following the passing of the Queen.
    Several notable royals from the Arab region were present including Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan; His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain; His Highness Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, the Sultan of Oman; His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad A Jaber Al Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait; and many more.
    Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan also attended the reception.
    ALSO READ: Queen Elizabeth II’s life through the royal archives
    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was also present at the reception where he offered his coldences to King Charles II following his late mother’s death and outlined the “significant role” Her Majesty had in solidifying the bonds between the UAE and UK throughout her reign.
    “The historical ties between the two nations will continue to grow deeper and stronger to serve the peoples of both countries and strengthen regional and international security, stability and peace,” he added.

    Following the Queen’s death on September 8, 2022, the UK has been in a 10-day national mourning period, which will end today after Her Majesty’s funeral.
    The Queen has been lying-in-state at Westminsiter Hall for the last four days, where the British public have been queuing to pay their respects to the late monarch.
    The funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey, a short distance away from Westminster Hall, where thousands are expected to attend, and then her coffin will be transferred to Windsor Castle for a more intimate service and where she will be privately buried alongside her husband Prince Philip.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    In pics: Grandfather Sheikh Mohammed dotes on Fazza’s twins Rashid & Shaikha

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 hour ago

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has shared some adorable new photographs of his father doting on his grandchildren, twins Rashid bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Shaikha bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
    In the photos, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is seen spending quality time with the little ones whilst they holiday in the UK as a family.
    The first photograph shows the Dubai Ruler with little Shaikha, helping her to walk. The second photo shared by Sheikh Hamdan shows Sheikh Mohammed with young Rashid, playing in the garden.

    Along with the photos, Sheikh Hamdan, who is affectionately known as Fazza, shared a poem Sheikh Mohammed penned about twins Rashid and Shaikha in Arabic.
    The Dubai Ruler himself shared the poem on his official Instagram page alongside a photograph previously shared by Sheikh Hamdan of the four enjoying quality time in the UK together.

    Summer in London
    Fazza has been enjoying a long holiday in London over the summer months.
    Just a couple of weeks ago, he was spending time in the UK’s capital and was seemingly able to go about his day being unrecognised.
    His Highness shared a selfie on Instagram with his friend Badr Ateej riding the crowded London Underground.
    “We’ve got a long way to go and Badr is already bored,” he said in the caption of the post.

    A few weeks prior, the Crown Prince of Dubai was recognised around central London as he was driving. In a video captured by Sheikh Hamdan’s friend Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi, the royal is seen interacting with two fans.
    Sheikh Hamdan was in his car driving in the city when he was stopped for some photos by the two individuals, who also happened to be Dubai residents.
    Not ever one to say no to a photo, Dubai’s Crown Prince enthusiastically posed with the fans, even helping them to get the right shot.
    At one point in the video, the male fan says “Sorry to bother you” but Fazza responded saying, “No, it’s okay”, also shaking his hand.

    His Highness is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom, as are many other members of the Dubai royal family.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Sheikh Hamdan meets famed Dubai delivery driver for the first time

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    37 seconds ago

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has met the delivery driver he praised on social media for his selfless good deed.
    The Crown Prince of Dubai previously put out a call for his followers to help him find the individual in question, who was eventually identified as Abdul Ghafoor.
    His Highness has now met the Dubai delivery driver, sharing a photo of the pair together.
    “An honour to meet you Abdul Ghafoor, a true example to be followed,” His Highness said on Twitter.

    An honor to meet you Abdul Ghafoor, a true example to be followed. pic.twitter.com/eRQ0nuYAZF
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) August 11, 2022

    Last week, His Highness shared a video, which was caught on camera by another onlooker, of Mr Ghafoor, a Talabat delivery driver, removing an obstruction of two concrete blocks from a busy intersection.
    Sheikh Hamdan referred to the individual’s good deed as “an act of goodness in Dubai to be praised” and called on his followers to help him find the man.

    An act of goodness in Dubai to be praised. Can someone point me to this man? pic.twitter.com/clEIWQQe3A
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) July 31, 2022

    It wasn’t long before Mr Ghafoor in question was found, prompting Sheikh Hamdan to personally thank him on his social media channels, calling him “one of a kind”.
    It just goes to show a simple good deed always goes a long way.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sheikh Hamdan Twitter More