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    UAE confirms public holiday dates for Commemoration Day and National Day

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    35 mins ago

    The UAE cabinet has confirmed the public holiday dates Commemoration Day and National Day this year.
    It was announced via state news agency WAM that the public holiday will commence on Thursday, December 1 and will be observed through to Saturday, December 3, with work set to resume on Monday, December 5.
    December 1 will mark Commemoration Day, which was previously known as Martyrs’ Day. The day is held in remembrance of those who served as members of the UAE armed forces and gave their lives to their country in service.

    #UAE Cabinet approves holidays of the Commemoration Day and the #UAENationalDay51 for 2022.#WamNews pic.twitter.com/Jl3FE47Xfp
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) November 17, 2022

    The following day, December 2, is UAE National Day which marks the unification of the seven emirates and the creation of the UAE as a nation. This year the UAE will celebrate its 51st National Day.
    While it is presumed both the public and private sectors will have the same number of days off to mark Commemoration Day and National Day, it remains to be confirmed by relevant authorities.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Instagram @dubai.uae.dxb More

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    Where to buy your Christmas tree in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    55 mins ago

    The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching (six weeks and counting…).
    With that, now is the time to start thinking about decorations and the most important of them all… your tree.
    Luckily, there’s plenty of places in the UAE where you can buy the perfect tree to celebrate the festive season with your loved ones.
    Real Trees
    Ferns N Petals

    If you’re looking to decorate a real Christmas tree before Santa’s arrival Ferns N Petals has the ideal option – a five-foot tree coming complete with decorations. Priced at Dhs999, this option just made Christmas time a whole lot easier.
    To purchase visit fnp.ae
    Bloombox

    Grown in Billund Denmark, this Danish Nordman tree from Bloombox is approximately six to seven feet and priced at Dhs740.
    To purchase visit bloombox.ae
    ACE Hardware

    One of the most affordable options for a real Christmas tree is from Ace Hardware. Currently, the UAE-based store has ‘Fraser Fir Fresh’ Christmas trees available with prices starting at Dhs399.
    To purchase visit aceuae.com
    Kibsons

    The Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees are sourced from sustainable farms in Denmark. While being pet-friendly this 5ft tree has a classic shape with dark green glossy needles making it much more resilient to heat while giving off a fresh, clean, citrus smell too and is priced at Dhs245.
    Pre-order on kibsons.com
    Fake/Faux Trees
    Crate & Barrel ME

    Want a real tree but don’t want the hassle of the upkeep? This artificial tree from Crate & Barrel offers some of the most real-looking trees. With this 6ft Abies Nordmann Deluxe Xmas Tree you won’t be able to tell the difference.
    Bloomingdale’s

    This artificial Christmas tree comes with exotic branches and luxe LED lights for the ultimate seasonal décor and is priced at Dhs2,200. All the ornaments to complement the tree can be availed at this popular e-commerce platform too.
    To purchase visit bloomingdales.ae
    Irony Home

    Looking to celebrate Christmas in style and go all out? Well, Irony Home should be your go-to place for all things festive in Dubai. Priced at Dhs10,450, this 9.5ft pre-lit white tree with 1250 LED lights will make for a truly luxe Christmas.
    To purchase visit ironyhome.com. 
    West Elm

    Designed for a realistic feel, this simple tree can be spruced by adding your favourite lights and pieces to ring in the festive season. Priced at Dhs2,650, the faux unlit tree is 9ft and is generously created with all its branches.
    To purchase visit westelm.ae
    Dragon Mart

    If you’re on more of a budget, opt for this artificial Christmas tree from Dragon Mart. Priced at Dhs135, this 6ft Christmas tree adds to the vibrancy in any home with its clever design.
    To purchase visit dragonmart.ae
    Home Centre

    This faux Christmas tree from Home Centre is decorated with berries and cones to ensure a classic finish to be reused every year. Priced at Dhs499, this tree is 6ft in height.
    Available for purchase on homecentre.com
    Home Box

    This Alaska Christmas Pine Hook Tree is designed for easy maintenance and utmost convenience to add to the festive season in any home. Made with good durability, it’s priced at Dhs299.
    To purchase visit homeboxstores.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    Emirates launches groundbreaking fast-track service at Dubai airport

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    7 mins ago

    Standing in long immigration queues for international passengers is now a thing of the past courtesy of Emirates’ latest partnership.
    Travellers can soon move hassle-free within Dubai International Airport terminal 3 due to the innovative biometric technology that will give passengers a smart check-in option starting in 2023.
    As per an agreement between Emirates and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA), the official announcement was made by the Dubai Media Office on November 15, 2022.

    .@emirates signs an agreement with @GDRFADUBAI offering international travellers the opportunity to speed up their airport experience by consenting to the use of biometric data starting from 2023.https://t.co/OHFAJfK7uj pic.twitter.com/r4XP993H8A
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 15, 2022
    While this service was previously only available to UAE residents and GCC nationals, it’s now open to everyone. Through its pre-populated biometric database, the technology can seamlessly identify travellers at multiple points in the airport. With facial recognition systems paired with artificial intelligence, this instant identity will improve traffic efficiency inside the airport.
    “Dubai is one of the world’s most aspirational destinations, and 2022 has already seen more than eight million tourists arrive in the city,” said Lieutenant General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of the government body.

    How does it work?
    All passengers can provide their official consent through the Emirates app, at Emirates self-check-in kiosks, or in person at the desk.
    This experience will add to the myriad of other services that contribute to the Emirates travelling journey which include the self-check-in kiosk, checking in online 48 hours before, dropping off luggage a night before travelling and using the app to receive all the updated flight information.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Emirates Instagram, Feature Image: Rimowa Instagram More

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    7 outdoor activities to try in the UAE this winter

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    As temperatures drop in the UAE, outdoor activities are again on our radar.
    From zip-lining to glamping the options are endless as each outing is complemented with a hint of nature.
    To plan ahead, Emirates Woman has curated a unique guide for all the best outdoor activities you don’t want to miss in the UAE.
    Book an alfresco dining experience

    It’s the season to be outdoors again. As the weather cools down, alfresco Dubai dining is firmly back on our radars. From beach clubs to sky-high restaurants, each venue ensures scintillating views of Dubai’s skyline accompanied by a delectable menu crafted to perfection. From bohemian décor at Bar Du Port to being surrounded by nature at Bussola, there are plenty of restaurants on our guide for you to book ASAP with your loved ones.
    Try a glamping experience

    If you want to immerse yourself in nature, there’s no better way to do it than by escaping to the desert. While now being home to the region’s first trailer hotel, guests can camp alongside the banks of Hatta Dam with these innovative trailers to have a truly memorable experience. With luxurious facilities on board, it’s all set to feel like a thrilling adventure with all the necessary amenities provided as you’ll be nestled in the heart of the mountains starting at Dhs986 with prices varying.
    For more information regarding booking and details head to visithatta.com
    Visit this famed desert café

    With a quirky bohemian charm, One Degree Café is the latest off-the-grid pop-up for guests to retreat amid the dreamy desert sunsets. Designed with a Bedouin-style camp and as a pop-up experience, guests can enjoy all the dune views in the middle of the desert. Made for the perfect escape, this outdoor venue offers a plethora of delicious dishes and beverages from Spanish lattes to desserts such as tiramisu. The mains include signature dishes such as the classic hot dog and the wagyu burger, with many more options on the menu. Located in Musherief, Ajman, this desert pop-up is situated 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. Visitors can approach the venues by following the map here.
    For more information visit onedegree.ae
    Hone your equestrian skills

    From a spacious paddock to qualified instructors, the UAE is well-known for this exhilarating sport which is available all year round for you to enjoy. From state-of-the-art polo and equestrian communities to professional instructors to help fine-tune your skills, each stable is situated in a family-friendly oasis to train beginners and offer a tranquil desert escape. As here at Emirates Woman we are quite the fans of horse riding, here’s a curated list of stables with fully equipped facilities for you to embrace throughout the year.
    Swing your best shot

    For golfing enthusiasts, Top Golf is set to welcome guests this season. With 96- hitting bays, this expansive venue spans across 60,000 square feet with high-tech interactive games and a one-of-a-kind experience to experience with your friends and families. For a break between each game, the restaurants present the region’s top culinary talent with their signature burgers and sides. Located at Emirates Golf Club, this venue is a must-visit.
    For more information visit topgolf.ae
    Go ziplining

    Glide along the world’s longest ziplining spanning across 2.83 km. This gripping experience features breathtaking views of the UAE’s natural beauty and a bird’s eye view of the Hajar mountains. After the activity, guests can experience at one of the most popular havens, 1484 Puro and grab a bite with their loved ones.
    It’s time to trek

    Pack your water, snacks and a fully charged phone and get ready to embark on a journey depending on the level you wish to go for. Whether easy, moderate or extreme, each trek includes rocky outcrops and a wadi terrain with scenic views of the Hatta mountains. Located at Hatta Wadi Hub, guests can opt for the two-hour guided hiking tour.
    To make a booking head to visithatta.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram and Feature Image: Instagram @dashatravels More

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    The best desert cafés to visit in the UAE this winter

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    At long last, the best weather of the year has arrived in the UAE.
    Long gone are humid days and nights paired with the sweltering heat and the cooler temperatures and outdoor weather is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
    With that comes the return of the UAE’s beloved desert cafés and concepts.
    To keep you in the know here’s some of the best desert cafés to visit in the UAE this winter.
    NOT a SPACE

    This one-of-a-kind destination is curated with a series of activations in one venue. With the beautiful sunrise and sunset views, this winter experience is designed to bring friends and family together in the company of Sharjah’s Al Faya desert. With a creative set-up and mountainous backdrops, this open-air experience also conducts several activations to celebrate different occasions in an open space. From a ladies parlour to a men’s barber, there are a host of experiences to savour on your visit.
    For more information visit notaspace.ae
    One Degree Cafe

    With a quirky bohemian charm, One Degree Café is the latest off-the-grid pop-up for guests to retreat amid the dreamy desert sunsets. Designed with a Bedouin-style camp and as a pop-up experience, guests can enjoy all the dune views in the middle of the desert. Made for the perfect escape, this outdoor venue offers a plethora of delicious dishes and beverages from Spanish lattes to desserts such as tiramisu. The mains include signature dishes such as the classic hot dog and the wagyu burger, with many more options on the menu. Located in Musherief, Ajman, this desert pop-up is situated 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. Visitors can approach the venues by following the map here.
    For more information visit onedegree.ae. 
    Link by Mara

    With international fusion street food and a scintillating majlis-style seating area with fairy lights, guests can lay back with the socially distanced seating arrangements for utmost safety. With a plethora of mouthwatering desserts and must-have beverages, this spot has a private bonfire option in an intimate setting to enjoy with all your loved ones.
    My Space

    Brand new to the desert concept scene, My Space Cafe delivers an exceptional experience in Nazwa, Sharjah. The concept plays host to a simple yet delectable menu comprising of burgers and pasta dishes, as well as coffee and soft drinks and sweet treats. Located in the Sharjhah desert, My Space Cafe is open daily from 3pm to 1am.
    BBQ Station

    Located in the Sharjah desert in the area of Al Rahmaniya, the newest desert concept to enter the scene is BBQ Station. Complete with tipi-style seating areas and a diverse menu, it’s the perfect winter spot to watch the sunset and nightfall over the desert.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The story behind Dubai’s vintage car hub

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    51 mins ago

    Mazin Al Kahatib, Founder & CEO of Nostalgia Classic Cars, discusses how he turned a passion for collecting and restoring vintage cars into a thriving business.
    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
    I begin my day by reading the newspaper headlines to have an understanding of what’s happening around the world. Next, I read through the sales report and workshop reports of the previous day to make a list of what needs to be done for the same day. I then have a quick meeting with the admin, sales and workshop supervisor for 10 minutes.
    What inspired you to launch Nostalgia Classic Cars?
    It has been a dream of mine since I was a banker. I knew that after completing what I wanted to achieve in my banking career, I could convert my passion into a business.

    Every car should tell a story. Does this impact your decision when buying a car?
    When this was a hobby of mine, that was the case. Now, when I look at it from a business perspective, I buy according to the demand and market needs. Of course, when it comes to collecting classic cars, the story plays a big role in the purchase.
    The concept is located in one of Dubai’s key artistic hubs. Was this the plan from the start?
    I consider my collection as pieces of art and when I was thinking and deciding on a place, of course Alserkal Avenue came to mind, as it’s one of the first “art hubs” of Dubai. Hence, the decision was made to be located in Alserkal Avenue.
    What was the first car you restored?
    The first car I restored was the 1948 Packard.

    You’re the first of its kind in the UAE. How did you see a gap in the market?
    I learned my lesson the hard way as they say. When I was a hobbyist, I would struggle to find the best denter or the best mechanic or the best painter and my car would move from one place to another. This made me always think of having a one-stop shop that covers everything when it comes to restoration. Nostalgia Classic Cars Workshop does exactly that. Any project we do, the car never leaves the premises until the job is done. If we require additional support, we subcontract it to other shops. Everything from A to Z is done under one roof, this is what differentiates Nostalgia Classic Cars from all the other players in the market.
    What advice would you recommend to those who wish to invest in collecting vintage cars?
    When it comes to investing and collecting vintage cars, it’s important to choose the right brand and the right model. Try to have a detailed history of the car as much as possible. It’s imperative to prove the originality of the car and its parts, including the interiors, mechanical and the body.
    November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
    – 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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    Video: Sheikh Mohammed reduced to tears by girl’s reading about his late mother

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    4 hours ago

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai watched a host of students take to the stage on Thursday at the Arab Reading Challenge’s closing ceremony which took place at Dubai Opera.
    One reading, in particular, appeared to touch the Dubai Ruler’s heart which was about his late mother, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan.
    The Arab Reading champion from 2018, Maryam Amjoun, took to the stage to read an excerpt of His Highness’ book My Story which was about his mother.
    “My father lost his life partner for over four decades. He lost his support, his darling, friend, companion and lover… The strong, firm, steadfast victor who was never weakened or shattered, suffered greatly from the loss of his Latifa,” the except read.
    In footage which was shared by the Dubai Ruler’s sister, Her Highness Sheikh Fatima bint Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, on social media, Sheikh Mohammed is seen to be visibly moved by the reading, wiping tears away from his face with a handkerchief.

    Later on, the Dubai Ruler crowned the Arab Reading Challenge winner, Sham Al Bakour from Syria.
    It was the sixth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge which saw over 22 million students enter, the highest number of participants ever registered in a single edition of the challenge since its inception.
    “Our precious Arabic language is in the safe hands of the millions of Arab students and the thousands of volunteers that spare no effort to make this Arab literacy initiative a success,” His Highness said of the challenge.
    “The Arab Reading Challenge succeeded in creating the largest knowledge movement in our Arab world. The Arabic book has been taken off the shelf, and put in the hands of our youth, to inspire hearts and minds and light up the path.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/Instagram  More