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    18 of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Dubai to visit

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 18 IMAGES
    Dubai’s burgeoning food scene is growing by the day.
    With unique offerings and an endless array of food and beverage options, these quaint cafés offer a space for like-minded individuals to connect or enjoy some alone time with a book.
    Known for its aesthetic interiors and artisanal coffee culture, each creative space allows a quick escape from any mundane routine.
    If you’re looking for a midweek refresh or a co-working environment to inspire you, we’ve compiled some of the most inspiring and Instagrammable spaces for your next visit.
    For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @portrayingmystyle_ More

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    Date night: 8 romantic restaurants to visit in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    Amid all the chaos, a romantic date night with your partner can help ease the stress of the week.
    Home to a myriad of luxurious restaurants, Dubai offers a variety of cuisines and one-of-a-kind cocktails that are hard to miss as you dine with your loved one.
    So, impress your partner with these Emirates Woman-approved date night restaurant options ASAP.
    Bulgari Yacht Club

    It overlooks a 46-boat harbour where you can dine al fresco, setting a seriously chic mood for those wanting an elevated experience without too much fuss. The service is impeccable, the food will surprise, and delight and you’ll be able to enjoy live music in the evening that sets just the right tone.
    For more information visit bulgarihotels.com
    STAY by Yannick Alléno, One&Only The Palm

    Idyllically placed at the One& Only The Palm, STAY by Yannick Alléno promises an evening of indulgence and exceptional dining. An epicurean experience of classic French dining is curated by master chef Yan- nick Alléno offering the highest level of hospitality at the two-star Michelin restaurant. For the ultimate dining experience, choose the four courses elegantly titled “Emotions” or opt for the six-course menu “Experience”. A serene dining experience is available on the secluded garden terrace blanketed by fairy lights for that extra private quaint experience.
    For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.com
    Pierchic, Jumeirah Al Qasr

    Perhaps one of Dubai’s most iconic locations, Pierchic boasts unparalleled sea views, overlooking the Burj Al Arab. If you want a wow destination that makes an impact this is it. The food is also exceptional, as overseen by Head Chef Beatrice Segoni. Take a short stroll post-dinner across the water and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.
    For more information visit jumeirah.com
    Twiggy by La Cantine

    Twiggy by La Cantine gives you a feeling of being in the Cote d’Azur. If a chic yet chilled vibe is your go-to, this is the perfect low-key option for you. Mediterranean flavours with the freshest Sushi ingredients make for an unforgettable evening against a picturesque dinner painted against a balmy sunset.
    For more information visit twiggy.ae
    Raspoutine

    Dine like the Parisians do in this chic, cosy and very cool new location. Raspoutine brings decadence to dinner with opulent interiors and the finest French fare. . Behind its carefully guarded doors are a set of intimate and mysterious rooms with a chic & festive atmosphere, only known by a handful of insiders.
    For more information visit raspoutine.com
    Coya

    With a fun atmosphere and the best in Peruvian cuisine, Coya is a great option if you want a little more energy from the crowd for your evening. You can also take a walk post-dinner around the incredible grounds of The Four Seasons’ Hotel where Coya is situated.
    For more information visit coyarestaurant.com
    Amelia Lounge

    With authentic Nikkei cuisine available from our award-winning à la carte menu, refreshing signature cocktails and premium drinks available throughout the night, guests can enjoy a romantic setting across our lounge or restaurant area with views of Downtown and the Burj Khalifa. Located in Address Sky View, this restaurant allows guests to experience Amelia’s extraordinary journey filled with mystery, adventure, and discovery.
    For more information visit amelialounge.com
    La Mar

    La Mar celebrates the authentic and diverse flavours of Peruvian gastronomy, inviting diners to tour through Peru’s incredible cultural and culinary diversity ranging from traditional seafood cebiche to whole fish cooked in a charcoal-fired oven. The restaurant’s menu takes diners on a deep dive into traditional Peruvian seafood dishes, which is anchored by Acurio’s celebrated Peruvian cebiche. Guests can explore a wide range of different cebiches from traditional cilantro, lime, and red onions to more unique creations such as nori and daikon
    For more information visit atlantis.com/dubai/dining/lamar
    Rüya

    Encompassing all the elements of romance, the new restaurant and lounge bring the pinnacle of Anatolian hospitality with heartfelt service, palette-pleasing flavours and visually appealing decor, all in a vivacious ambiance that takes guests on an enchanting, sensorial journey and exudes the very definition of its name – which translates to ‘dream’ in Turkish.  Draped in enigmatic interior design and décor, Rüya Dubai is St. Regis The Palm, Dubai’s latest installment and welcomes guests from 6pm onwards.
    For more information visit ruyarestaurants.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @raspoutine.dubai More

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    In pics: Throwback to Sheikh Hamdan’s most adorable childhood moments

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 15 IMAGES
    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, often gives his loyal fans a snippet into his childhood.
    Having garnered over 14.3 million followers, Fazza has always shared some of his favourite moments from when he was young.
    Ever since he was young, travelling around the world has been a core component of Sheikh Hamdan’s childhood and the old pictures on his feed portray the same.
    From precious family moments to embracing the wild with his favourite animals, we just can’t get enough of these adorable occasions caught on camera.
    As Emirates Woman scrolls through Fazza’s Instagram there are a host of throwback moments that shed light on his memorable moments as a young boy.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @fazza  More

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    TikTok MENA on how digital and social media innovation is growing in the region

    Lifestyle

    by Camille Macawili
    1 hour ago

    At the forefront of content creation lies TikTok with its innovative social algorithm that allows large traction within seconds.
    To understand more, Emirates Woman speaks to Hany Kamel, Content Partnerships Manager TikTok MENA on digital and social media innovation in the region.
    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
    I usually try to wake up early to give myself time to get ready for the day. I have my breakfast and listen to some music just to set the mood for the rest of the day and before I get to work. After this, I spend a few minutes scrolling through TikTok. It inspires me every day to see new and upcoming creators sharing authentically with their audiences or even trends that have started on the platform. I  always discover new talent through this medium.
    Can you talk us through your career and how you ended up in your position as Content Partnerships Manager with TikTok?
    Previously, I was a journalist in Egypt, where my work had always included investigating interesting and niche topics that I would then develop into stories, and this has been my passion ever since. I joined TikTok four years ago with the aim of exploring new stories and talent through the lens of TikTok, helping nurture and showcase the incredible creative talent we have here in the region.
    How does your role drive the business forward and what have been the clear goals?
    My role is quite diverse. It includes planning a variety of in-app activations and engaging campaigns for the community, music selection, and working on user management for the platform. I dedicate myself to leveling up the content in the MENA region by exploring unique talents in every category on the platform and helping them grow their talents and elevate their content.
    I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work towards these goals and help to drive the business forward and reach exciting milestones. At the end of last year, we worked to enhance the entertainment narrative for the community. Since we have an active community of movie lovers and TV series reviewers, we launched #WhatToWatch which is an entertainment hub on TikTok that not only highlights reviews but also inspires and celebrates some of their favourites. We also managed to create partnerships with movie festivals across the region. This helped us to level up the young filmmakers to use their talents and skills in the movie-making industry.
    How is the MENA region interacting with content on TikTok, how do you keep innovating to ensure the content is fresh and engaging?
     TikTok’s prominence in the Arab world is expanding due to the platform’s one-of-a-kind approach which prioritizes engaging and authentic short-form video content. The content you see on TikTok is easy to create and discover, and users feel comfortable on the platform engaging with one another, becoming part of unique communities both locally and globally, and of course, being entertained.
    In order to ensure the content is fresh and engaging, users need to feel safe expressing themselves. To foster a welcoming and supportive community, TikTok has various app settings that allow individuals to control their TikTok experience, in addition to our Community Guidelines, which work to safeguard our users. We have also introduced various safety controls and campaigns available on the platform, including Screen Time Management and increasing the age to go LIVE to 18 years and above.

    TikTok has become extremely popular, especially in Saudi Arabia – what do you think keeps it relevant and people posting?
    People come to the platform to create and engage with diverse and welcoming communities; giving us a unique position in the market. This has led to authentic connections, grassroots movements, and the birthplace of culture, created by communities on the platform. Every community can find its home on TikTok and I believe this is one of the key reasons the platform has become popular in Saudi Arabia. All kinds of interests, such as gaming, food, fashion, sports or even cultural occasions like Ramadan, which are all very relevant to the Saudi audience, are represented on the platform.

    Have you had any mentors to date and what knowledge did they impart?
    My father has been my mentor since day one, he is a self-made man, he taught me how to be honest, how to respect others and how to always speak my mind no matter what, he was (and still) inspires me to do better and how one should always seek opportunities and develop themself no matter what. When I was a journalist he used to talk to me about everything, now that my work is a bit different and complex to understand he still feels proud anytime he sees my work or hears about it, and this is my biggest motivation everyday.
    How do you maintain clarity in your work life and work practice?
    I maintain clarity by having a clear goal set in place throughout all my projects, and through constant communication with my talented colleagues. We are all committed to working towards a shared goal – namely, inspiring our community to create meaningful and authentic content, and further nurturing creative talents in our region, and this goal fuels everything we do.
    What are the top 3 tips for someone who is downloading TikTok for the first time?

    Engage with content that you enjoy and would like to see to have a better viewing experience on your For You page.
    Explore our various communities, ranging from #BookTok to #MomTok to #TechTok, to find like-minded people or discover new interests.
    Don’t be afraid to start creating. TikTok’s assortment of creator tools ranging from Duets, Stitch, Effects, and Sounds make it easy and fun to join the conversation.

    What piece of advice would you give to someone entering the Social Media career space?
    The number one piece of advice would be to create content that is authentic, spontaneous and genuine because people want to see and engage with real-life experiences that are relevant to them.
    This is “The Innovation Issue”, what does innovation mean to you?
    Innovation is a driving force of economic growth. It means creating new ideas, products and services that have the potential to solve problems and improve our lives. To be innovative to me is to be creative and think outside of the box by coming up with ideas that can benefit the community and create new opportunities for them; for example how some of our TikTok creators turned their passions into careers as content creators, proving how it such a powerful tool that we need to embrace and encourage.
    February’s – The Innovation Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied; Getty Images More

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    Exclusive: In the Office with Founder of Goshá, Natalia Shustova

    Lifestyle

    by Dan Robinson
    2 hours ago

    How long have you worked in this space?
    We moved into our studio in October 2020.
    Did you have a clear concept from the outset, and which key pieces are your favorite?
    We were building our space as business was growing and shaping. My favourite part is the overall idea of “raw” … it’s a studio where artists create, and it is full of daily “debris” of what the process of creation usually brings
    Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
    Our entire studio is custom built from the kitchen/bar space to our rainbow set dried floral bar.
    How do you think your interior reflects you and your brand?
    Our studio is our “happy” place where we create. It is “free” from office or retail space rules, allowing us to have no boundaries in our work. I believe freedom of expression and creative freedom, originality is what Goshá really stands for.
    Describe your taste in 3 words.
    Well thought out, and unique, with a touch of color.
    Swipe through for a tour inside the office of Natalia Shustova, Founder of Goshá.

    February’s – The Innovation Issue – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Photography by Mark Mathew More

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    7 unique heritage sites to visit in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    After unifying in 1971, the UAE has come a long way and there are several spots that mark its rich heritage.
    In Dubai, there are many sites that display the nation’s history and pay homage to where it all began.
    As an ode to the UAE’s long-standing cultural heritage, here are seven renowned sites to visit in Dubai.
    Coffee Museum

    Designed to pay homage to the UAE’s coffee culture, this concept features different roasting and brewing styles close to the country’s heritage. From Middle Eastern techniques to a wide selection of coffee documentaries, visitors are educated about the ins and outside of its historical significance in Dubai. Located in Al Fahidi in Bur Dubai, this heritage hub promises a relaxing atmosphere with traditional regional architecture.
    For more information visit coffeemuseum.ae
    Etihad Museum

    Designed to highlight the nation’s history and how the seven emirates came to unity 1971, this heritage site displays a fascinating collection of artefacts. The museum is a masterful tribute to the manuscripts on which the union agreement was originally signed. With key photographs and interactive audio-visual exhibits, visitors can experience the UAE’s archival symbolism in a creative manner. Located in Jumeriah St. 1, it’s open daily from 10am to 8pm.
    For more information visit etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae
    Old Souq

    This expansive area is nothing short of lavish gold jewellery, handwoven fabrics, traditional oud perfumes and exquisite souvenirs. For visitors and tourists wanting to take back a piece of the UAE, they can opt for bespoke jewellery pieces as a special memento. Known for an array of exotic spices, this neighbourhood has a plethora of high-quality spices and locally-blended teas to take home. Additionally, visitors can discover the colourful textile market in the heart of Bur Dubai.
    Hatta Heritage Village

    Go back in time to the life of ancient villagers with a host of citadels, forts and towers in Dubai’s mountain town. With springs and lush valleys, visitors can experience the life of villagers who have adopted a sustainable technique of living. To visit nature’s beauty first-hand, the Hatta Dam provides activities such as kayaking for that picturesque spot. For an insight into the UAE’s traditional techniques, visitors can view the villagers’ inherited traditions that include jewellery making, weaponry, pottery and more for an ideal afternoon getaway.
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding

    Founded in 1998, this centre was founded to educate expats from different communities living and visiting the UAE. Located in a beautifully restored wind tower house in the historic, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai, where visitors can interact with local Emiratis and learn about traditional cuisine. With a 360-degree experience, guests can take a seat on the Bedouin-style carpets and indulge in a traditional Emirati meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner and experience a guided tour of the neighbourhood.
    For more information visit cultures.ae
    Arabian Tea House

    To experience fine Emirati hospitality, this venue has provided the first Emirati cuisine since 1997. With authentic elements such as rattan chairs, lace curtains, turquoise benches, visitors can enjoy a cup of traditional Arabic coffee known as gahwa to explore the city’s past. As a relaxing oasis to talk and unwind, customers can go back in time to when old architecture reigned supreme. This concept is situated in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood which was previously known as Al Bastakiya.
    For more information visit arabianteahouse.com
    Dubai Museum

    To delve into life before the discovery of oil, this ancient museum takes visitors on an unseen journey in a quaint, low-slung military fort from the 1700s. From pearl diving to fishing, light is shed upon ancient occupation and other archaeological finds. The galleries recreate scenes from the creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life. Again, the museum is situated in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Built in 1787, this fort was once the monarch’s base and highlights the history of the UAE.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram @abusaif4446 More

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    du selects the winner of its prestigious uniform design competition

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    In September, du announced a competition to give the opportunity for Emirati designers to win Dhs50k to refresh, reimagine and rework uniforms for the thousands of company staff members in retail stores across the UAE.
    The announced winner, Shoug Al Fardan said, “I am so humbled to have been selected as the finalist for designing du’s new uniforms. To be selected from a wide group of Emirati talents, and to have the opportunity to have my work as part of an institution like du is an honor. I would like to thank them for providing me with this esteemed opportunity to have my designs a stage of this scale.”

    The competition, which opened in September, was aimed at encouraging young Emirati designers to think out of the box to design uniforms that would celebrate the brand’s forward-thinking vision.
    The contest drew over 120 entries, from which three semi-finalists were chosen by a judging panel at the du offices in January. Shoug won the competition with her innovative and creative design that captured the essence of du’s mission to redefine the digital customer experience.
    ‘We are delighted to announce Shoug Al Fardan as the winner of the uniform design competition. Her creativity and design align with the direction the brand is exploring with an omnichannel customer experience,” said Head of Direct Channels at du, Marwan Thani.

    The new and improved uniforms are set to mark a fresh, new chapter of transformation in du’s brand journey as a digital-first telco.
    In a mission to further celebrate homegrown talent, the UAE’s telecom operating giant continues to build a sustainable future.
    As part of du’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and continued efforts to build a sustainable future, the old uniforms will be donated to a recycling centre.
    For more information visit the official du Instagram account.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    10 fabulous activities to do in Dubai this weekend

    The ultimate weekend guide in Dubai – February 17 to February 19, 2023.
    Put skincare first

    With science-backed treatments, AEON has recently opened its doors in the new Atlantis The Royal. Customers can choose from a host of treatments such as the Aquagold Facial, Morpheus8, Dermal Fillers, Botox, Profhilo, Mesotherapy, Stem Cell Facials and PRP. The clinic also offers FaceArt by Dr. Jaffer Khan himself, which is custom-designed for each patient through a detailed consultation, with a combination of both dermal Fillers and Botox. This treatment allows patients to restore volume in the under-eyes, cheeks, lips, chin and jawline. It also reduces wrinkles and restricts the overactivity of some facial muscles in order to create a lifting effect. So, book your treatment for an overall skin wellness experience.
    For more information visit theaeonclinic.com 
    Brunch alfresco

    If you’re looking for an outdoor venue to unwind, Cleo is the place this weekend. Situated at The Hyde Hotel, this Levantine-inspired restaurant has unveiled its terrace, providing guests with an immersive brunch experience with Levantine beats and cuisine that evokes crisp summer mornings on the coast by drawing inspiration from Lebanon, Syria, Greece, and Italy in a bright and airy ambiance with a view of the city. Guests can indulge in Cleo’s carefully curated grape and let the cocktail menu transport them back to the era of Cleopatra. The brunch is priced at Dhs299 per person and will be available every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.
    For more information visit restaurantandbars.accor.com
    Try a luxe afternoon tea

    Head to Ladurée for a quintessential afternoon tea experience, one that promises to delight all your senses. Gather your loved ones for a laid-back afternoon and soak in the charming ambience and timeless elegance of Ladurée. Explore a tasteful selection of sumptuous beverages including Ladurée Coffee, Ladurée Tea or Ladurée Hot Chocolate. Guest can choose any two types of finger sandwiches and Mini Viennoiseries from the menu. Savour the pastries such Ispahan, Passion Raspberry and Plaisir Sucres, and don’t forget to try the coward favourite Macarons from the selections. The afternoon tea experience will be available all day in all locations except for Nakheel Mall and DFC. It takes place every day from 12 noon onwards and is priced at Dhs204 for two persons.
    For more information visit laduree.ae
    Enjoy a delectable breakfast

    Catch up with your loved ones over breakfast at the new Maison Mathais situated at West Beach’s voco Dubai The Palm. Visitors can admire views of the Arabian Gulf while being treated to the smells of the on-site bakery, with traditional baguettes, homemade sourdough, and fluffy brioche burger buns. The haven also boasts traditional croissants filled with chocolate and almonds, reminiscent of those found in charming Parisian cafés. The Daily Breakfast Menu is available from 7am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday and offers a wide selection of benedicts bursting with flavours including a collection of dishes. Diners looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can try Le Moelleux Au Chocolat, a hot, soft-centered chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream.
    For more information visit maisonmathisvocopalm.com 
    Book a VIP beach club experience

    The city’s original and most iconic beach club, Nikki Beach Dubai is set to elevate its guest experience even further this winter with the addition of nine brand-new VIP Pool Cabanas. The private cabanas come with their temperature-controlled pools, relaxing daybed and green partition for a sophisticated beach club experience. Guests have the option to dine on an eclectic menu of light and fresh salads, sushi, ceviche, and grilled seafood either in the privacy of their cabana or in the elegant bar and lounge area. VIPs can also enjoy their own private area or easily venture down to the beach club pool. Renowned for its heady mix of live entertainment and energetic vibes, and set against a backdrop of Pearl Jumeira’s stunning pristine coastline. The weekend cabanas start at Dhs6,000 for up to seven guests with Dhs3,000 towards a bottle service and Dhs3,000 towards F&B.
    For more information visit dubai.nikkibeach.com
    Take a look at this sculpture park

    DIFC’s open-air Sculpture Park returns with an immersive art experience titled ‘Tales Under the Gate’and the park will remain open to the public until September 30, 2023. During the event, well-established galleries, such as Firetti Contemporary, AWC Gallery, Leila Heller Gallery, Opera Gallery, Oblong Gallery, Belvedere Art Space and Zieta Studio, as well as independent artists will showcase their works.
    For more information visit difc.ae
    Give your hair the love it deserves

    Those looking for an effective treatment for smooth hair need to look no further. We Nails is now offering the hair treatment, Arknvie for silky soft texture. The product is tailored for different types of hair and can be used to straighten, or to enhance curls by eliminating frizz – it can even be used on hair extensions. The treatment penetrates the hair at a deep level, which is why it takes about 2-3 hours depending on the hair length and thickness. The original price starts from Dhs1000, depending on length & thickness with 20 percent off throughout the month of February. Hair detox is a tailormade treatment and a short consultation will be required before treatment begins to find out the desired outcome of each client. It’s located in Grand Trident Building, JBR.
    For more information visit wenails.ae
    Go for a fine-dining meal

    Josette is the latest Parisian fine-dining haven on the block. With show-stopping interiors and a selection of carefully curated dishes. The artistic director has brought together an array of burlesque stars, tap dancers, singers and more to surprise and delight guests for a 360-degree dining experience. After dark, the space transforms into Josette’s private dining room, setting the perfect scene for glamorous soirées and fabulous affairs. The menu includes Parisian classics. You can slice into tune tartare, foie gras terrine, escargot, ratatouille, soup a l’oignon, and plateau de Josette, a signature seafood platter.When it comes to the interiors, expect marble floors, mustard sofas, and mirrored columns. The restaurant is located in ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC and is open from 12pm to 3am.
    For more information visit josette.com 
    Get your hands on the latest Emirates Woman issue

    For our cover, we are very proud to have partnered with MOUAWAD, a brand delivering a cool, innovative and exciting new take on how we visualise fine jewellery. We discuss starting cutting-edge technology with industry heavyweights Carol Hilsum, Senior Director of Product Innovation and Kelly Kowal, Chief Platform Officer at FARFETCH in An Innovative Market, we interview the Founder of DREST, Lucy Yeomans in Innovating the Luxury Fashion Space and discover what it takes to grow your TikTok account in Digital Innovation.
    February’s – The Innovation Issue – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Rania Fawaz cover shoot with Emirates Woman More