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      All the major changes that took place in the UAE in 2022

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      46 mins ago

      The UAE is a country of endless possibilities and with leaders with a vision to consistently look to the future.
      With this in mind, in 2022 alone there have been a number of changes to continue to make the UAE an attractive place to live.
      From visa updates to an amendment in labour laws, a host of new rules and regulations were launched this year.
      For an overview of all the updates, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the changes made in 2022.
      New visa system
      With visas being a major topic of discussion this year, the country continues to welcome expats from around the globe, especially with all the new visas here. The new system of entry and residence was launched to retain global talents and skilled workers from October 3, 2022. The latest visas introduced include a visitor visa which has increased the duration from 30 to 60 days after the individual has proved sufficient funds. For those who wish to start their own company, a business visa can be granted without a sponsor. Visas can also be granted for internship programmes, study courses and training purposes, and for any-project based work or temporary assignments, candidates can receive a temporary work visa. Now, families also have the option of sponsoring male children until the age of 25, where it was previously granted for 18 years old. The other visas available include a multi-entry tourist visa, a Green visa and a Golden visa for individuals who fall under the categories of entrepreneurs, real estate owners, exceptional talents, scientists & researchers, outstanding students and skilled workers.
      Working week shift

      #UAE announces today that it will transition to a four and a half day working week, with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.
      All Federal government departments will move to the new weekend from January 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/tQoa22pai9
      — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 7, 2021

      Starting from January 1, 2022, this year, the UAE Government Media Office transitioned to a new model with Saturday and Sunday forming the weekend days. Additionally, the UAE government made an announcement that the working week would be a four-and-a-half-day week for Federal employees from Monday to Thursday, 7:30am to 3:30pm with employees working for 4.5 hours on Friday and the flexibility to work from home.
      Labour law updates
      With only full-time employment possible before, employees now have the possibility to opt for temporary and flexible work, freelance jobs, condensed working hours and shared jobs. This new law allows employees to work part-time, job share, take on temporary work, or work for more than one employer for a specified number of days. Per the new contract, employees can work 40 hours a week and can perform all 40 hours in three if they would like to do so.
      Tech-driven Emirati passports

      The new generation of the UAE Passport.@MoFAICUAE____#IdentityCitizenshipCustomsAndPortSecurity #UAEPassport pic.twitter.com/TSg6X4gnUw
      — Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 11, 2022

      With innovation at the forefront, the government launched the next generation of Emirati passports on September 1, 2022, with technical specifications to promote security and safety for international travel. Designed to enhance the UAE’s international competitiveness to promote security and safety for international travel. The key features include a detail-oriented identification page with a holographic logo and enhanced elements to reduce attempts of forgery. Per the state news agency WAM, these changes are in line with the directions of the wise leadership to consolidate the movement toward a smart government in the UAE.
      E-cheques are now the future
      Through a partnership between Dubai Land Department and Emirates NBD, cheque payments for rental have been automated using the Central Bank of the UAE’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS) allowing tenants to make payments through their bank accounts instead of issuing physical cheques. Tenants will also have the option of flexible payment plans and facilitate easy transfer without any added hassle.
      Emirates IDs are the new visas
      Since May 16, 2022, Emirates ID cards have officially replaced residence visa stickers across all emirates except Dubai. All relevant information is documented and stored within Emirates ID cards to merge residence and identity card applications, instead of processing them separately leading to a number of benefits. This rule now cuts paperwork and the time taken to process applications, with a more detailed outline showcasing a 3D picture, date of birth on the cardholder, and enhanced protection of non-visible data including employment information.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & feature image: Instagram @alphaspotting More

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      UAE nationals can now obtain passports online in 30 minutes

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      42 mins ago

      Emirati travellers now have a solution for the expiry, loss and damage of passports.
      To curb this issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) has launched its e-document service for UAE travellers returning from abroad.
      With this new electronic service, the government ensures a seamless service to speed up the issuance of emergency passports without any charges or the need to visit an embassy or consulate to receive the travel documents.
      Abdulaziz Al Hebsi, Director of the UAE Nationals Affairs Department at the Ministry, said the ministry’s Service Development Team has worked relentlessly to simplify and facilitate relevant procedures, adding that the service was enhanced in response to customer feedback.
      Thus, UAE nationals can obtain the travel document at any time and from any place to receive it via e-mail without any added hassle.

      Introduced to keep in line with the UAE’s visionary leadership, the ministry is working towards providing outstanding digital services and offerings as per the highest quality standards.
      To apply for the service, Emirati travellers can simply opt for the service on the ministry’s website at mofaic.gov.ae or log on to the smart application UAE MOFAIC available on both iOS and Android stores.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Unsplash @corinne-kutz More

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      6 renowned Emirati TV presenters to follow on Instagram

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      31 mins ago

      The UAE’s TV presenters have a powerful voice in the region and beyond.
      From hosting events to reporting on social issues, TV presenters can influence their audience and educate them on recent news with utmost grace and poise.
      Several Emirati presenters have hosted prestigious events in the UAE with the most recent being Salik’s IPO public announcement.
      As numerous personalities have made a mark for themselves in the industry, Emirates Woman has curated a guide for all Emirati TV presenters to watch out for.
      Diala Ali

      As a TV presenter at Sama Dubai TV Channel, Diala Ali started her career in 2007 working for Dubai Media. She later became an inspiration for many Emirati women through her profound voice on social media. After graduating in Dubai, she later went on to present for several news and social programmes.
      You can follow her here.
      Amira Mohammed

      Amira Mohammed is a renowned journalist and TV presenter at Abu Dhabi TV and member of the Youth Media Council at the National Media Council since joining in 2015. Taking the lead for several topics including artificial intelligence, she sheds light on various technology-related subjects at highly reputed events such as the Knowledge Summit.
      You can follow her here.
      Mahira Abdel Aziz

      After making a mark for herself in the world of presenting, Mahira Abdel Aziz has scaled new heights after featuring in a UAE-made Netflix series in 2021 The Platform as one of its main stars. She has achieved great heights in the Arab world as a TV presenter and continues to establish herself as an actress. The Emirati TV star has also walked the red carpet during the Gouna Film Festival in Egypt. As an anchor for MBC, Abdel Aziz has paved the way for many women in the media industry.
      You can follow her here.
      Rania Ali

      Recognised by the Ministry of Economy, Rania Ali is an award-winning presenter and a leading bilingual MC and public speaker in the Middle East. With an extensive client list, she has presented for top-tier local and international brands in the region. Her extensive portfolio also includes events for the UAE royal family and top government officials in the Middle East region. Known for her experience across various fields, she has been part of different sectors including finance, banking and other corporate events.
      You can follow her here.
      Mahra Alyaqoobi

      This Emirati TV presenter is a training and development manager at Sky News Arabia and has established herself in the region after successfully taking the lead in the media world. With a passion for public speaking, she turned her hobby into a full-time career and eventually became a consultant for the youth who are looking to join the media industry.
      You can follow her here.
      Dina Muhammad

      As a leading TV presenter for Al Aan TV, Dina Muhammed has also made a name for herself in the real estate industry. This Dubai-based pan-Arab satellite channel launched in 2006 and focuses on global and regional issues related to health, politics, society or those of general interest. After translating her passion for real estate into a full-time job, she is now both a TV presenter and part of the real estate content creation community.
      You can follow her here.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images & Feature Image: Supplied  More

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      Are you an emerging Emirati designer? Here’s how you could win Dhs50,000

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      Fashion

      by Team Emirates Woman
      36 mins ago

      IN PARTNERSHIP: In recent years, the UAE has become a hub for emerging talent in the fashion space.
      From avant-garde designs to chic tailoring to muted colour palettes, there are a whole host of Emirati designers who are showcasing incredible talent, each with their own individual style.
      In a mission to further celebrate homegrown talent, the UAE’s telecom operating giant du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has announced an exciting competition for Emirati designers.
      So, what exactly does the competition entail?
      It will give the opportunity for Emirati designers to refresh, reimagine and rework uniforms for the thousands of du staff members in retail stores across the UAE.

      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.
      Not only will the winner of the competition be responsible for a nationwide refresh of du’s uniforms, but a Dhs50,000 cash prize is also up for grabs.
      So, if you’re an emerging Emirati designer, this could be your chance to put your work on the map on a UAE-wide scale.
      For more information about the competition, please visit the official du Instagram account.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      An exclusive interview with Emirati rapper Almas

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      August 28, 2022 marks the seventh annual Emirati Women’s Day to applaud women across different professional career paths.
      One such arena in which Emirati women are shattering stereotypes is the music industry. Defying the conventional walls of music, the Emirati singer and rapper, Almas is creating tracks to inspire women with similar interests.
      After accomplishing numerous achievements at such a young age such as performing at Expo 2020 at 21 years old, she became the ambassador of Spotify’s Equal Arabia programme this month. This global music forum aims to amplify the work of women creators and encourage fans to discover them from any part of the world.
      To celebrate this success, she was even published on a billboard in the heart of New York’s Times Square with her track reaching the global playlist.
      “I would like to see more women in the rap scene and I am willing to support them as well,” she tells Emirates Woman. “We are queens and we deserve it.”
      By contributing to the UAE’s burgeoning hip-hop movement, Almas has been showcasing her creativity in the music industry through tracks that are receiving international recognition.
      With a passion for music since a young age, Emirates Woman spoke to Almas to understand what drives her and inspired her to enter the industry.
      What inspired you to become a singer?
      I was inspired by my love for music. I have loved music and singing since I was a child and have always had a passion for performing.
      You started your career at the age of 15. How has the industry evolved since then?
      I have been evolving my music style since I started writing my own music in 2020. I believe that we should not tie ourselves to one thing, we should continue exploring and elevating ourselves.
      You performed at Expo 2020 Dubai at just 21 years old. How did that feel?
      It was an indescribable feeling. I was nervous but proud of myself at the same time for being able to get to the Expo 2020 stage and sing in front of musical legends such as Hussein AlJasmi, Ahlam and Mohamed Abdo.
      Spotify is always championing young women to pursue their dreams. How has this played a key role in finding a space in the music world in your career?
      Spotify helped me find myself surrounded by the right people who are always working on themselves. I felt connected to the right network of women creators when I first joined their initiative SAWTIK and now with EQUAL Arabia, I am on Times Square, where a global audience is seeing my face and name.

      Equal Arabia under Spotify was born to amplify the work of women creators. How does it feel to be part of such a platform and what do you wish to achieve?
      I feel so proud that they chose me to be a part of EQUAL Arabia. It’s an important moment for me, because it’s a reminder that we can achieve anything if we set our minds to it.
      You’re a female rapper. How important was it for you to shatter any stereotypes about this?
      I am doing something for myself, and I believe that women can do anything they want, not just in the rap scene but beyond.
      What advice would you share to young Emirati women aspiring to be a singer?
      My advice to her would be to continue doing what she’s doing and work on herself until she finds herself on the right path.
      Being a woman in the music industry can be challenging. How did you overcome this?
      The struggles are always there but I am always capable of overcoming challenges. You just have to keep going.
      Who is your role model in the music industry?
      My role model is the band Pink Floyd.
      Could you share the story behind your latest song releases?
      In my latest track ‘Coffee’, I was singing in many dialects and languages and was speaking about my power in the scene.
      With Emirati Women’s Day soon approaching. What changes would you like to see in the music industry for women?
      I would like to see more women in the rap scene and I am willing to support them as well. We are queens and we deserve it.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      5 extraordinary women mark Emirati Women’s Day with Emirates Woman

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      1 hour ago

      Five women, five incredible stories.
      This year, to mark the seventh annual Emirati Women’s Day, Emirates Woman is proud to champion these five individuals – equestrian rider Amna Banihashem; communications manager of Museum of the Future, Fatma Al Mheiri; co-founder of RollDXB, Alia Al Banna; artist and curator Sarah Alagroobi; and beauty entrepreneur Wdeema Almheiri – all of whom have a different story to share.
      Shot in five separate locations, individuals exemplify the diversity of the UAE and its mission to put women at the forefront, showcasing Emirati women are forces to be reckoned with.
      Back in April, Sheikha Fatima announced the theme of this year’s Emirati Women’s Day is ‘Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future’.
      Upon announcing the theme for 2022, Sheikha Fatima praised the women of the UAE saying “Emirati women have proven that there is no task that is impossible, due to their hard work and innovation”, something which these women embody unconditionally.
      Since the inception of the UAE in 1971 under the leadership and guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed, women’s empowerment continues across the nation and this year’s Emirati Women’s Day will highlight this.
      As a diverse nation rich in heritage and culture, Emirati women are the backbone of the UAE, something which these five women share in the teaser below.
      [embedded content]
      Stay tuned to see each of these women tell their own stories over the course of this weekend.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      How Mysk Al Badayer’s luxe Sharjah retreat takes you back in time

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      Situated amidst the heart of Sharjah, Mysk Al Badayer is a traditional resort that projects the Emirati lifestyle with a modern touch.
      From sunsets over the endless dunes to a plethora of handcrafted dining options, this resort is backed by an authentic cultural experience for guests to have a complete 360-degree experience.
      Whether you’re looking for a refined family escape or a romantic getaway, this property will ensure guests go back in time as each element of the retreat has an ancient story to tell.
      To understand more about this sophisticated property, Emirates Woman sat down with Shafik Alaaeddine, the Area General Manager of Mysk Hotels.
      The general design of the room is reminiscent of caravanserais. What inspired this concept?
      The entire retreat was built on the concept of a caravanserai – an oasis nestled in the dunes, a meeting point for travellers to discover heritage, culture and adventure. Our interiors are an expression of traditional architecture, not cliché, yet maintaining elements of the Arabian culture. You can choose between staying in a traditional tent with a private pool or in a heritage room, depending on the journey you would like to foster.

      The property is an ode to the Emirati lifestyle. How did you manage to incorporate this throughout the retreat?
      Close your eyes and imagine a caravanserai coming from a long way along the Silk Road. That would be the perfect example of what the Mysk Al Badayer Retreat presents. A picturesque desert stop set against the sweeping dunes of central Sharjah. Live in a traditional Arabian castle from the age of times decorated with the comfort of modernity. Rooms are all adorned with Arabian culture and ornaments, leaving you with 1001 memories to reminisce about. The outdoor pool resembles an oasis, where the dwellers of the desert can relax and enjoy the sun.
      Mysk Al Badayer offers a traditional culinary experience, can you tell us more about how this has been carefully curated?
      Mysk Al Badayer Retreat will offer a traditional culinary experience for in-house guests as well as non-residents. Al Madam Restaurant is characterised by a contemporary design and interpretation of a modern-day eatery with elements of local charm. Al Madam offers a buffet breakfast, either buffet or set menu for lunch and dinner, and an à la carte menu covering international and regional fare. We also have a separate area upstairs, perfect for group seating with tailored menus as per choice, mainly for leisure or MICE groups.
      What main aspects constantly draw customers back to the property?
      The personal touch. We are a boutique retreat, where every individual guest is personally taken care by our trained staff. Due to the small size of our inventory, we are able to focus on personalised services and guest experiences. Each tent is also equipped with a Morafik that takes care of the guest’s needs 24/7 and it adds up to the overall oasis experience. The professionalism of the staff, their care and attention to detail, and the diversified and handcrafted Mysk Guest experiences are what usually attract customers to come back over and over to the property.
      The property offers a host of adrenaline-fuelled activities. Could you tell us more?
      Mysk Al Badayer retreat is created as a melting point for heritage, culture and adventure. It offers a lot for adventurers. Spend the day lounging as you enjoy the sun on your skin or go on an adrenaline-fueled adventure exploring the desert’s gems with desert safaris, quad biking, sand boarding, dune bashing, stargazing and falconry displays. Take a stroll along the golden glistening sand as it mystically sets on your vibrant energy with every footprint engraved along its path or go for a hiking trail through the mystique fossil rocks of Al Faya. Mysk Al Badayer has all the possibilities to encounter a raw desert at its fullest forms.

      From stargazing to Archery, guests have more than enough to do on the property. What are some of the upcoming activities in the next few months?
      We are enhancing the movie under the stars experience while adding more exposure to the zorb ball activity in the retreat and expanding on more Arabian journeys to allow our guests to be fully immersed in the desert experience. We are focusing on more desert F&B experiences as well such as afternoon tea by the dunes, romantic dinner surrounded by the dunes, outdoor pool special menu crafted for a day of fun.
      How is Sharjah developing as a hub for tourism?
      Sharjah has a unique place in the tourism landscape of the UAE. Sharjah got a great story to talk about heritage, arts, culture and nature. With the recent tourism infrastructure development rolled out under the vision of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Sharjah has attained many milestones in the tourism receipts to the emirates. Under the management of Shurooq and similar government-supported organization, many touristic destinations have been opened to the public, to experience the diversity of art, culture, heritage and nature that Sharjah has to offer. Sharjah Collection by Mysk, needless to say, has placed Sharjah on the luxury travel map with its unique experiential retreats and offerings
      How has the hospitality industry evolved since COVID-19?
      Hospitality has seen a significant change in its approach, both from the providers and the guests. Hotels have embraced new technologies in guest experiences like digital menus, touchless entries and customer engagement and have seen the power of Data and AI in terms of CRM, distribution systems and revenue management. From a consumer point of view, guests shifted their primary preferences to safety, privacy and exclusivity. The guests were ready to pay a premium for these factors and were cautious about the safety and hygiene features each hotel has to offer. Our retreats have performed exceptionally well during this time as our offering is matching the privacy, serenity, and far from the madding crowd attributes requested by the guests.
      You have guests from around the globe. How do you ensure a unique experience for each guest?
      The retreats are designed around guest experiences and a tailored customer journey. From the time a guest gets inspired and books our retreats, a well-defined customer journey has been curated for every single guest based on their choices and preferences. We use the power of technologies in gathering these data, and also through our trained Morafiks, who accompany the guests on this journey. We enrich their stay with memorable experiences and those little surprises which ensure their repeat visits. All these are handcrafted guest experiences, knitted through our customer knowledge, and get evolved from guest-to-guest engagements.
      To make a booking visit myskhotels.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      UAE to launch new tech-driven Emirati passport next month

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      The UAE will introduce a new generation of Emirati passports from next month.
      With innovation at the forefront, the new version of passports, which will launch on September 1, 2022, will feature technical specifications to promote security and safety for international travel.
      Launched as part of the national ID card project that began in June 2021, this change is all set to enhance the UAE’s international competitiveness on a global scale and reduce the attempts of forgery with its detail-oriented identification page.
      Per the state news agency WAM, these changes are in line with the directions of the wise leadership to consolidate the movement toward a smart government in the UAE.
      The latest features include a fine security thread, decorative carvings with highly complicated spectrums, photographs printed with advanced security features, a holographic logo for authenticity, a refined three-dimensional intaglio showcasing the date of birth and a watermark with the UAE emblem.
      To reduce any external damages, polycarbonate is used instead of paper due to its thickness and increased quality for specialised printing.

      The new generation of the UAE Passport.@MoFAICUAE____#IdentityCitizenshipCustomsAndPortSecurity #UAEPassport pic.twitter.com/TSg6X4gnUw
      — Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 11, 2022

      “The project aims to enhance the flexibility of doing business related to individuals in various institutions of the UAE, in order to improve the quality of life and provide a travel experience that strengthens the leading position of the UAE,” the chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, Ali Muhammad Al Shamsi, said.
      With the UAE’s strong ranking on the global map, per the Henley Passport Index for 2022, making it the highest in the Arab world, such changes are a step further to strengthen its position on the list.
      All Emirati passport holders will also need to verify the validity of their documents for a period of no less than six months before they travel with the possibility of issuing passports while being abroad through the UAE.
      Passports for holders of the previous generations are still considered valid until their next expiry date approaches for renewal. The new generation passport can be applied for once there is a six months validity left on the current passport.
      The Emirati passport can be renewed through the website or the UAEICP smart application.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More