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      An insight into the rise of cinemas in Saudi Arabia

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      Since the 1980s, cinemas had been banned in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the better part of four decades.
      However, this all changed in 2018. It was announced by the General Commission for Audio-visual Media that the ban would be lifted on cinemas in Saudi Arabia and since then the country has embarked on a new mission to promote culture and entertainment.
      Now, four years on, it appears cinema has become a focal entertainment point in the Kingdom. In a recent report published by the Saudi Press Agency, there have been over 30 million ticket sales in cinemas in the last four years, with around 1,144 films shown, including 22 Saudi films across 56 theatres.
      With the news came a larger scope of employment in the country, giving 4,439 young Saudi men and women the opportunity to work in the media market.
      Regarded as “a billion-dollar opportunity”, the 35-year ban uplift came with several perks such as forecasting the Kingdom’s cinema box office market to be USD 950 million in 2030, per PWC.
      The rule change came to be in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 vision: “A strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism.”

      As cinemas continue to be an important sector for increasing investment and improving expansion, the country has already established itself as an emerging market to watch. To support the growing industry, the second edition of The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) is set to run from December 1 to 10, 2022 in Jeddah.
      “At Expo 2020 Dubai, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion also celebrated several cultural sectors of the Kingdom. Visitors had an opportunity to watch a number of Saudi films under the cultural program ’16 Windows’ that reflected the country’s creativity and talent in a completely new light,” as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
      With the film industry now booming in the Kingdom, more cinemas are set to open to enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the global map.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @tima-miroshnichenko More

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      Instagram post of a Saudi man allegedly offering to marry Amber Heard goes viral

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      3 hours ago

      In the wake of Johnny Depp’s court victory against ex-wife Amber Heard, an Instagram post has gone viral of a Saudi man allegedly offering to marry the actress.
      The post was made by an Arab pop culture Instagram account with over two million followers with the username @q8_xp.
      The alleged voice note by a man from Saudi Arabia appears to have been leaked. The man is heard saying in Arabic he would marry her, also referring to her ex-husband Depp as “that old man”.
      “Amber… since all doors are closing on you, you have no one except me to take care of you,” he says in the apparent voice note. “I’ve noticed that some people hate and bully you, therefore, I decided to marry you.”
      He continues: “You are a blessing but people don’t appreciate that. I am better than that old man.”

      Since being posted by the account, the message has gone viral with over 240,000 views. However, it’s unclear how the post was leaked and if it’s even 100 per cent real. Regardless, it’s certainly given many some entertainment in the wake of the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial.
      The Verdict
      After a seven-week court battle between Depp and heard, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, the jury found Heard guilty of all three counts of defamation following the publishing of her Washington Post article.
      The judge ordered Heard to pay her ex-husband a total of $15 million in damages – $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
      Meanwhile, Depp was found guilty of one count of defamation and has been ordered to pay $2 million in compensatory damages to his ex-wife.
      Depp sued Heard, his ex-wife, for $50 million over an op-ed she wrote back in 2018 for the Washington Post claiming she was a domestic abuse victim. The article did not directly name Depp as the individual, but it was implied given the timing of the story following the couple’s divorce. Depp claimed this cost him a number of high-profile roles in moves, thus affecting his income. Heard countersued her ex-husband, whom she was married to from 2015 to 2017, for $100 million for accusing her of making false allegations.
      Following the verdict, Depp issued a statement saying he was keen to start the next chapter of his life, also adding that the “truth never perishes”.
      Meanwhile, following the verdict, Heard shared her “disappointment” over the ruling saying she was “heartbroken”.
      According to the BBC, Heard plans to appeal the decision.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Getty More

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      Everything to know about the cast of the Real Housewives of Dubai

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      The Real Housewives of Dubai has officially landed.
      The newest instalment of one of the most drama-fuelled reality franchises, premiered on Bravo TV in the US on June 1 and June 2 in the Middle East on OSN+ highlighting Dubai and all its glamour.
      While the premiere highlighted Dubai in all of its glamour, it begs the question: how much do we all really know about these leading ladies?
      Get to know the six key protagonists of the show – Caroline Stanbury, Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Madani, Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan – below.
      Caroline Stanbury

      Known for living life unapologetically, Caroline Stanbury has nothing less than a lavish life in this concrete jungle with her husband, former Real Madrid player Sergio Carrallo.  she certainly shows her hawk-eyed fans, that one can fall in love once again, especially after her divorce. With an international presence, Stanbury previously starred in three seasons of Ladies of London and is a podcast host on the series Divorced Not Dead. The star was previously married to Turkish financier Cem Habib, with whom she has three children. As a brave-hearted woman with a strong personality, she’s sure to bring some enticing drama to the table.
      Caroline Brooks

      Caroline Brooks is a proud first-generation American and Afro-Latina. Regarded as a real-estate guru, she’s self-made, driven and only focused on achieving more. Originally from Newton, Massachusetts, Brooks has made Dubai her home for the last 11 years and has lived a life nothing less than luxurious ever since. As her journey was filled with challenges, she had to work herself up after being left with nothing from her divorce. Her experiences have made her a woman of grit and she’s certainly a force to be reckoned with.
      Dr. Sara Al Madani

      This Emirati entrepreneur and public speaker is a combination of both modern and traditional. Having started her business at an early age, Dr Sara Al Madani has made a mark in the UAE as the youngest board member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, a renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur. With her forward-thinking approach to life, she’s on a mission to break the cultural barrier and social stigma that surrounds single working women who can balance both their personal lives and career.
      Nina Ali

      Nina Ali is a well-known content creator in the Middle East. Originally hailing from Lebanon, Ali lived in the USA with her husband, Munaf Ali, before relocating to Dubai together. Known as Lipstick Mommy on Instagram, the mum-of-three is consistently sharing her daily life with her 521,000 followers.
      Chanel Ayan

      As the first Kenyan origin model from the UAE, Chanel Ayan has been featured in a host of beauty and fashion campaigns in the Middle East. Ayan has been modelling since the age of 18 and has worked with a host of luxe fashion brands throughout the years including Rami Al Ali, Valentino, Tiffany & Co. and more. She continues to wear many hats, which include being a mum, owning her own makeup brand, running a talent agency and now will soon add reality TV star to the mix.
      Lesa Milan

      Lesa Milan is a fashion designer and entrepreneur who has been living in Dubai with her husband and three sons for many years. She has previously won the title of Miss Jamaica in 2010. By balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Milan proves that everything is possible. As a high-maintenance woman and an over-achiever, we’re eager to see how she fits into the show.
      So mark your calendars, as this popular reality TV show airs on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, on Bravo TV.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied/Instagram More

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      Johnny Depp issues touching statement following Amber Heard victory

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      For the past seven weeks, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have been embroiled in a civil lawsuit against one another.
      The case took place in Fairfax County, Virginia where Depp sued Heard, his ex-wife, for $50 million over an op-ed she wrote back in 2018 for The Washington Post claiming she was a domestic abuse victim. The article did not directly name Depp as the individual, but it was implied given the timing of the story following the couple’s divorce. Depp claimed this cost him a number of high-profile roles in moves, thus affecting his income.
      Meanwhile, Heard countersued her ex-husband, whom she was married to from 2015 to 2017, for $100 million for accusing her of making false allegations.
      Over the past few weeks, private matters between Depp and Heard have been laid bare for public consumption as the civil suit has caused a media storm around the globe.

      The Verdict
      On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, the jury found Heard guilty of all three counts of defamation following the publishing of her Washington Post article. The judge ordered Heard to pay her ex-husband a total of $15 million in damages – $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
      Meanwhile, Depp was found guilty of one count of defamation and has been ordered to pay $2 million in compensatory damages to his ex-wife.
      Johnny Depp’s statement

      Following his civil lawsuit victory, Depp issued a heartfelt statement of what has ensued in his life over the past six years and said he was ready for a “new chapter”.
      Read his full statement below.
      “Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people, who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. All in the blink of an eye.
      “False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me. It had already travelled around the world twice within a nanosecond and it had a seismic impact on my life and career.
      “And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled. My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought.
      “From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me.I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that. I am, and have been, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and the colossal support and kindness from around the world.
      “I hope that my quest to have the truth be told will have helped others, men or women, who have found themselves in my situation, and that those supporting them never give up. I also hope that the position will now return to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media.
      “I wish to acknowledge the noble work of the Judge, the jurors, the court staff & the Sheriffs who have sacrificed their own time to get to this point, & to my diligent & unwavering legal team who did an extraordinary job in helping me to share the truth.
      “The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. Veritas numquam perit. Truth never perishes.”
      Amber Heard’s statement

      However, following the verdict, Heard shared her “disappointment” over the ruling saying she was “heartbroken”.
      “The disappointment I feel today is beyond words,” she said in a statement. “I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.
      “I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.”
      According to the BBC, Heard plans to appeal the decision.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Getty More

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      Here’s where you can watch the Real Housewives of Dubai in the UAE

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      After months of build-up and anticipation, The Real Housewives of Dubai is set to officially premiere this week.
      It was announced by Bravo TV back in late 2022 that this would be the first international version of the Real Housewives franchise produced by the network themselves.
      While the show is set to air in the US on Bravo, not to worry, we’re also going to be able to watch it right here in the UAE.
      Where can I watch the Real Housewives of Dubai in the UAE?
      The Real Housewives of Dubai will be streamed exclusively in the MENA region on OSN+, with the new episodes being dropped weekly on the platform.
      The first season of the Dubai instalment of the show will air at the same time as the US.
      [embedded content]
      When does the show premiere?
      The show is set to premiere later this week on June 1, 2022 in the US and June 2, 2022 on OSN+ in the Middle East.
      The first teaser for the show was released back in April and the first full-length trailer was released a few weeks ago.
      Who are the Real Housewives of Dubai?
      Taking centre stage in the Real Housewives of Dubai is Caroline Stanbury, who previously starred in the Bravo-produced show Ladies of London.
      Starring alongside the reality television alum is beauty entrepreneur Caroline Brooks; luxury lifestyle content creator Nina Ali; Dubai’s first black supermodel Chanel Ayan; fashion designer Lesa Milan; and Emirati-Bahraini entrepreneur Dr Sara Al Madani.
      OSN+ is available to download across all iOS and Android devices for only $9.50 USD per month, with a complimentary seven-day trial.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Justin Bieber is set to perform in Dubai later this year

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      1 minute ago

      Dubai-based Beliebers get excited – pop superstar Justin Bieber is set to perform in the emirate later this year.
      It was announced on Tuesday the singer would be adding Dubai as a stop on his upcoming Justice World Tour.
      Bieber will perform at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai on October 8, 2022, just one of the stops on his 125-show tour which will run from February 2022 to March 2023 across 30 different countries.
      It’s set to be Bieber’s third visit to the UAE and fourth performance overall in the emirate.
      Thomas Oversen, the owner of T.O.P Entertainment, described the announcement of Bieber coming to Dubai as a “real treat”.
      “The UAE hasn’t seen shows of this size and scale since pre-pandemic and I can guarantee everyone is in for a real treat – the production is world-class and there is no doubt Justin is at the very top of his game right now,” he said. “The ticket sales worldwide speak for themselves!”
      How can you get tickets?
      We’re sure the biggest question on your mind is when, where and how can you get tickets?
      Tickets for the highly-anticipated concert are set to go on pre-sale at 10am on May 26, 2022 and general tickets will go on sale on May 27.
      Visit coca-cola-arena.com to register for the pre-sale.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Justin Bieber Instagram  More

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      Real Housewives of Dubai teaser sparks criticism in the UAE

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      5 hours ago

      The Real Housewives of Dubai trailer has sparked controversy in the region.
      Following the release of the full-length trailer last week, some have spoken out condemning the show, highlighting that it does not accurately represent the emirate of Dubai.
      Leading the conversation surrounding the criticism of The Real Housewives of Dubai is Emirati commentator Majid Alamry.
      Last week he took to Instagram to share a video with his 86.6k followers denouncing the show in its entirety saying that it “does not represent Dubai”.
      “The housewives of my country are our mothers, our sisters, our daughters,” he said in his video. “They are the backbone in helping give our children the proper upbringing.”

      However, he described the ‘housewives’ in the show as “women using the nastiest language you can ever think of and they’re presenting themselves as gold diggers”.
      Alamry went on to explain that while the UAE is “a tolerant country… that does not mean that other can walk all over our morals and values”.
      Since posting the video, Alamry has garnered over 260,000 views, over 10,000 likes and over 1,000 comments, with many sharing a similar sentiment to him.
      Popular fashion content creator Fatma Husam commented saying, “Thank you for speaking our thoughts.”
      Meanwhile, others commented saying Alamry’s words were “well said” and they “fully agree” with his statements.
      The first international instalment of the Real Housewives franchise was announced back in November and is set to premiere on June 1, 2022 on Bravo TV.
      The reality show is set to follow the lives of Dubai residents Caroline Stanbury, Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Madani, Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images/Media: Instagram  More

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      Watch: The Real Housewives of Dubai first full trailer unveils a lot of drama

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      May 18, 2022

      It’s just a few weeks until the premiere of The Real Housewives of Dubai and to up the anticipation, the first full-length trailer has dropped.
      Following the lives of Dubai residents, Caroline Stanbury, Caroline Brooks, Sara Al Madani, Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan, it appears the first international version of the franchise is set to deliver in the entertainment and drama departments.
      In fact, according to the franchise’s executive producer Andy Cohen there’s a lot that will be seen that many “didn’t expect to see in Dubai”.
      “I think people are going to be very surprised how much Dubai plays into things and the rules of Dubai and what’s allowed for women there and what’s not, and I think it’s going to blow a lot of stereotypes out of the water,” he recently told Entertainment Tonight. “You’re going to see a lot of things that you didn’t expect to see in Dubai.”
      While a teaser was released at the beginning of last month, the newest trailer gives fans more of an insight into what to expect from The Real Housewives of Dubai.
      From arguments to lavish dinners to weddings, to fashion shows and more, there’s a lot to digest from the three-minute trailer. So, here’s what stood out to us.
      [embedded content]
      Drama, drama, drama
      As with any of the Real Housewives franchises, the drama is set to come in its masses. From relationship woes to gossiping to friendship fallouts, we can’t wait to see it all unfold on-screen. 
      Luxury & lavish lives take centre stage
      All of the Real Housewives series’ are known for showcasing the opulent lives of the protagonists and Dubai will be no different.
      Branded the ‘City of Gold’ by Bravo, the trailer shows a scene where housewife Nina Ali is shocked by a license plate selling for Dhs33 million.
      You’ll see some iconic Dubai hotspots

      For those who know Dubai, it’ll be fun to see which hotspots the franchise has chosen to film at. So far in the trailer, we’ve seen the housewives dining at the Palazzo Versace Hotel and the world’s largest observation wheel Ain Dubai. The cast also parties at Miss Lily’s and takes part in a photoshoot in the desert with camels.
      The women aren’t playing games
      It’s clear all of The Real Housewives of Dubai protagonists are booked and busy. In the trailer, entrepreneur Caroline Brooks discusses her new venture with her fellow castmate – which interestingly has input from two of her exes – and Lesa Milan is seen going through the motions of hosting her first fashion show.
      As Caroline Stanbury says in the trailer: “In Dubai, women are far from submissive. Most of the women are running this town.”
      Things get real

      While there’s a huge amount of glamour in the trailer, things are also set to get real and personal with the housewives. Chanel Ayan opens up about finding love and Nina Ali breaks down in tears with her cast members.
      There’s wedding bells

      Fans are set to get a look inside Caroline Stanbury’s lavish wedding to Sergio José Carrallo Pendás which took place back in December at Raffles The Palm Dubai.
      Well-known faces appear

      Some well-known faces from the Real Housewives are set to appear in the first international edition of the franchise. In the trailer we see Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks sitting down for a catch-up with Caroline Brooks.
      “Give me the tea, honey, I’m very thirsty today,” she says.
      Just like Parks, we cannot wait to see and hear about all of The Real Housewives of Dubai tea.
      The show is set to premiere on June 1, 2022. 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images/Media: Bravo TV Instagram/YouTube More