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    Major milestone: Official approval granted for common GCC tourism visa

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    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 hour ago

    In a groundbreaking move, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have given the green light to a revolutionary GCC tourism visa, reminiscent of the Schengen model.
    This momentous decision was announced by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during a gathering of regional interior ministers at the GCC summit in Muscat, Oman, on November 8.
    Emphasizing the significance of this new visa, the Secretary General hailed it as a remarkable achievement for the region. He also stressed the need for the timely implementation of the GCC tourist visa within a specific timeframe.
    A recent statement by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, indicated that the unified tourism visa could become a reality by 2025. The minister explained that the rollout would be contingent upon the development of specific regulations and legislation. If all internal systems of the participating countries are prepared, the launch is anticipated between 2024 and 2025.

    | “أقرَّ أصحاب المعالي والسمو مواضيع هامة أبرزها:١- التأشيرة السياحية الخليجية الموحدة.٢- ربط المخالفات المرورية إلكترونيًا بين دول المجلس.٣- إعداد استراتيجية شاملة لمكافحة المخدرات.”
    |بيان الأمين العام معالي جاسم البديوي عقب الاجتماع الـ40 لأصحاب السمو والمعالي وزراء… pic.twitter.com/zo8OFXAs03
    — Hala FM | هلا أف أم (@Halafmradio) November 8, 2023

    The introduction of a GCC common tourism visa is set to revolutionize travel in the region. Once operational, visitors can utilize a single tourism visa to explore all six GCC states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
    This visionary initiative aligns with the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, aiming to boost the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP by fostering increased inter-GCC travel and raising hotel occupancy rates. The ultimate goal is to position the GCC as a premier global destination for both regional and international tourists, as articulated by the UAE Minister.
    The UAE’s Minister of Economy highlighted that this tourism visa is not only a simplification of travel logistics but also a catalyst for an upsurge in tourism across the region.
    This strategic move is poised to make regional travel more accessible and attractive within the next two years.
    For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: Feature Image: @visitdubai More

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      GCC nations set to unveil unified tourist visa by 2024-25

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      3 hours ago

      In a significant development for tourism in the GCC region, the UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri, has disclosed plans to introduce a unified Gulf tourist visa within the next two years. This visa will grant travelers access to all six GCC countries.
      The decision to launch this unified visa was unanimously agreed upon during the seventh meeting of GCC tourism ministers, which took place in Oman earlier this month. While the specifics and legislation for this initiative are yet to be finalized, the expected implementation timeframe is set between 2024 and 2025, contingent on the readiness of each GCC member state’s internal systems.
      Minister Al-Marri has also revealed that the UAE is gearing up to welcome international tourists in the wake of the unified visa’s introduction. Simultaneously, the UAE is diligently crafting a tourism route connecting its seven emirates.

      #GCC unified tourist visa to be introduced between 2024 and 2025: Al Marri tells WAM #WamNews https://t.co/K43AJqU080 pic.twitter.com/BYeSCKX3je
      — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) October 23, 2023

      Emphasizing the broader vision, Minister Al-Marri told Emirates News Agency (WAM), “This initiative is an integral component of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, aimed at increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP by fostering inter-GCC travel and bolstering hotel occupancy rates, thereby positioning the GCC as a premier global destination for both regional and international tourists.”
      Currently, the tourism sector contributes 14 percent to the UAE’s GDP, and the goal is to elevate this figure to 18 percent, aligning with the nation’s strategic tourism objectives.
      Furthermore, the GCC countries’ joint tourism strategy for the period 2023-2030 targets an annual increase of 7 percent in inbound travel to the region. Notably, the number of visitors to GCC countries surged to 39.8 million in the previous year, marking a remarkable 136.6 percent increase over 2021.
      With a single visa, tourists will gain the opportunity to explore the six-member Gulf bloc, which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. According to Minister Al-Marri, the visa is on track for implementation in 2024 or 2025, pending the finalization of regulations and procedures.
      This forward-looking step mirrors the aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s 2030 strategy, which seeks to heighten the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      New Schengen-style visa for GCC countries will ease travel across the region

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      31 mins ago

      The Schengen-style approach will allow travellers to roam across all GCC countries in a hassle-free manner.
      Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. After this change is implemented, tourists from across the globe can plan a trip to all these countries without worrying about multiple visas.

      The important announcement came under light at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Bahrain said,”We see that happening very soon because we see people flying from abroad to Europe usually spending their time in several countries rather than in one country. We really saw the value this can bring not to each country but all of us.”
      Pointing to last year’s FIFA World Cup as a successful “test pilot” in terms of GCC collaboration, she further added, “We have huge opportunity, the effort is in how to unify all the countries in the GCC. We had 9.9 million visitors in 2022. How? There was one key initiative that year, we started to co-promote Bahrain as a unified destination with the GCC.

      With tourism becoming a major money-making arm across GCC, this initiative will further accelerate the revenue that travellers bring in.
      While there is yet to be an announcement about the offical implementation and the timeline, but so far, this unified effort feels like a step in the right direction.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      8 of best restaurants to visit in Kuwait

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Be it a romantic hotspot or a luxe fine-dining eatery, Kuwait’s F&B scene is gradually growing with some of our favourite restaurants set to open later this year (Hint: Roka).
      For all the food lovers out there, Emirates Woman has curated a guide with all the best restaurants to dine in Kuwait along with an upscale Japanese haven that is all set to make its mark in the country.
      White Robata

      With Robata being the short form for Robatayaki, the Japanese term describing a method of cooking, similar to barbecue, where food items are slow-grilled over hot charcoal. While offering a minimal take on the world of Japanese culinary, White Robata serves a delicious array of flavours in each innovative dish, which is sure to leave you wanting for more. Located at Sheikh Jabel Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, it’s open daily from 1pm to 11pm.
      For more information visit whiterobata.com
      Al Noukhaza Seafood Restaurant

      Presenting seafood in a tasteful manner, Al Noukhaza Seafood Restaurant is located at Crown Plaza Kuwait with a distinctively nautical theme for guests to enjoy in the perfect atmosphere. From a mouth-watering buffet to different regional and international specialties, diners are offered fresh seafood in the perfect environment, presented in a luxurious buffet setting. With assorted shellfish, live lobster and other delicacies offered, guests have a plethora of dishes to choose from on their next visit.
      Tatami Restaurant

      Where craftsmanship meets flavour, the unique elements of Haute Japanese cooking alongside classic favourites is offered to create an intense dining experience unlike ever before. Served in a modern atmosphere with authentic stylings, the Japanese tradition of warm and respectful hospitality is followed closely at Tatami. Located at Shayma’a Tower, Sharq in Kuwait City and Dhai Complex Al Bidaa, it’s open from Sunday to Saturday 12pm to 11pm.
      For more information visit ordertatami.com
      Dar Hamad

      Bringing an authentic Kuwaiti experience to the table, Dar Hamad draws inspiration from Kuwait’s golden era of the ’70s. With an element of gastronomic flair being brought to the table, guests can also witness the refurbishment by local designer Hamad Alsaab who’s made the restaurant into an architectural landmark. Establishing it as a centuries-old landmark, the restaurant is housed in a large old house by the sea as it’s owned by the Kuwaiti family, making it one of the most picturesque restaurants in Kuwait. Located in Salmiya, it’s open daily from 8am to 11:30 pm.
      For more information visit orderdarhamad.com
      Al Boom Steak & Seafood Restaurant

      Known for its traditional fine dining experience with an ornate ambiance, Al Boom Steak & Seafood restaurant offers a historic wooden dhow journey for guests to embark on this culinary experience to savour. Located at the Radisson Blu hotel, it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, 2pm to 11pm.
      For more information visit radissonhotels.com
      Dai Forno

      From wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta and an espresso with friends or colleagues at this intimate, indoor-outdoor Italian restaurant, located on the top floor, Dai Forno is definitely a place to visit. Located at the Four Seasons hotel Kuwait, It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday 6pm to 11pm for guests to enjoy with glistening views of the city.
      For more information visit fourseasons.com
      Kei Restaurant

      Bringing authentic Japanese flavours to the table, Kei Restaurant features elements such as the sushi bar, teppanyaki grill counter and a la carte dining with time-honoured favourites such as a variety of contemporary sushi and modern preparations. Having established itself in Kuwait in 1981, it has been serving high-quality authentic cuisine since then. Located in JW Marriot hotel it’s open daily from 12pm to 11pm.
      For more information visit kei-restaurant.com
      OVO

      Bringing something new to the culinary world in Kuwait, Ovo offers its audience an elevated vegan and vegetarian menu which serves authentic flavours with dishes that delight the senses and feed the soul. Founded by Amal Chahine and combined with her passion for travelling, this dining experience makes it an unforgettable one for all its guests. Located at Bneid Al Gar, Al Massaleh East building it’s open from Monday to Saturday 12pm to 10:30pm.
      For more information visit ovo.com.kw
      Soon to open
      Roka

      With this globally-renowned restaurant already having made a mark for itself in the culinary world. Roka is all set to open its doors in Kuwait this year, after its received tremendous success in London and more recently in Dubai. Arriving in Kuwait’s first Waldorf Astoria, this robatayaki cuisine packed with flavoursome dishes, is beyond delicious and Roka is all set to make its imprint in Kuwait soon.
      For more information visit rokarestaurant.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied/Instagram, Feature image: Instagram @fskuwait More

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      MENA’s 50 best 2023: Find out the top restaurants on the list

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      23 mins ago

      The region is never short of delectable havens and MENA’s 50 best has proved it.
      Last night, VIP guests attended the grand reveal for the MENA’S top 50 best restaurants in the region, hosted in the UAE’s capital in Conrad, Abu Dhabi.
      Chosen by a panel of 250 anonymous voters, seven restaurants were selected by each panelist from across the region, to release the second MENA list by the World’s 50 Best groups. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, the event was hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism to champion winners from 14 different cities across the MENA region.

      From the complete list, 19 restaurants out of 50 are in the UAE, making this an unmissable moment for the country as its overall success is portrayed in the culinary world.
      Taking the lead this year is the famous dining bistro situated in the heart of Wasl 51. Founded by a trio of talented brothers, Orfali Bros is known for its creative dishes, that all come by pushing the boundaries of traditional cooking through their art of storytelling.
      To see the full list, scroll below
      1. Orfali Bros Bistro, Dubai, UAE2. Tresind Studio, Dubai, UAE3. Fusions by Tala, Manama, Bahrain (also named Best Restaurant in Bahrain and won Highest Climber Award)4. Ossiano, Dubai, UAE (also won the Highest New Entry Award)5. 3 Fils, Dubai, UAE6. George & John, Tel Aviv, Israel (also named Best Restaurant in Israel)7. Kinoya, Dubai, UAE8. Fakhreldin, Amman, Jordan (also named Best Restaurant in Jordan)9. Zooba, Cairo, Egypt (also named Best Restaurant in Egypt)10. Moonrise, Dubai, UAE11. Reif Kushiyaki, Dubai, UAE12. Kazoku, Cairo, Egypt13. Zuma, Dubai, UAE14. OCD, Tel Aviv, Israel (also won the Sustainable Restaurant Award)15. Lowe, Dubai, UAE16. Baron, Beirut, Lebanon (also named Best Restaurant in Lebanon)17. Gaia, Dubai, UAE18. Myazu, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also named Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia)19. Tawlet Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon20. Em Sherif, Beirut, Lebanon (also won the Art of Hospitality Award)21. LPM, Dubai, UAE22. Sachi, Giza, Egypt23. Marble, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia24. A by Yuval Ben Neriah, Tel Aviv, Israel25. CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Manama, Bahrain26. Hoseki, Dubai, UAE27. La Grande Table Marocain, Marrakech, Morocco (also named Best Restaurant in Morocco)28. Coya, Dubai, UAE29. Shams El Balad, Amman, Jordan30. Sachi, Cairo, Egypt31. Masso, Manama, Bahrain32. Animar, Tel Aviv, Israel33. Coya, Abu Dhabi, UAE34. La Closerie, Tunis, Tunisia (also named Best Restaurant in Tunisia)35. 11 Woodfire, Dubai, UAE36. Sufra, Amman, Jordan37. Iloli, Casablanca, Morocco38. LPM, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia39. Sesamo, Marrakech, Morocco40. Milgo Milbar, Tel Aviv, Israel41. Alee, Amman, Jordan42. White Robata, Kuwait City, Kuwait (also named Best Restaurant in Kuwait)43. Zuma, Abu Dhabi, UAE44. Jun’s, Dubai, UAE45. Reif Kushiyaki, Cairo, Egypt46. +61, Marrakech, Morocco47. 13C Bar in the Back, Amman, Jordan48. HaBasta, Tel Aviv, Israel49. Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi, UAE50. Bonjiri, Salmiya, Kuwait
      – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Instagram
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      7 inspiring Kuwaiti women who are having a big impact on the world

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      9 hours ago

      We shine a light on Kuwaiti women making a big impact.
      Also read: 9 inspiring Saudi women who have made an impact on the world
      Her Highness Sheikha Intisar AlSabah

      A member of the royal family, Her Highness Sheikha Intisar Salem Al Ali AlSabah is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, author, film producer, columnist and more. She’s an inspiration to many while empowering Arab women who’s at the forefront of her decision-making. She’s also the founder of Alnowair which is a positivity initiative and a non-profit initiative considered to be her biggest contribution to date to her beloved country.
      Montaha Al-Ajeel

      The Kuwaiti fashion designer made her first break-through in Paris Fashion week leading her to international acclaim. Within a few years of creating high quality haute couture dresses, she’s won a number of prestigious awards in the Arab world and has become a role model in her own unique way.
      HRH Sheikha Bashayer Al Sabah-Arab

      Her Highness is a successful businesswoman and the honorary president of the Arab Fashion Council in Kuwait while also being passionate about charities of all kinds. Known for her entrepreneurial flair, she’s become a social media success and a lifestyle icon for many.
      Noor Al Qatami

      Having lived in the USA for a number of years, Noor Al-Qatami is the founder of Saveco which opened its first grand store in 2014, becoming a hit in the Kuwaiti market. With a high-quality mega-market that mimics grocery shopping experiences that she had in the USA, the concept was born. Over the years the concept has expanded across Kuwait.
      Rana Al-Nibari

      Rana Al-Nibari is the General Manager of The Scientific Center in Kuwait, an institution that aims to promote science and environmental education and foster increased understanding towards a more sustainable future for Kuwait. Rana has long worked towards empowering youth in Kuwait for a better tomorrow, previously serving as CEO of Injaz-Kuwait, a non-profit organization for education and training in workforce readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
      Sheikha Majda Al Sabah

      Born in Kuwait, Sheikha Majda Al Sabah was raised with the mindset to chase her dreams, work hard and achieve them. While establishing herself as a beauty entrepreneur and philanthropist in 2007, she also set up the ASAP initiative, which is a private campaign committed to increasing mental health awareness and to destigmatise mental health in the region.
      Noor Bin Eidan

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      October’s – The Pioneer Issue with Nora, Sarah & Dana Al Ramadhan

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      Fashion

      by Amy Sessions
      2 hours ago

      Creative Direction: Daniel Robinson & Amy SessionsPhotographer: Žiga MihelčičProduction: Olivia MorrisFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephMakeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska & Karolina Kurovicka by MMGCover Stars: Sarah, Nora and Dana Al RamadhanLocation with special thanks to Nikki Beach Resort & SpaAll Fashion Ounass & Bouguessa
      Welcome to The Pioneer Issue.
      For our cover, we are very proud to have three incredible women, not only sisters but business partners who are changing the landscape of commerce in the beauty space.
      Nora, Sarah and Dana Al Ramadhan, Co-Founders of Apotheca Beauty tell us what it takes to rethink how you approach an industry and build a brand that pioneers a new direction allwhile upholding a quality over quantity mentality in The Pioneering Beauty Empire.

      Thinking outside the box is something those we feature in this issue have in common from Mary Alice Malone, founder and creative director of Malone Souliers in A Distinctive Aesthetic, founder of Aubade, Duha Al Ramadhan in Careful Curation and Caterina Ercoli, Head of Buying at Level Shoes in Delivering Growth.
      Beauty-wise, we look at the dramatic effects NAD can have on anti-ageing in The Fountain of Youth, we speak to Lucy Goff, Co-Founder of LYMA on the first medical-grade laser to launch to market in The Game Changer and we compile the latest tech you can harness in terms of pioneering light therapy to elevate your skin in The Edit.
      In The Wanderlust on page 142, we unveil the most unusual places to visit for the pioneers at heart. Go on – take the leap!
      October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Watch: Incredible time lapse shows Kuwait become engulfed in huge dust storm

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      On Monday, all flights were grounded in Kuwait due to a huge dust storm which engulfed the country.
      Kuwait City was coated in a thick orange haze which, according to Kuwait’s State News Agency KUNA, the storm swept across the country and saw winds exceed 60 kilometres per hour and also led visibility to decrease to less than 500 metres in some parts.
      One individual managed to capture an incredible time-lapse of the entire storm engulfing an area of the country.

      In the footage, which has been making the rounds on social media, a huge dust cloud is seen in the background and slowly as the timelapse continues it edges closer to the city.
      During the 30 second clip, the storm charges towards the coastal area of Kuwait and completely engulfs the skyline, with only an orange hue to be seen on camera.
      While all commercial flights were grounded on Monday, they were rescheduled after the storm had passed.
      The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology has warned the storm could hit western parts of the country.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images/Media: Instagram  More