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    The ultimate edit of unmissable dine-in Iftar deals in Dubai

    With Dubai being the reigning food haven, there’s a wide variety of delectable food offers in the emirate that can be enjoyed when you dine-in with your friends and family.As we approach Ramadan, Emirates Woman has curated an exceptional edit of the best Iftar deals at the very best restaurants in Dubai.Bella Restaurant & LoungeWith a delicious spread of Antipasta’s, Piatto Unico and Dolce’s, Bella is offering the perfect amalgamation of Middle Eastern flavours presented in an exotic manner, such as Baba Gunush served with pilaf, hummus with chickpea, camel milk ice cream and much more. Priced at Dhs250 per person, this Ramadan menu at Bella is available daily from sunset till 1am at Grand Millennium Hotel in Business Bay.For more information visit belladxb.comCÉ LA VIBreak your fast in style with picturesque views of Dubai’s skyline including mouth-watering starters, a selection of beautifully prepared mains and a healthy spread of fruits. Relish a three-course meal for Dhs250 per person or three-course accompanied with shisha for Dhs350 per person at the pool deck, with both packages inclusive of dates, water, tea and coffee as you celebrate with friends and families, from Iftar until 8pm.For more information visit celavi.comBounty Beets at Le Meridien Mina SeyahiIf you’re thinking of opting for a healthier option this Ramadan, you can nourish your body and soul with a selection of light options that are both delicious and nutritious. Featuring a special Ramadan four-course menu, it includes a choice of soup, sharing appetizers, main course, a dessert accompanied by a set of detox beverages from April 1 to May 15 from sunset to 10pm for Dhs129 per person.For more information visit mariott.comEat & Meat at The H DubaiGather with friends and family as you enjoy an exceptional Iftar at Eat & Meat with a sumptuous set of sharing dishes including traditional bites featuring both Hot and Cold Mezze and flavoursome Arabic sweets in a traditional environment with guests also receiving a special early-bird offer of 20 per cent off when booking before April 12, 2021. Available throughout Ramadan from sunset to 10:30pm, prices for the package start at Dhs159 per person with a selection of juices. For more information visit hhoteldubai.comMarea, DIFCThis luxe hotspot in DIFC filled with Italian favourites is fused with authentic Arabic flavours, with Marea’s best-selling dishes including melt in your mouth Italian Burrata, Rigatoni pasta’s and an explosion of chocolate delicacies. Located at Gate Village 7 in DIFC, the Iftar set menu is priced at Dhs249 per person and will be available from 6:30pm.For more information visit marearestaurant.comBallarò restaurant at Conrad HotelEnjoy a selection of lavish Arabic favourites and international delicacies in the beautiful outdoor terrace which overlooks the lush green hidden oasis. Priced at Dhs175 per person from sunset till 9:30pm, guests can avail a 20 per cent discount when bookings are made before April 12, 2021 to enjoy this beautiful spread for Iftar.For more information visit conraddubaihotel.com LPM Restaurant & BarOffering guests a French-Mediterranean style Iftar, the menu includes a Ramadan welcome drink, soup, dates, two starters, one main course and a dessert, all of which is priced at Dhs240 per person. Guests can indulge in a host of fusion signature dishes along with the seasonal special dessert. Located at DIFC, Gate Village 8, the menu is available during the holy month of Ramadan from 6pm to 8pm with a minimum booking of two people.For more information visit lpmrestaurants.com/dubaiAlso read: We’ve found the most luxe and extravagant UAE Iftar package everHutong, DIFCThis contemporary Northern Chinese restaurant embraces the spirit of Ramadan with an elevated selection of fiery dishes that are ideal for sharing with friends and family as it draws inspiration from the heritage of the Silk Road, presenting a memorable immersive Iftar experience this season. From an abundant selection of delicious starts such as Wild Mushroom & Truffle Bao to Yu Xiang Crispy Eggplant with sweet exclusive desserts to top up your palette, guests can enjoy the entire bespoke experience for Dhs198 per person for a minimum of two people available from sunset to 8pm.For more information visit hutong-dubai.comRamadan Majlis at Ritz-Carlton, DIFCFor an impressive experience delve into the spirit of this special occasion in the luxurious Ramadan Majlis, which offers a lavish Iftar served in a family-style at your table. With delicious cold mezze Lebanese options accompanied by a traditional Arabic sweet station, from sunset to 8:30pm starting at Dhs219 for an adult and Dhs110 per child.For more information or to make a booking visit ritzcarlton.comAll the necessary health and safety measures have been implemented to ensure customers have a safe experience when they enjoy their meals.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied by Ritz Carlton DIFC More

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    Are Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik married?

    Having been together (on and off…) for the last five years, it’s safe to say Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have garnered some major ‘Zigi’ stans.This is exactly why the internet went into meltdown earlier this week when it was mentioned that the couple had tied the knot.Singer-songwriter, Ingrid Michaelson, who has been collaborating with Malik on some music lately, was conducting a live stream with her fans on her Patreon page and she referred to the couple as married.Naturally, Zigi fans quickly picked up on this and ran with it and quickly the phrase “Zayn is married” began trending on Twitter.
    “zayn is ZAYN ISmarried” MARRIED?!????!? pic.twitter.com/Lvag2jASxA
    — elodie²⁸ ♡’s chrissy ☀️ is proud of harry (@swtcreature28) March 30, 2021
    i know we never stood a chance, but zayn is married now, so um our dreams have just been crushed 😭 anyways happy for zayn and gigi 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/RbeoXBB328
    — fredy|boysworldfan🩰 (@makhylisreinbow) March 30, 2021
    When you realise Zayn is married to Gigi and you’re still alone. pic.twitter.com/FQzqWpir3h
    — Rashu (@MusewitheMoon) March 30, 2021However, it turns out, the couple aren’t married as far as we know. Michaelson simply accidentally presumed the pair were married.“As far as I know, he’s not married. It was a mistake,” she clarified on social media. I’m so sorry.”The singer also added that she’s never dealt with this level of fame before and “doesn’t live in this world”.“The level of fame, it makes me really, truly admire Zayn and anybody with that level of fame,” she admitted. “Every little thing you say is just – I’m not built for it.”She also issued an apology directly to the couple.“My apologies to Zayn and Gigi, if any of this trickles to you and is annoying,” she added. “I’m sorry — that’s not my intention. And to his fans, I’m sorry for getting you all riled up, and much love to you all.”Welcoming their new baby girlWhile the couple aren’t married, to our knowledge, the pair did recently take a big in their relationship welcoming their first child together back in September 2020.Hadid and Malik announced the birth of their first-born via social media back in September – a baby girl later to be revealed named Khai.The new mum took to Instagram to announce the news sharing a sweet photo of her daughter’s hand.“Our girl joined us earth-side this weekend and she’s already changed our world,” she captioned the photo. “So in love.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

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    8 celebrities who celebrate Ramadan

    From singers to actors, these A-list celebrities are proud of their heritage are most likely to be observing the Holy month of Ramadan.Huda KattanBeauty mogul Huda Kattan observes Ramadan each year. Last year, she shared she was taking part in Instagram’s #MonthOfGood initiative, which was started to motivate people to provide food for families in need.“My family is the most important thing to me,” she said. “We do everything together, but during Ramadan we really take the time to slow down and dedicate more time to appreciating one another.”“One of the main things that me and my family are dedicating our time to this #MonthOfGood is providing food for families who need it,” she added. “This is something that our family focuses on every Ramadan, and it’s really eye-opening. We sometimes take some of the most basic things in life, like food, for granted.” ⁣Zayn MalikThe singer who gained his fame through the notable One Direction band has previously shared Ramadan Mubarak messages on social media, initially at the start of each holy month with his mother. He’s also previously mentioned he has read the Quran three times.Halima AdenOne of the first hijabi models, who’s worked with famous international labels, was born in Kakuma and has religiously observed the month in the past while being vocal about her faith.Iman AbdulmajidWhile occasionally tweeting her well wishes to her fans amid Ramadan, this Somalian-born supermodel hasn’t previously shared much about her experience during the month, however, she has expressed details about her heritage and roots before in various interviews.DJ KhaledKnown for his popular hit singles and collaborations with other A-list singers around the world, DJ Khaled has been transparent about his faith, while he also shares videos of his son hearing the Muslim call for prayer.He also previously shared several statuses on Twitter, such as the below:
    Allah thank u for all your blessing !! Ramadan
    — DJ KHALED (@djkhaled) July 19, 2013Mohamed HadidFather of Palestinian-Dutch supermodels Gigi, Bella and Anwar Hadid, Mohamed Hadid took to Instagram to share a message at the start of the Holy Month. It read: “Peaceful Ramadan Kareem from the Hadid Family.”Shanina ShaikTaking to her Instagram stories last year, supermodel Shanina Shaik wished her followers a Ramadan Kareem. With a mixed background, her career offered Muslim women a platform to look up to in the world of modelling as she’s proud of her heritage and descent while carving a niche for herself. The Victoria’s Secret model was a raised Muslim by her Saudi-Pakistani father and Lithuanian-Australian mother.Bella HadidHaving grown up learning about Islam from her father, the supermodel has previously mentioned she’s observed the Holy Month in the past. She continually shares her pride for her Palestinian roots.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied More

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    One year on here’s how the pandemic has affected travel in the UAE (& the world)

    As we mark one year since borders in the UAE officially closed and a nationwide lockdown was implemented, the travel industry has slowly begun to recover.Keeping in mind the world is still in the middle of a pandemic, airlines and airports have had to adapt exponentially to ensure the highest hygiene, health and safety standards for staff and passengers.One year on, Emirates Woman looks at the changes which have occurred in the travel industry, particularly in regards to the UAE and GCC.Emirates Woman has curated a list of changes the travel industry has experienced, especially in regard to the GCC.Compulsory quarantineWhile all countries might not have a mandatory quarantine rule post travelling, some do and it’s always better to be aware if you need to isolate when travelling. With ongoing fluctuations, staying up-to-date is essential, to ensure you’ve planned ahead of time.KAYAK – helps compile worldwide travel restrictions on a colour-coded map to ensure you have the necessary information to prepare with the constantly changing rules.Also read: Travelling abroad? Here’s how to stay up-to-date with global restrictionsMandatory masks and PPEAfter becoming the unexpected accessory essential since last year, the world has now embrace wearing face masks throughout the flight as a new norm, to prevent droplets from spreading as you protect yourselves and others while wearing one. Both Emirates and Etihad are providing passengers with a supply of hygiene kits, along with vending machines specially stocked to dispense PPE kits, in case any supplies are required onboard.Also read: 7 luxe face masks to stay both safe and stylish this seasonDiscontinuation of non-essential servicesTo contain too many interactions on board, many airlines have suspended services relating to in-flight food and drink.  Some flights still offer pre-packaged food services only to ensure utmost safety for all. However, trolley services used for serving food on-board, lounge services and any in-flight magazines have been put to a halt in order to avoid any spreading of germs.Travel insuranceIt was announced last year by Emirates in July that they will cover any COVID-19 medical costs for their passengers.  Similarly, Flydubai also offers all passengers multi-risk travel insurance, including COVID-19 cover when a ticket is booked. Many other airlines have followed suit.A contactless journeyJust over a month ago, contactless travel was introduced for Emirates passengers at Dubai Airport. A biometric facial technology system has become the new norm for all travellers. From beginning to end, the entire process is made seamless and as hands-free as possible to minimise the spread of the virus. With Biometric Smart Zones along with an app for inflight entertainment, the changes made are sure to prevent the virus from spreading.Also read: Your Dubai airport experience will be a little different next time you travelPCR testsAs per Emirates, all passengers arriving into Dubai from any point of origin (GCC countries included) must hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken not more than 72 hours prior to departure with PCR test rules varying according to the airline.In addition, Abu Dhabi airport launched a compulsory testing service for incoming passengers who will receive a free PCR test on arrival with the region’s first in-airport laboratory in approximately 90 minutes.Also read: A free 90-minute PCR test is now available in Abu Dhabi for incoming passengersVaccinated crew membersWith the UAE paving its way as it reaches new milestones in the fight against COVID-19, Etihad in early February 2021 vaccinated 100 per cent of its crew members and staff, becoming the first airline in the world to do so to ensure passengers feel safe while travelling.On the other hand, Emirates also worked with the Dubai Healthy Authority since early January to ensure a fully vaccinated crew of 70 also boarded the first flight, as the crew members received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.Also read: Etihad becomes the world’s first airline to vaccinate all its crewWith rules and regulations constantly changing, it’s always best to be up to date on the government website for each country to ensure, the travel measures are carefully studied before departure and booking.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Unsplash @snowjan More

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    UAE announces reduced hours for schools during Ramadan

    With Ramadan fast approaching, the UAE has announced reduced school hours across three emirates – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah – during the Holy Month.For Dubai, as per Khaleej Times, Mohammed Darwish, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Permits and Compliance at Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said, “Private schools in Dubai can hold classes up to five hours during Ramadan, We’ve given schools the flexibility of choosing their start and end time in consultation with parents.”With regard to the capital, Abu Dhabi, private schools shall also have a reduction in working hours amid Ramadan as announced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). He stated, “The school cannot start before 9:30am and must end the day before or at 3:30pm.”As for Sharjah,tThe Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) had addressed that school timings shall not last for more than five hours, with a reduction in homework and examinations during Ramadan starting classes from 9am onwards, with the day to be held between three and four hours, depending on the student’s grade and requirements.Keeping in line with all safety regulations amid the pandemic, a statement issued on the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) advised that people should not attend evening gatherings and family visits should also be limited during the month.
    #NCEMA: For the health & safety of society, we advise all to avoid evening gatherings during Ramadan, limit family visits, & avoid distributing & exchanging meals between homes & families. Only members of the same family living in the same house can share meals#TogetherWeRecover
    — NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 16, 2021All the necessary safety measures have been taken to ensure that all the pupils remain safe amid the COVID-19 outbreak.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Unsplash @mclee More

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    The delicious deals to take advantage of during Dubai Food Festival

    Dubai Food Festival is officially back for 2021 and the emirate’s lauded restaurants will be unveiling extraordinary dishes, the highly anticipated feast has kickstarted on March 25, 2021, until April 17, 2021.From pop-ups to bespoke menus from homegrown concepts and luxe hidden food havens, there’s a vast delectable journey to uncover in Dubai.From restaurants with an international flair to those featuring Italian Michelin-starred Chef’s Hilton’s comprehensive Dubai Food Festival programme bring innovative food activations to life with a diverse range of cuisines. Maestro’s such as Paolo Gramaglia along with a special series of eateries such as Bull & Bear, Skafos, Mango Tree, LAO and Kimpo are ready to shake the culinary world in Dubai this season.With a curated selection of signature dishes at Social by Heinz Beck located at Waldorf Astoria, The Palm, is offering a three-course menu for Dhs249 per person will bring a taste of Italy to Dubai from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.Gold caviar dessert at Social by Heinz BeckExperience a culinary balance of signature dishes from around with this globetrotting menu which promises a series of signature dishes with a 3-course menu at Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria DIFC starting at Dhs325 per person from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and 6:30pm till late.Bull & BearExperience art on a plate with an unforgettable dining experience enhancing all five senses with Chef Davide Gardini and Italian artist Manasse Rampino at BiCE Ristorante, Hilton JBR from 6pm to 11pm and Friday to Saturday 12:30pm to 11pm for Dhs250 per person.Finally, relish the best of Asia at Lao in a special four-course menu from 6:30pm to 10:30pm at Dhs249 per person.All the necessary social distancing measures have been implemented in place to ensure the utmost safety of all guests.To find out more about the other food deals visit Hilton.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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    12 inspiring accounts to follow on Instagram this month

    April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now A curated guide of who to #follow this month.Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery@sanaalmaktoumofficialA brand of beauty founded by Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum to empower women.Rolls-Royce@rollsroycecarsLuxury and ease are an everlasting expression of the exceptional RR has come to stand for.The Elixir Clinic@theelixirclinicA bespoke wellness clinic specialising in enhancing clients wellbeing through IV therapy, vitamin infusions and more.Montroi@montroiCelebrating nomadism across the modern silk route with hand-crafted pieces and curated city guides.The Goodness Company@the.goodnesscompanyCreated with an aim to unite mindful products with people who share a passion for sustainable living.Skin Laundry@skinlaundryThese no-downtime laser facials are customized to best suit your personal skincare needs through advanced technology.Live The Process@livetheprocessThoughtful construction and an unsurpassed level of detail create perfect symmetry as an ode to balance.Mleiha@discovermleihaNature at its most beautiful.Noor Al Bahrani@noor.albahraniFusing femininity with delicate embellishment.RAIINE@raiine_officialA trans-seasonal wardrobe of easy-to-wear pieces with a touch of rock’n’roll.ODEEM@odeem_officialExceptional handbags, seamlessly handcrafted with the greatest attention to detail.Bouguessa@bouguessaContemporary womenswear to inspire confidence with sharply tailored silhouettes and clean cuts.April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @bouguessa  More

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    Cyprus launches ‘coronavirus safe list’ with 16 countries including the UAE

    With summer fast approaching, many countries are preparing to safely open their borders as COVID-19 vaccine drives globally are well underway.One such country preparing to welcome tourists back is Cyprus.The nation’s health ministry announced on Monday that a “coronavirus safe list” will be launched on April 1, 2021.The list features 16 countries that were previously not included on its list, including the UAE. Other countries include the UK, Russia, Israel, Lebanon, Qatar, USA, Serbia, Lebanon, Egypt, Belarus, Serbia and more.Visitors intending to visit from the countries on Cyrpus’ safe list will be exempt from any quarantine time.There is, however, a negative COVID-19 PCR test required which must be done a maximum of 72 hours before departure and then another test is required upon arrival into Cyprus.Similarly, social distancing measures must be followed, masks must be worn when required and regular sanitisation is needed.With the flight time from the UAE only being three hours and 40 minutes, it’s the perfect destination for a short getaway.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Courtesy of Columbia Beach Resort Cyprus More