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    World record-breaking painting created in Dubai sells for $62 million

    Last month, the world’s largest painting, which was created in Dubai by artist Sacha Jafri, was officially unveiled to the world.Completed at the Atlantis The Palm, the painting – known as ‘The Journey of Humanity’ – scales over 17,000 square feet and was aiming to fetch $30 million at auction to raise money for charity.A little under four weeks after its official unveiling, the painting has officially sold for $62 million – over double what it aimed to fetch.The painting comprises of 70 individually framed pieces and the painting in its entirety wasn’t expected to be sold as one, but it was. The highest bidder who bought the world’s largest painting for $62 million was Andre Abdoune, the chief executive of Altius Gestion International Holding.Discussing the record-breaking purchase and painting, Abdoune explained that it was his “dream” to do something incredible for his children and his father.“I talked with Sacha and I discovered the investment and love he put into this painting was so amazing,” he said. “All my life I was aiming to help children.”Reflecting on his years as a child Abdoune went without food, which has led him to want to help others less fortunate.“Every dollar can mean something. If we do it together, we give hope to these children and their future,” he said. “The UAE shows us the way, we have to follow it. The impossible is possible. I want to say that this is just the first step for ‘Humanity Inspired’.”The funds raised at the auction will be directed by Dubai Cares to beneficiary partners including UNICEF, Unesco, the Global Gift Foundation and Dubai Cares, with the aim to help over 2.5 billion individuals worldwide.The record-breaking painting took seven months to complete with working over 20 hours a day to complete with around 1,065 paint brushes and 6,300 litres of paint to complete this masterpiece.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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    Travelling abroad? Here’s how to stay up-to-date with global restrictions

    As the travel industry was turned on its head last year due to the global pandemic, restrictions across the world have continued to change.While some countries previously opened their borders in summer 2020, it led them to then close them again at the end of last year. Despite this, many countries are still open for travel, but staying up-to-date on the fluctuating restrictions can prove to be difficult.However, there’s a website that’s aimed at revolutionising the travel industry, helping travellers stay informed on the latest updates they need to know.While Kayak is first and foremost a platform KAYAK that searches through hundreds of sites to compile information on flights, hotels, hire cars, holiday packages, it’s also become a go-to to showcase details on which countries have travel restrictions.Using a colour-coded system, the site outlines a summary regarding each country’s restrictions.Red signifies a country’s borders are completely closed only allowing citizens and residents returning home or people in special circumstances to enter.Partially open in pink depicts the entrance into the country depending on the travellers citizenship or any other specific regulations. Orange signifies borders reopening soon with certain entry requirements still being applicable.Finally, green showcases that the country has no formal restrictions or entry by air, with the situation still being monitored through either testing or quarantining upon arrival.Currently, the summary includes information on the 50 countries that have their borders completely closed, 122 countries that are partially open, five countries to be opening soon and 43 countries which have no travel restrictions.The colour-coded map is also interactive, as more information is available once users click on the country to reveal entry restrictions, requirements and quarantine details. This creates awareness for passengers who wish to travel.In addition, KAYAK also provides travel guides for each city, so you’re fully aware of where to visit for each place with a list of all the things to do with the prices.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Unsplash @rparmly More

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    Inside Bella Hadid’s luxury Dhs23.8 million NYC penthouse

    Bella Hadid is getting ready to move.After purchasing her luxury penthouse apartment in New York City less than one year ago, the supermodel has officially put her home on the market.Hadid has called in the help of celebrity real estate agent and Million Dollar Listing star Ryan Serhant to help sell the luxe property.Having bought it for $6.1 million back in 2020, the supermodel is seeking nearly $6.5 million (approx. Dhs23.8 million) for the 2,180-square-foot two-bedroom apartment in Soho NYC.As you’d expect, the interiors of the luxe abode are sleek and sophisticated, ideal for any supermodel.While it’s a two-bedroom, two-bathroom property, the other features of the industrial-chic property are nothing short of spectacular.The penthouse, which is located in a building originally built in 1877 and used as a silk showroom, features imported Italian closets, a kitchen with black marble countertops. a wine-cellar located underneath the apartment’s floating staircase and its very own roof terrace with spectacular views of Manhattan.While the property is the epitome of luxury, the 23-year-old’s sister’s boyfriend Zayn Malik previously owned a unit in the same building.Having purchased his property in the bespoke and exclusive building in 2017 for $10.3 million, the singer went onto sell the apartment at a major loss.Take a look inside Hadid’s luxury penthouse below.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: StreetEasy More

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    The first female duty police officer has been appointed in Dubai

    As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continues to champion women in this region, a groundbreaking appointment has been made in Dubai.The very first female duty police officer has been appointed at the Naif Police station in the emirate.The Emirati police offer, Lieutenant Nouf Khaled Ahli, graduated from the Dubai Police Academy in the first fleet of the female candidates for the emirate’s police force.And now, Lieutenant Ahli holds the title of duty police officer – the first female to hold this title in Dubai.
    #أخبار | أول ضابط مناوب عام لمركز شرطة من العنصر النسائي في دبي
    التفاصيل:https://t.co/jgEeoZ9eBE#أمنكم_سعادتنا#الجميع_مسؤول#نتواصل_ونحمي_نبتكر_ونبني pic.twitter.com/gWZDjnPIt5
    — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 20, 2021Upon her appointment, the newly qualified cop shared her pride in being able to now work for the authorities in Dubai.“I feel very proud to be working at Dubai Police, which enjoys a global reputation, thanks to its world-class achievements,” she said. “Working at Dubai Police is like a dream for many people seeking excellence, creativity and innovation.“In addition to providing a unique work environment, Dubai Police supports its staff on all levels and empowers female cadres through launching initiatives and programmes that all aim to develop their capabilities and skills across various disciplines.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied More

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    What you can expect from Alserkal Art Week

    With some of the regions most celebrated contemporary art curators gathering together at Alserkal Avenue this week, art week is all ready to go.As the show must go on, one of the most anticipated weeks on Dubai’s calendar is back this year with an entire schedule of events as highlighted below.Galleries NightWith a series of art offerings open to the public as pop-up displays with a coordinated evening of exhibitions is sure to catch your eye as you visit on March 22, 4 to 9pm.ExhibitionsA series of art exhibitions including Hortus Arcanus at 1×1 Art Gallery, Abyss at Ayyam Gallery, Raised in Isolation at Carbon 12, Horizons at Elmarsa Gallery, In Pursuit of Utopia at Zawyeh Gallery and many more which will be showcased during the event making it a delight for all art lovers and beyond.TalksYou’ll also be able to enjoy interactive sessions led by professionals in their fields. Sabih Ahmed will lead an ‘Inhabiting Images’ talk on March 27 from 3 to 4.30pm.  A film entitled ‘The Lost Head & the Bird with Sohrab Hura’ will also be screened on March 27, 7:30 to 8:30pm.Guest ProjectsExciting projects such as The Art of Confidence Exhibition by Volkswagen Middle East celebrating the latest model launch, the T-Roc will take place. In addition, an exhibition by artist Marwan Sahmarani displaying works created before the blast in Beirut, Lebanon at Warehouse 44. Another exhibition, designed to encourage a younger audience to collect art – The Disappearing Art Show by GPP x Alserkal will be at Warehouse 46 with many other inciteful guest projects on display.Film ScreeningsThe independent art house cinema will screen Casablanca which is one of the greatest love stories ever told on March 26 at 8pm and March 27 at 8:30pm at The Yard as you unwind with and go back in time.WorkshopsAs you explore those hidden artistic skills, a series of classes focusing on different art techniques will take place at thejamjar with the ‘Power of Imagination’ workshop at Warehouse 61, where you will be forced to think out of the box. A workshop for beginners to improve their painting and watercolour skills at Âme Artistic Studio will take place March 27 between 11am to 1pm at Warehouse 81 to unleash any creative talent with more workshops in the pipeline at Alserkal Avenue.During your visit, you can also grab a bite at INKOGNITO, Cheese Onboard at Warehouse 41 and OT Cookies at The Yard.For more information regarding the schedule for talks, exhibitions and workshops taking place during the Alserkal Art week from March 22 to March 27, 2021 from 10am to 7pm everyday visit alserkalavenue.ae as all the necessary social distancing measures will be implemented to ensure utmost safety for all the visitors.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @alserkalavenue More

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    The luxurious mountain retreat that’s just opened its doors in Hatta

    If you’re in need of some refined escapism, Hatta has the perfect solution for you with its newly opened adventurous hotspot known as Hatta Terrace.As travelling to different cities might come with its own set of imposed challenges during the pandemic, heading to Hatta is no tough feat, as this relaxing destination encompasses everything from glamping, lodging in trailers to now also unwinding at this luxe urban venue with your loved ones in order to get a little break from the hustle and bustle of Dubai with it just being a two-hour drive away.With its own dedicated camping site, this majestic staycation amidst the mountain top it’s the ideal blissful getaway to enjoy with your friends and family, as this spacious venue comes fully equipped with all the required materials for an enjoyable trip. From a fully equipped kitchen to a dedicated BBQ area with a fully installed TV entertainment system, luxury lodging has now taken on a new meaning with this contemporary layout.While currently in its soft opening phase, this spacious haven showcases spectacular views of the untamed mountains with chic modern interiors featuring three-bedroom villas with space for up to eight adults with a heated pool for guests to take in this urban landscape.Prices start at Dhs4,000 per night from Saturday to Wednesday and Dhs5,000 per night from Thursday to Friday at Hatta Terrace, which is located in the upcoming developing location which borders Oman.Bookings for this staycation can be made via Whatsapp on +971568592952 or through their Instagram page @hattaterrace.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @hattaterrace More

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    Everything to know about the new UAE visas announced by Sheikh Mohammed

    A series of new visas in the UAE were announced on Sunday during a cabinet meeting which was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.Multiple-entry tourist visaOf particular note, a new multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities was approved by the cabinet.This new visa, according to Sheikh Mohammed, will “strengthen the UAE’s status as a global economic capital”.While full details of the new visa are still to be released, as well as when it will officially launch, it’s set to be a five-year visa which will enable tourists to enter the UAE multiple times. Based on a self-sponsorship model, holders of this visa will be able to remain in the UAE for 90 days and can also be extended for a further 90 days.Remote-working visaAs remote working has become the norm for many during the pandemic, His Highness announced a new remote-working visa.This will enable “employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE even if their companies are based in another country”.More details about both new visas are expected to be announced in due course.These new visa announcements come after Sheikh Mohammed revealed back in January that for the first time ever expats would be able to obtain Emirati citizenship. He outlined the decision was made to “attract talents” to the country to contribute in the continued development of the UAE.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Dubai Media Office More

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    Despite the pandemic Dubai’s population has continued to increase

    While the pandemic has affected every aspect of life for people on a global scale and somewhat slowed life down, surprisingly the population has continued to grow in Dubai.According to a report by the Dubai Statistics Centre, the population of the emirate reached approximately 3.4 million by the end of 2020 which is an increase of 55,300 people in comparison to 2019. This equals a growth rate of 1.63 per cent overall year on year.The report also stated, “In respect of population of Emiratis, the growth rate is mainly subject to normal increases.”Overall, amongst the population of the emirate, the male percentage is significantly higher than the female percentage with around 225 males per 100 females due to the high number of male expatriates working in the UAE without their families.The report also highlighted a tangible increase of active individuals during rush hours within the emirate due to its dynamic environment, making it a tourist hotspot while attracting different cultures from around the world.With Expo 2020 set to launch later this year after being postponed for a year due to the pandemic, the six-month-long event is sure to expect millions of visitors to arrive.From the record-breaking painting curated at Atlantis The Palm by artist Sacha Jafri, to a new world record-breaking fountain opening in Dubai, to a number of new visas launching and other technological advancements taking place in the emirate, such milestones will boost the economy’s overall development making this bustling city a world-class tourist destination and a multicultural hub to facilitate ideas and growth.For more information visit dsc.gov.ae– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @binfalah More