Life

Just when you think Dubai has reached its restaurant capacity, another hotspot comes along.
The latest restaurant to open its doors in Dubai is none another than an A-list celebrity-approved establishment which has been much-loved by all of Hollywood for the last 26 years.

Il Pastaio originated in Beverly Hills, California by the Sicilian Drago brothers Giacomino, Celestino and Calogero and nearly three decades later is coming over to Dubai.
The Beverly Hills flagship restaurant has been known to attract quite the A-list crowd including the Hadids – sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid and their father, Mohamed Hadid – the Kardashians, Hailey Baldwin, Justin Bieber, Sofia Vergara and more.

The new Dubai-based restaurant is located in Business Bay in Al Habtoor City and offers world-class hearty Italian cuisine.
Signature pasta dishes include the pumpkin ravioli, wide green fettuccini pasta in a venison ragu and porcini mushrooms green ravioli stuffed with mushrooms, cheese fondue and truffle sauce, risotto verde and more.
Delicious and delectable desserts include pannacotta, tiramisu, crostata alla banana and more.
So, if you were looking to try out a new restaurant in Dubai in 2021, where better to start than an A-list celebrity-approved one?
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As the last year the globe has been battling the COVID-19 pandemic, many have been uprooted and stranded in different countries due to restrictions on travel. This means many UAE residents may have been affected.
If you are a UAE resident that has been away from the country for more than six months, it’s been confirmed by Flydubai on their website that they will be able to return from now until March 31, 2021.
Approval travelling to Dubai

If you’re a Dubai resident, approval is required from the the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
The form can be accessed here, where you’ll need to provide your visa details, passport details and Emirates ID details. You can also check your visa validity on the GDRFA website.
Approval travelling to other emirates

For those travelling to other emirates you can access the required form from the Federal Authority here.
COVID-19 testing requirments to enter Dubai
Towards the end of last year, it was confirmed by Dubai-based airline that all tourists from the UK and Germany can be tested upon arrival at Dubai airport.
For the following countries the below rules apply: Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States (New York, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Seattle).
For UAE residents, they are able to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test which is valid 96 hours before the date of departure or can simply be tested upon arrival into Dubai.
Tourists need to present a negative COVID-19 test which is valid 96 hours before the date of departure. However, those coming from Germany and the UK can opt for a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.
Those who are transiting passengers from the above countries are not required to present a COVID-19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by your final destination.
For the remaining countries the below rules apply: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United States (California, Florida, Texas), Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Two COVID-19 tests are required for UAE residents – one 96 hours before the departure date and a second upon arrival in Dubai.
Two COVID-19 tests are required for tourists – one 96 hours before the departure date and a second upon arrival in Dubai.
Transiting passengers from these countries must have a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test, as well as any requirements for their final destination.
It should be noted that a PCR test is required and you need to have a printed verification in English or Arabic – SMS or digital versions will not be accepted.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has shared his optimism following a groundbreaking meeting with fellow GCC leaders.
The Ruler of Dubai flew to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and was greeted by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

As well as Sheikh Mohammed, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister Fahad Al Said were all in attendance.

The leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sign the Final Communique and Al-Ula Declaration.#GulfSummitInAlUla #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/GvGtF91BCo
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) January 5, 2021

However, it was the attendance of the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that signified an optimistic future for the future of the GCC. It was the first time the Qatari ruler attended a summit since 2017.
Prior to the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit, Saudi Arabia opened its airways to Qatar and signifies what could come for the UAE and other GCC nations.
All of the leaders and heads of delegations of the GCC signed the Final Communique and Al-Ula Declaration, which is a “renewal of faith in the progress of countries of the GCC”, Sheikh Mohammed said.

محمد بن راشد: نجدد شكرنا للملكة العربية السعودية رعايتها هذه القمة الناجحة … ونجدد ثقتنا في مسيرة دول مجلس التعاون .. ونجدد تفاؤلنا بأن السنوات القادمة تحمل استقراراً وأمناً وأماناً وعملاً وإنجازاً سيخدم شعوبنا .. ويسهم في استقرار محيطنا. pic.twitter.com/HYfxNHk4Bw
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

Sheikh Mohammed added that there is a renewed “optimism that the coming years will bring stability and security and achievements that serve our people… and contributes to the stability of those around us”.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also reiterated a similar sentiment on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
“This affirms the importance of the solidarity and stability in the Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries and strengthens the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among our countries and peoples in order to serve their aspirations,” he said, as per the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s firm and continuous policy, future plans, and ambitious development vision (the Kingdom Vision 2030) prioritises a unified and solid Gulf Cooperation Council.”
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From scaling major world summits to reaching for the stars quite literally, Saudi Arabia continues to champion female entrepreneurs and contributors who have made their mark already while inspiring future generations.
READ: 10 Saudi female content creators you need to be following
As these women continue to make strides in the Kingdom while making headlines globally, Emirates Woman has curated a list of inspirational women who’ve been breaking stereotypes for decades.
HRH Princess Lamia

Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia Bint Majid Al Saud has made it her life’s mission to help others, particularly advocating for women. Through her incredible philanthropic work, Her Royal Highness is changing the world, one incredible story at a time.

“If you are fortunate enough to have access to resources or a raised platform, it is your responsibility to support and empower those who are not as fortunate,” Princess Lamia told EW in an interview for ‘The Power Issue’.
Harnessing this desire to help others, Her Royal Highness began working with Alwaleed Philanthropies – an organisation founded by His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 40 years ago. Passionate about advocating for women’s empowerment both in Saudi Arabia and globally, in her role with Alwaleed Philanthropies, Princess Lamia has been able to lead and work on a whole host of impactful and fulfilling projects to help women and youth.
HRH Princess Reema

Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al-Saud is an iconic female figure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consistently advocating for women in the region and works tirelessly to expand opportunities for Saudi women.
Princess Reema has been a member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee since 2017 and of the IOC Women in Sports Commission since 2018. She then became president of the Mass Participation Federation in October 2018.
However, it was last year that she made history becoming the first female to be Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States. And just a few months ago, another history-making moment happened for Princess Reema – she became the first Saudi female ambassador to be officially elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Aseel Al-Hamad

From being the founder of IDegree Design, an integrated interior design agency to becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, Aseel has become a voice of female motorists in Saudi Arabia. With not much exposure to driving due to the legal restriction for women driving, Al-Hamad took full advantage of the opportunities that came her way and proved to be a success.
Noha Al-Yousef

After beginning her professional career while being in her second year of university, Noha Al-Yousef was appointed as the youngest Saudi CEO of a group of companies in the Kingdom during her final year of studies. She went on to found the Ithraa Consulting group in 2009,located in Jeddah, which is primarily used to provide consultancy services and studies in the field of developing Saudi female employment and projects.
Emon Shakoor

This tech entrepreneur launched Blossom, which is the first accelerator that aims to empower women and enable startups in the Kingdom. Emon Shakoor was also previously a neuroscience researcher at the University of California and has also overseen hundreds of Pfizer clinical drug trials across North America, while being a savvy businesswoman and seizing every opportunity.
Mishaal Ashemimry

Having had a fascination for space since she was young, Mishaal Ashemimry became the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC. Ashemimry is also the first Saudi woman to join NASA. She aims to continue to inspire Arab youths to encourage to overcome all challenges while using her social media as a source of inspiration as she reaches for the stars.
Raha Moharrak

Raha Moharrak became the first Saudi woman to scale Everest back in 2013. Throughout her career, this adventure-seeker has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Vinson, Mount Elbrus, Aconcagua, Kala Pattar, Pico de Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl.
Dina Al-Tayeb

Being the first Saudi woman to complete ironman, Dina Al-Tayeb is a practising dentist who has completed over 100 triathlons. She made history qualifying for The Ironman World Championship as it is considered one of the most difficult races in the world.
Mashael Alrajhi

Riyadh-born designer Mashael Alrajhi has created a strong presence in the world of fashion. While focusing on handmade artisan craftsmanship by adding a touch of minimalism to her collection. Alrajhi is at the crux of deviating from the trends of her contemporaries while creating a fashion emporium that represents its cultural origin.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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With two COVID-19 vaccines now being administered in the UAE, plans have been announced to have 50 per cent of the nation’s population vaccinated in the first quarter of 2021, which could be as early as March.
In a recent press briefing on COVID-19 in the UAE, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector outlined the plans for the COVID-19 vaccines in the UAE.

Dr. Al Hosani explained that around eight per cent of the population, to date, has been vaccinated.
“To date, 826,301 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, equivalent to 47,000 doses per day, and eight per cent of the country’s total population,” she said.

“We aim to reach more than 50 per cent of the country’s population during the first quarter of this year. This will help us reduce cases in general, reduce critical cases in particular, and control the disease better in the next phase.”
Sinophram vaccine
At present, there are two vaccines available in the UAE. The first one that was approved to be administered was the Sinopharm vaccine.
The vaccine underwent clinical trials in Abu Dhabi during summer last year and it was confirmed by health authorities saying that the “analysis [from the trial of 31,000 people] shows no serious safety concerns”.
High-up government officials including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaab, the Minister of Culture and Youth and more have received the Sinopharm vaccine.
Pfizer vaccine
Then, less than two weeks ago, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
The vaccine has already started to be rolled out, with some government ministers already receiving their first doses. As of today, this now includes Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Her Excellency Mona Al Marri.
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