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    Everything in George Clooney’s life changed after he met Amal

    Oscar-winning actor George Clooney has opened up about his relationship with his wife Amal Clooney.
    The couple first met in July 2013 and married the following year in September 2014. However, Clooney has admitted that meeting Amal changed everything for him.

    Prior to their relationship, the actor was convinced marriage and kids were not for him.
    “I was like, ‘I’m never getting married. I’m not gonna have kids. I’m gonna work, I’ve got great friends, my life is full, I’m doing well,” he told GQ in a recent interview. “And I didn’t know how un-full it was until I met Amal.

    “And then everything changed. And I was like, ‘Oh, actually, this has been a huge empty space.’”

    It was especially after the pair welcomed their twin children – Ella and Alexander – in 2017 that Clooney felt he was given a greater purpose in life.
    “I’d never been in the position where someone else’s life was infinitely more important to me than my own. You know?” he said. “And then tack on two more individuals, who are small and have to be fed.”
    The couple now resides in the UK together with their two children. Clooney is still acting and Amal is a top barrister as well as being a human rights activist.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Getty More

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    The Burj Khalifa will say goodbye to 2020 with a huge fireworks show

    If there’s one thing that this New Year marks for many, it’s a reset button after the challenging year that has been 2020.
    It’s been announced that the fireworks and laser show at the Burj Khalifa will take place on December 31, starting at 8.30pm, with the New Year countdown beginning at 11.58pm.

    In line with safety precautions, thermal cameras will be present, social distancing measures will also be in place for those attending in person and regular disinfection and cleaning will take place. In particular, for families attending, Burj Park will be a dedicated space for them with screens, food and beverage stands and more to see in the New Year.
    However, the whole spectacle will also be live-streamed for those staying home.

    Of course, surrounding venues with Burj Khalifa views will also be open for punters to view the fireworks.
    In a year that’s been difficult, Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, the owner of the tallest building in the world, explain that this year’s spectacle aims to send a message of “hope, happiness and positivity”.
    “We want to send a message of hope, happiness and positivity into the world because that is the spirit of Dubai that we have learned from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who continues to inspire what we do with his extraordinary leadership,” he said.
    “Here we reinvent ourselves, achieve the impossible and execute the unimaginable, and we are doing that again with Emaar NYE 2021.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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    The dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2021 have been predicted by a UAE expert

    It seems like just a minute ago we were confirming the dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2020, but as this year draws to a close we’re getting ready to mark the ninth month of the Islamic calendar again in 2021.

    A UAE-based expert astronomer has now predicted the dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2021, believing the first day of Ramadan will fall in mid-April.
    Per Gulf News, Ebrahim Al Jarwan, a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and the head of Sharjah Planetarium, predicted the “new crescent moon for Ramadan will form on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 6.31 am”.
    “We will be able to see the crescent moon the next day, although with some difficulty, on the evening of April 13, which signifies the start of Ramadan,” he told the news outlet.
    Of course, these are just predicted dates right now and we won’t know the official dates until they are determined by UAE authorities closer to the time.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Photo by Mohamad from Pexels More

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    The Highest Flyer – Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum

    November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ – Download Now
    Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum is has risen to great heights in the aviation industry. We ask what it takes to lead and inspire the new generation of incredible women.
    “The only way out it’s through, and that’s how you build resilience.”
    What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
    I am a very active person by nature and while I would not claim to be part of the 5am club, I do wake up early and I like to have time to gather my thoughts for the day ahead, as work can be very demanding. If I can, I try to spend some time with the horses, riding before work or doing a quick workout, all with a generous amount of coffee.
    You have achieved so much- what re you most proud of?

    I’m most proud of becoming the first Emirati woman to join the Dubai Police as a helicopter Pilot. Serving my country by doing what I love doing most is simply the best feeling, and I am deeply grateful for it.
    Describe the feeling of piloting your own aircraft in three words?
    Freedom, adrenaline and peace of mind.

    What has been the biggest hurdle you have come up against and how do you approach overcoming such challenges?
    The biggest hurdle for me has been starting to pursue my dream at such a young age. It meant being surrounded constantly by people with more experience and more confidence than me and always being under constant pressure to not only measure up to them but also exceed and be the best I could be, consistently. I tackled it then the way I approach everything: Head on and with full force. The only way out it’s through, and that’s how you build resilience.
    Do you have any mentors or guides and how does this help navigate the right path?
    When you are a pioneer in something, you are literally carving the path for someone else so I could not have had better inspiration and mentorship than following the guidance that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has provided for all of us Emiratis. He is constantly carving new paths for us. I am also deeply grateful to the support that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has given me, opening doors and endorsing my choices to be a pilot under his blessing. They provided me with all the confidence I needed to succeed.
    We believe when women support other women, magic happens. Have you been on the receiving end of such support and how do you hope to further share this?
    I don’t need to look far away to tell you this: my mother and my grandmother have been the most supportive women around me from the start. I was lucky because my strongest role models come from my family. I remember on my very first flight when my mom was one of the passengers cheering me together with her friends while my grandmother was supporting from her heart from home. I can only hope to be as good as them with my own children one day, but until then I give back through my commitment to Shehana, the organization I established to open the doors of aviation to women from any background and profession. I hope to ignite for them the same passion that has led me to my achievements and to create a fairer participation of women to an industry that has so much to offer.

    Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
    @hhshkmohd and @faz3
    Do you have any evening rituals that help you maintain a sense of balance?
    There is nothing I love more after a stressful, busy workday, then to ground myself (literally) by reconnecting with nature. I try to spend as much time as possible with my horses, riding at sunset or just relaxing in their presence. They are such majestic, sensitive creatures and are able to infuse a sense of calm just by proximity. Otherwise I prefer to out at sea, as water is just as peaceful and calming. Nothing brings more balance than the natural elements and I love spending as much time as possible in nature.
    What advice would you give to your younger self?
    “Keep doing what you are doing little girl, and one day you will be flying up in the sky.”
    If you had not followed a career in aviation, which other role would you choose career-wise?
    Aviation has been a true calling for me, so I have not entertained any other possibility yet.
    Who have been the most powerful female role models in your life and why do you admire them?
    Aside from my mother and grandmother, whose unconditional love has being a guiding compass and support in my journey, I am incredibly grateful for women such as Sheikha Fatma Bint Moubarak and Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed for giving me the opportunity to share my story and my achievements on the stage of the Dubai Women’s Forum this past February. I had not appreciated the power of storytelling until I saw the reaction of the public when I walked on the stage in my uniform full of pride for my country.
    This is ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’. Which piece of jewellery that you own is most special to you and why?
    It is actually not just one but a series of pendants that over the years my grandmother has designed and created especially for me. They are constant reminders of the generational love that links us together.
    [embedded content]
    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Ziga MihelcicHair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG ArtistsProduction: Kelli MaddockFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephVideographer: Steve Erana
    All jewellery by Boucheron.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Emirates Woman More

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    This Arab country is the most welcoming tourist destination in the world

    While travel has largely been put on hold this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that hasn’t stopped one Arab country from being labelled the most welcoming tourist destination in the world.
    Travel giant Lonely Planet issues a round-up each year, and this year it’s given the title of most welcoming destination to Amman, Jordan.

    Due to the country’s welcoming traits and generosity, it’s the reason they’ve been awarded the most welcoming tourist destination.

    “In Jordan, Ahlan wa sahlan (welcome) is not an empty greeting,” the travel experts of Lonely Planet said. “Stemming culturally from Levantine and Bedouin traditions, geniality and generosity are ingrained into the Middle Eastern welcome, with the sharing of food and drink at its heart.”
    Like many countries, Jordan closed its borders at the height of the pandemic. The nation reopened its borders for international tourism on September 8, with international flights resuming at Amman’s main airport Queen Alia International Airport.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Visit Jordan Instagram More

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    Gigi Hadid reveals her first photo shoot after giving birth

    If you ever needed reassurance that Gigi Hadid is most definitely a style icon, then these snaps of her modelling Alexander Wang’s creations will certainly do it.
    The supermodel took to Instagram to share some of Alexander Wang’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection and, honestly, we want it all in our wardrobes now.

    The photo shoot appears to have been done after she gave birth and the 25-year-old looks stunning, modelling the incredible pieces which included a black blazer and wide-leg pants combination.

    The second photo showcased Hadid wearing jeans, a white T-shirt and a long-line sheer shirt.

    The final fabulous snap saw Hadid wearing a sinched-in leather shirt and monochrome white and black wide-leg tailored trousers.

    It’s the first modelling snaps Hadid has posted in some time since the birth of her daughter.
    The model welcomed her first child at the end of September with her boyfriend Zayn Malik, revealing she had given birth on Instagram posting a sweet photo of the new dad holding the tiny hand of baby Hadid-Malik.
    “Our girl joined us earth-side this weekend and she’s already changed our world,” she captioned the photo. “So in love.”

    According to E! News, the name of baby Hadid-Malik, which has been kept private by the couple, is “unique” but an alleged source wouldn’t give anything else away.
    Gigi’s pregnancy was first reported on back in April. The model first spoke of her pregnancy – news which was revealed in the press and not by Gigi or Zayn – during a video call appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, admitting they would have liked to reveal the news on their “own terms”, but also thanked everyone for their congratulations.
    “Obviously, we wish we could’ve announced it on our own terms, but we’re very excited and happy and grateful for everyone’s well wishes and support,” she said.
    Zayn and Gigi originally started dating in 2016, and have been on-and-off ever since, with their latest split taking place in mid-2019. However, the pair reunited earlier this year, but have been keeping their romance away from the public glare.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

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    Meghan Markle could have had Kate Middleton’s engagement ring

    When Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer announced their engagement nearly 40 years ago, a big talking point was the gorgeous 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire engagement ring.
    Two decades later, Prince William sealed their relationship with Kate Middleton using the sapphire sparkler making it the star of the show.

    In late 2010 when Prince William popped the question to his then-girlfriend Kate Middleton, he had been carrying the ring around and revealed that it was the same one in the couple’s first interview after being engaged.

    However, according to Prince Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell, upon Princess Diana’s tragic death it was Prince Harry who had actually inherited his mother’s engagement ring, meaning Meghan Markle could have had it.
    But with the golden hear that Prince Harry has always been known to have, he later offered the ring to his elder brother so that he could propose to the now Duchess of Cambridge.
    After their engagement, Kate had altered the ring with slight mortifications to the iconic piece to ensure a snug fit and since then has rarely been seen without being adorned with this timeless memory of the evergreen princess.
    Meanwhile, when Harry proposed to Meghan, now the Duchess of Sussex, in 2017, he designed a ring with royal jewellers Cleave & Company which features a centre diamond from Botswana.
    The centre diamond is also flanked by two other round diamonds from Diana’s personal jewellery collection, which is a symbol for the late princess always being with the couple on their journey through life together.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Getty More

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    Muslim woman removed from a flight for making a passenger feel ‘uncomfortable’

    An American-Jordanian Muslim woman has alleged she was removed from a flight after a male passenger expressed his discomfort at her being on the flight.
    Amani Al-Khatahtbeh was meant to be on a flight from Newark, New Jersey to Charlotte, North Carolina on November 14.

    The US-based activist, who is the founder of Muslim Girl – a website dedicated to sharing news, culture and history surrounding Muslims – opened up about the ordeal on her Twitter page and her website.
    Al-Khatahtbeh explained their first encounter was at the security check in the airport where a white male became impatient and frustrated with her as she had to remove her shoes – a normal requirement during a security check.

    I had the craziest experience in TSA this morning.
    An entitled white man behind me insisted on cutting me in line because I was “still taking my shoes off.”
    When I said he could wait like everyone else, he started going off about how he’s “pre check” and “first class” 1/3
    — AMANI (@AMANI2020) November 14, 2020

    “An entitled white man behind me insisted on cutting me in line because I was ‘still taking my shoes off,’” she said on Twitter.
    “When I said he could wait like everyone else, he started going off about how he’s ‘pre check’ and ‘first class’”.
    Once Al-Khatahtbeh boarded the flight and she took her seat, a member of airport security approached her – an encounter which was filmed by the website founder – to explain that she was going to be removed from the flight as there was a passenger who was uncomfortable with her.

    This is the @AmericanAir manager coming onboard to tell me that they’re removing me from my flight because “there is a passenger onboard who doesn’t feel comfortable” with me. pic.twitter.com/pwBS5NkvAn
    — AMANI (@AMANI2020) November 15, 2020

    “This is the American Airlines manager coming onboard to tell me that they’re removing me from my flight because ‘there is a passenger onboard who doesn’t feel comfortable’ with me,” Al-Khatahtbeh tweeted along with the video.
    Following this Al-Khatahtbeh was reportedly escorted off the flight by police officers and was briefly taken into custody, but has now been released.
    In a statement issued by American Airlines, they stated there was “verbal altercation” which took place between Al-Khatahtbeh and the male passenger.
    “Initial witness accounts indicate the conflict began during TSA screening,” the statement said. “Both PreCheck and non-PreCheck screening were consolidated into one open lane.
    “Our understanding is that Ms Al-Khatahtbeh believed the other passenger, who is enrolled in PreCheck, was getting favourable treatment because he was allowed to proceed through security while she was removing her shoes.
    “This led to a verbal altercation that continued through the terminal and on the plane, where Ms Al-Khatahtbeh confronted the passenger and began filming him before taking her seat.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Amani Al-Khatahtbeh Instagram More