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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

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    How Apple is showcasing emerging talent in the region

    In its ongoing journey to support talent from all over the world, Apple is continuing to do so as it launches a new initiative from Apple Music.
    Apple Music has launched the ‘New artists: Middle East’ playlist featuring new artists from the region, showcasing diverse musical backgrounds, genres and styles from across the Middle East.

    One of these artists, Lebanese singer/songwriter Bea Kadri who’s song Right for Ya appears on the playlist praised the new initiative being both an artist and a listener.
    “I discover a lot of new artists and listen to my favourites on Apple Music, so I can only hope that by exposing my music to new listeners on the platform, it speaks to them in a special type of way and sets the mood for certain moments of their days,” she says. “It’s a unique bond that your platform facilitates between artist and listener.”

    Kadri also noted how artists in this region are “breaking boundaries”.
    “There’s definitely been major shifts happening in the music scene in the Middle East,” she added. “There are more artists breaking boundaries in the region, experimenting with their sounds and releasing fearlessly and confidently.”
    To listen to the playlist, visit the link here.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied, Instagram More

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    Sheikh Hamdan praises Emirati medical team for groundbreaking surgery

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has praised the efforts of medical staff in Dubai for performing a groundbreaking surgery in the region.
    The Crown Prince of Dubai visited Latifa Hosptial in Dubai to meet the medical team which completed a rare surgery to correct a spinal defect of an unborn baby.

    “I am proud to see this inspiring team bring hope and relief to an Emirati family preparing to welcome their healthy child,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement on Twitter.

    Today, I met an Emirati medical team who performed the region’s first-ever corrective fetal surgery on the spine of a 25-week-old fetus in the womb. I am proud to see this inspiring team bring hope and relief to an Emirati family preparing to welcome their healthy child. pic.twitter.com/mPIK8RB8H3
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 17, 2020

    “Our expert Emirati medical talents continue to uplift our confidence in our healthcare services. To all our medical & nursing staff, you are extremely valued… Thank you for your tireless efforts.
    “The health and happiness of our society is in your hands.”

    Our expert Emirati medical talents continue to uplift our confidence in our healthcare services. To all our medical & nursing staff, you are extremely valued… Thank you for your tireless efforts. The health and happiness of our society is in your hands. pic.twitter.com/EsRsHJqr70
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) November 17, 2020

    The surgery was performed on a 25-week-old foetus and its mother after the baby was diagnosed with myelomeningocele, which is a form of Spina bifida.
    The six-hour surgery will hopefully help improve the unborn baby’s cognitive function and lower limb function.
    This type of surgery is region’s first-ever foetal corrective surgery, according to Sheikh Hamdan.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sheikh Hamdan Twitter More

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    These two apps offer luxurious mid-city escapes at a low cost

    With the weather finally cooling down and residents in the UAE wanted to take precautions regarding travel, if you’re looking to enjoy the holiday season locally, Dubai has an array of stunning hotels, chic poolsides and refreshing beaches to choose from – giving you those vacation feels without leaving the country.
    Privilee
    The much-adored luxury lifestyle app – Privilee is back with a myriad of exclusive member benefits at the most picturesque beach clubs some of which overlook Dubai’s beautiful skyline.

    For all the beach lovers and pool devotees out there looking to enjoy a lazy day by the beach at extremely low prices you can do so at Anantara The Palm Dubai resort, Bab Al Shams Desert resort & spa, Fairmont The Palm, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palazzo Versace, White Beach, Atlantis The Palm and many more in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The application also offers exclusive discounts across a varied set of spas, bars and restaurants priced at only Dhs529 per month. For more information visit the Privilee website.
    Viya

    Viya, the new luxury based rewards application is offering its users discounts on dining, golf, spas, pools and beaches across the Dubai with a chance to earn up to 10 per cent ack with every pool pass purchased, while allowing you to earn loyalty points.
    The format is simple and works on a two-way loyalty system. For every Dhs10 you spend at a Viya partner, the app will reward you with Dhs1 that can eventually add up and go towards an unforgettable experience. In addition, you will enjoy savings on every purchase via the app.
    Viya’s exclusive rewards come from leading hotels such as Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt Dubai, Andaz Dubai The Palm, The Westin Mina Seyahi and Dusit Thani – as well as dining, gym and leisure experiences across Dubai Golf’s three premier destinations of Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Loro Piana More

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    Caution urged about gatherings ahead of UAE National Day and Christmas

    Ahead of UAE National Day and Christmas celebrations, the UAE has urged the public to be cautious amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The busy festive season in the UAE is normally marked with many joyous celebrations, but authorities have highlighted the public needs to be mindful when it comes to gatherings.
    “With the UAE National Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations approaching, we stress the importance of adhering to precautionary and preventive health and safety measures during all activities to tackle COVID-19,” a spokesperson for the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said in a media briefing.
    Stringent guidelines were outlined for celebrations over the coming month including a ban on exchanging gifts and food and the cancellation of workplace parties.
    In addition, concerts can only be permitted if approval is given by authorities.
    “Concerts can be held only after receiving approval from authorities and only with the application of all precautionary measures,” the spokesperson said. “Also, workplace celebrations are cancelled and restricted to the hanging of decorations, flags and banners only, while gatherings to watch shows such as fireworks are not permitted.”
    It was highlighted that masks should be worn at all times and social distancing measures of two metres must be adhered to.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Supplied More

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    The free DIFC event that’s your one-stop-shop for culture, art and entertainment

    IN PARTNERSHIP: DIFC is known as the financial hub of Dubai, surrounded by some of the best restaurants in Dubai.
    Now, for the next two days, it’s also set to be the one-stop-shop for culture, art and entertainment with the return of DIFC Art Nights.

    For the 10th year running the event invites lifestyle, arts and culture enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the artwork from 40 local and international artists at the Gate Village.
    The DIFC Art Nights will also feature 3D calligraphy as well as some amazing pieces from galleries including The Empty Quarter, which was founded by Saudi Arabian Princess HRH Reem Al-Faisal and Emirati Safa Al-Hamed.

    Other galleries including Opera Gallery, Sconci Gallery and Tabari Art Space will also feature some eclectic art pieces.
    Platforms like Legacy Art are also partaking, and the event will also feature inspiring art collections by Amanda Ovington to acrylic and oil paintings by Mohamed Hussein, as well as emerging artists.
    DIFC Art Nights is running from November 17 to 18 from 6pm to 10pm, with entry being complimentary to the public.
    And, of course, the al fresco evening event will operate with strict public health procedures in line with UAE Government guidelines.
    DIFC Art Nights runs from November 17 to 18, 6pm to 10pm. More information is available at difc.ae/events/art-nights-nov/.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The UAE is offering free mental health support to COVID-19 frontline workers

    The UAE has announced it will be offering free mental health support to COVID-19 frontline workers.
    The Frontline Heroes Office, which was launched back in July, announced a free helpline has been launched in order to help frontline workers cope with the mental health pressures faced throughout the pandemic.

    The new initiative has been implemented after research found by the authority found that 46 per cent of professionals in the country have felt their mental health has been impacted by the pandemic. Meanwhile, 25 per cent of frontliners claimed they felt burnt out from work.
    With a team of 55 trained volunteers, the helpline will be available from 8am to 8pm for frontline workers via the number 800-HOPE (800-4673). Support is available in both Arabic and English and the entire team of 55 volunteers are supported by 12 clinical psychologists.

    The Frontline Heroes Office also released a statement on the new mental health support: “This initiative falls under the framework of the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in his role as chairman of the Frontline Heroes Office, to support frontline professionals in facing the Coronavirus pandemic on a national level.”
    The Chairman of the Board for the Frontline Heroes Office, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, also made a statement thanking frontline professionals for facing “the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic”.
    “Their selfless work has meant that the UAE has been one of the leading countries in tackling the pandemic with sincerity and passion, which is why we must take care of them in appreciation of their dedication and generosity,” he said.
    “The current pandemic has highlighted the unique challenges faced by our invaluable frontline professionals, and our hope is that through this helpline, we can help provide impactful mental health support to these brave individuals who are dedicating their lives to protecting us all.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: WAM More

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    If you’re a huge Emily in Paris fan this new Dubai ladies night is just for you

    Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last month, you’ll have heard about the new Netflix series Emily in Paris. The good, the bad and everything inbetween.

    While it may have divided some opinions, we must admit the show was a guilty pleasure for the EW editors to binge-watch.
    Now, amidst the excitement of the show, Dubai is getting its very own slice of the Emily in Paris pie with a new ladies’ night themed after the show.
    Say hello to ‘Emily in Dubai’ which is launching at Marina Social.
    Every Tuesday from 6pm, ladies will be able to get together for a full Emily in Paris extravagant complete with a pop-up flower shop, art installations and stylists on hands to offer some fashion advice.
    For Dhs250 ladies will be treated to a three-course menu, taking inspiration from the hit Netflix show, along with two hours of free-flowing drinks.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Netflix More