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    One of Dubai’s most popular restaurants is opening its doors in Saudi Arabia

    We’ve already discussed the many Dubai restaurants that are set to go global next year. Well, now another one of the most popular restaurants in the emirate is set to expand elsewhere in the Middle East.
    Globally acclaimed restaurant Zuma is set to open its doors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia along with sister restaurant Roka, which only opened in Dubai earlier this year prior to the pandemic.

    The parent company of the famous eateries, which originally opened in London in the early 2000s, Azumi Limited is partnering with Saudi-based MJS (Mohammed Jawa) Holding in order to spearhead the project, which also includes the openings of other Azumi brands Oblix, Inko Nito and Etaru.
    Azumi’s CEO Sven Koch shared his delight at finding a “like-minded partner” in Mohammed Jawa in order to continue to expand their international footprint.

    “The Kingdom is a fast-growing market and new for us, we are very proud to be taking this step with Mohammed,” Koch added. “He is a true operator and is hugely passionate about our brands.
    “This, combined with his innovative approach to business, means we aligned seamlessly. We are very honoured to be working with him.”
    Jawa also shared a similar sentiment of the announcement saying it was “a great honour and pleasure to be part of the Zuma family”.
    This announcement comes after it was confirmed Downtown Dubai-born La Serre – which opened in 2013 – announced it would be opening a Riyadh-based restaurant at the beginning of next year. It’s also set to open establishments in London and New York City.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    Skip brunch for two and buy a property in Dubai instead

    Have you been toying with an idea of making Dubai your permanent home? Nothing says commitment like buying a property and millennial buyers, in particular, can benefit from the current market.

    According to experts, if you find your dream apartment that’s worth Dhs220,000 you could be paying back Dhs790 per month which is equivalent of two Friday brunches (or one brunch if you’re feeling flashy and go for a bubbly package). With the current mortgage interest rate of roughly 2.49 per cent, all you have to worry is the minimum down payment of 20 per cent and you can call yourself a property owner.
    Online platform Property Finder took a closer look at apartment prices across three key localities appealing to the millennial buyer – Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers – all being relatively new developments that took shape within the past two decades.
    Apartment prices currently sit at an average of Dhs400,000-450,000 for a studio apartment and AED 750,000-800,000 for a one-bedroom. In JVC you can expect to find a studio apartment at around Dhs220,000 while a one-bedroom can set you back Dhs300,000. Those dreaming of a Marina lifestyle can expect to pay around Dhs300,000 for a studio and Dhs350,000 for a one-bedroom while in JLT residents can expect studio apartments to go for Dhs340,000 and one-bedroom dwellings for Dhs370,000.
    If you can stretch to Dhs800,000, after the down payments and current mortgage rate, your monthly instalment will be around Dhs2,800 which is pretty competitive considering how much renters can be paying a month.
    While the prices and mortgage solutions have a significant role to play, getting on a property ladder in Dubai has never been easier.
    Earlier this month it was revealed that rent in Dubai has dropped by 13 per cent for apartments, while the market for villas has seen a 10 per cent decrease.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    6 rooftops that will give you the best views of Dubai

    Last week officially marked the end of summer in the UAE, which means we say goodbye to the sweltering heat and humidity and hello to the best weather.
    It also means we can finally sit outside to enjoy a meal, and the best way to do that is on one of the fabulous rooftops Dubai has to offer.

    EW has rounded up six of the best rooftop spots which will give you the ultimate views of the city, whilst enjoying a glorious meal in the company of your nearest and dearest.
    Mercury Lounge

    One of the chicest rooftops in all of Dubai has just reopened. With 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline, Burj Khalifa and Arabian Gulf, it’s safe to say Mercury Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is one of the best rooftops to visit in Dubai.
    Enjoy the sunset with their aperitivo menu which is served daily from 6pm to 8:00 pm, and includes miniature bites with each drink ordered. Prices start at Dhs70.
    Ce La Vie

    For the ultimate views of the Burj Khalifa, you’ll be pleased to know Ce La Vie’s rooftop has officially reopened. The restaurant only opened earlier this year, but then had to quickly close again due to lockdown, so there’s a high chance you won’t have been able to enjoy the incredible panoramic views Ce La Vie has to offer. With views like this, along with their contemporary Asian menu, you can be rest assured you’ll be in for a good time.
    Treehouse

    This week on October 3, Treehouse will be removing its ‘greenhouse’ tent so punters can once again enjoy the rooftop views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai as the cooler weather arrives. Whether it’s a happy hour of autumn-inspired cocktails, a ladies’ night or a chilled Sunday with friends you’re looking for, this is the spot to go to.
    Iris Dubai

    This year we saw Iris relocate to DIFC temporarily, but you’ll be pleased to know that Iris returning to its iconic Meydan location. “Our signature cuisine, beverages, music, and even furniture have journeyed across the city, leaving a trail that leads us back home. It’s time to #ReturnToMeydan,” it was announced on Iris’ Instagram page. The famous Dubai hotspot is set to reopen on October 5 in Meydan.
    Paros

    While it’s only been open for just under a month, Paros has already been a huge hit. Located on the 46th floor of the Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, you get breathtaking views of Dubai Marina, JBR and beyond. With some fabulous deals on offer, it’s the perfect place to get together with friends.
    Atelier M

    With stunning views of the Dubai Marina and an amazing menu, Atelier M at Pier 7 is the ideal place for a romantic dinner or a get together with your girlfriends.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Instagram/Supplied More

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    This new UAE staycation deal is the perfect opportunity to escape the city

    In Partnership: As travel is largely on hold, we’re looking to the next best thing – a staycation.
    Luckily for those of us based in the UAE, we’ve got the whole country on our doorsteps making it easy for those based in the busy cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to escape to the quieter emirates like Ras Al Khaimah.

    If you’re currently seeking a calm and quiet getaway then we may have found the ultimate deal just for you, and it’s just an hours drive from Dubai.
    Say hello to Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah and their new ‘Suite Escape’ all-inclusive stay package.

    With 450m of sandy beaches, 14 restaurants and bars covering an array of different cuisines and 8 pools, we’re confident in saying this is the ideal place for a cityscape.
    The hotel’s new staycation deal gives the perfect opportunity for couples or families to take a midweek break as when you book a weekday stay of a minimum of two nights at any suite category will receive 15 per cent off the best available rate.
    Not only to get a luxurious suite in the staycation deal you’ll also reap the benefits of the Rixos Bab Al Bahr’s signature welcome amenities and a private cabana by the beach with refreshments.
    Whether you’re on a getaway with the whole family, with a group a friends or you’re with your significant other, there’s something for everyone including adventurous water sports, beach and poolside fun and a luxurious spa.

    Guests can be rest assured that the Rixos Bab Al Bahr has the highest safety standards and training and hygiene protocols to protect the health and well-being of both guests and employees. Similarly, they are also part of the RAKTDA ‘Safeguard Assurance’ program and are certified as a safe destination by Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services.
    We can’t think of any excuse not to book a stay ASAP.
    To make a booking call +971 (7) 244 4400 or email reservation.rak@rixos.com.
    Note: All room rates are subject to a 10 per cent service charge and 5 per cent VAT. A tourism fee of Dhs20 per unit per night is also applicable.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Gigi Hadid has shared a new photo of her newborn daughter

    There’s no doubt Gigi Hadid will currently be in a new parent bliss with her newborn daughter.
    The supermodel announced the birth of her daughter with boyfriend Zayn Malik on Wednesday, revealing they welcomed the newborn last weekend.

    And despite being less than a week old, baby Hadid-Malik is already being spoilt by Gigi’s very famous (and stylish) friends.
    Taking to Instagram on Friday, the 25-year-old shared a new photo of her daughter – whose name hasn’t been announced as of yet.

    In the picture, the new mum revealed the newborn’s outfit was gifted to her by designer Donatella Versace and singer Taylor Swift.

    Baby Hadid-Malik was wearing a Versace sweater from “auntie Donatella” and was also covered by a silk pink blanked from “auntie Taylor Swift”, which she made herself.
    New parents Gigi and Zayn announced the arrival of their baby daughter on Wednesday.
    “Our baby girl is here, healthy & beautiful,” Zayn said on Twitter sharing a photo holding his daughter’s hand. “To try put into words how I am feeling right now would be an impossible task.
    “The love I feel for this tiny human is beyond my understanding,” he added. “Grateful to know her, proud to call her mine, & thankful for the life we will have together x”

    Our baby girl is here, healthy & beautiful🙏🏽❤️to try put into words how i am feeling right now would be an impossible task. The love i feel for this tiny human is beyond my understanding.Grateful to know her, proud to call her mine, & thankful for the life we will have together x pic.twitter.com/nvhfOkk2fw
    — zayn (@zaynmalik) September 24, 2020

    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, 25, 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
    Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

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    A nighttime curfew for Dubai’s entertainment industry has been implemented

    As coronavirus cases have been increasing in the UAE, a new curfew has been implemented in Dubai.

    A circular was issued by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) over the weekend to hotels, stating that entertainment activities must end by 1am.
    Similarly, it was also stated in the circular, which was issued on September 24, that food and beverage services must conclude by 3am, with establishments also closing then. However, this does not affect delivery services nor room service in hotels.
    Over the last few weeks, COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing in the UAE.
    On September 26, 1,008 new cases were announced bringing the total to 90,618. However, 79,676 of those cases have recovered meaning there are currently 10,942 active COVID-19 cases in the UAE.
    In the country, there has been a total of 411 deaths.
    – 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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    Exclusive: The groundbreaking female-led move Careem is making

    The year 2020 has forced industries around the world into new ways of working – and into new ways of thinking. It’s safe to say the pandemic has well and truly turned the globe on its head.
    Global companies and businesses, including in the Middle East, have had no choice but to embrace the change and find new ways of working with employees going remote, many aspects of work going online, Zoom meetings being at the forefront and flexible working hours being implemented.

    Over the last few months in the UAE, people have slowly begun to return to offices upon the announcement workplaces were able to begin to welcome employees back to the workplace.
    However, despite things going back to normal, business giant Careem, who has their headquarters based in Dubai, is making a groundbreaking female-led move by going remote-first – and its the first company in the Middle East to do so.

    Emirates Woman can exclusively reveal the innovative move is being spearheaded by the company’s Director of Talent, Learning and Performance and acting VP People at Careem, Ella Fordham.
    So, what exactly does going remote-first mean? Effective immediately as of today, Careem’s 1,300 employees will be able to work from any location within the business’ employment market which spreads across 36 offices in 13 different markets. As part of the move, employees will be able to work from any worldwide location for up to a month.

    (Above: Director of Talent, Learning and Performance and is currently acting VP People at Careem, Ella Fordham)
    Meanwhile, their offices will be redesigned into collaborative working spaces.
    Speaking on the new move, Fordham tells Emirates Woman, that her team has been using data they have collected and they have seen a significant shift in the way the company works.
    “We have defined remote-first at Careem to mean that working remotely is now our default way of working for all new and existing colleagues,” she tells EW exclusively. “All colleague processes and experiences will be designed for remote presence and, most importantly, all of our colleagues will have the same work experience regardless of where they choose to work from.
    “With this new strategy, we believe we are simplifying the lives of our colleagues, whilst also being able to benefit from the increased productivity and engagement that we have seen whilst working remotely to date.”
    In our exclusive interview with Fordham we spoke to her about what made her want to spearhead the decision, what a milestone it is for such a groundbreaking move it is to be female-led and how Careem continues to empower female employees.
    What made you want to spearhead this decision?
    I feel very passionately that the world of work has changed, including the expectations of our colleagues about their working environment. We need to embrace this new reality as an organisation and accelerate the adoption of digital behaviours.
    In terms of attracting new talent, and to be able to realise our Superapp ambitions, I believe this will give us the ability to overcome geographic limits that have traditionally hindered our recruitment of awesome people who are excited by our purpose.
    From a personal perspective, I have always looked for companies that promote flexibility. I have a young child and both myself and my husband work. Having the ability to structure my working day to be able to build in time for nursery drop-offs and bath-time is very important to me. Careem has always operated with a degree of flexibility but remote-first will allow us all to manage personal and professional life more easily and strike the right balance.
    It’s especially notable this groundbreaking move is female-led which is definitely a win for this region and beyond. How do you feel about this?
    This initiative is down to a team effort. The People Team at Careem is exceptionally strong and they champion many initiatives that benefit the business and our colleagues. For all People Teams across the globe, this pandemic has meant leading the business through uncharted waters.
    The first step we took was to use data to help us make an informed decision. We measure the engagement levels of our colleagues on a monthly basis and ask a range of questions on a variety of topics. On average, 88% of our colleagues participate. We also ran weekly focus groups on working remotely. Bringing this data together, along with business performance metrics, allowed us to develop insights into what our colleagues were telling us and the business impact.
    I stepped up into this role to cover my manager’s (VP) maternity leave in May 2020, and having the opportunity to drive this topic and create a profound change to the way we operate was an exceptional opportunity for which I am very grateful for.
    Building relationships whilst being remote did, at first, feel odd. However, I honestly do not feel that I have been hindered by it. Time in meetings becomes more focused and one-to-one catch-ups have fewer distractions. I have super strong relationships with people I have never met face to face, which is not something I thought I would have said this time last year!
    Leading a team in a remote setting requires a slightly different leadership style and what we have learnt as a company is that it is very important to set a team charter or an agreed way of working. A team charter is a set of principles/rules of the game that the team live by. It should be produced by the team, owned by the team, and be visible to all those who work with them.

    (Above: Careem’s founders Magnus Olsson, Mudassir Sheikha and Abdulla Elyas)
    It’s also an incredible move to make especially since you only joined the company in February – just before a pandemic! – what’s that been like?
    I had not been in the region long before I started at Careem and then Covid-19 hit. I quickly had to adapt to a new country and a new role whilst also being under lockdown.
    It was not easy but what helped me settle into life at Careem was a solid onboarding plan. Ensuring our onboarding plan is right in a remote setting will be a big focus of ours going forward.
    2020 has been an interesting and challenging year for all of us but I feel very fortunate to have joined Careem, whose mission is to simplify and improve the lives of people across our region. That really resonates with me.
    What is the plan for office spaces?
    Our offices will remain open as we still believe that face to face interactions are very important. We will look to reconfigure the offices to facilitate collaboration and team building. They will be compelling spaces that will allow our colleagues to innovate from.
    How has the work culture in Careem changed throughout the pandemic? It’s been a major shift for a lot of companies…
    Our purpose, values and our shared vision is core to our culture, and that has not changed in a remote setting. From our monthly surveys, we have actually seen an increase in overall engagement of our colleagues and this in part is down to us recommending to adopt common ways of working. Remote working requires being intentional about adopting remote-first practices, even if some interactions occur in a shared physical space. It also required us to be more thoughtful about social interactions. We have already seen this come to life through virtual coffee breaks, games nights, and remote lunches.
    During Covid-19, we have opened offices when we could to provide space for people to collaborate and socialize. Going forwards, and in a post-COVID-19 world, teams are recommended to come to the office at least one day a week to have face-to-face interactions for these reasons. We have set key performance metrics related to our organisational health and culture and we will continuously monitor them and make improvements as we go.
    In the new working model, is there a certain number of days that must be worked from office/home, etc?
    Remote-first at Careem means that working remotely is now our default for all colleagues (both new and existing). All colleague processes and experiences will be designed for remote presence. Everyone will have the same work experience regardless of where they are and choose to work from.
    We have agreed on a set of 5 working principles which we will all abide by:
    Own Zoom: Dial-in through an individual Zoom tile whether at home or in the office. Cameras on for most of the time
    Meetings zone: No meetings scheduled before 8am and after 8pm (local time) to allow time to disconnect
    Meetings excellence: Set clear objectives, send pre-read materials 24 hours in advance, check-in with everyone before starting, and document meeting outcomes
    Virtual social: Make time for remote lunches, game nights and coffee breaks to have fun together regardless of location
    Office days: Spend some time, one day in the week, in the office to meet your team and socialize with other colleagues
    How do you think this will change the working environment for Careem?
    Our offices will remain open to provide comfortable spaces for our colleagues to be able to collaborate and socialise. They are also there for people who prefer working from the office.
    How do you hope to continue to empower female employees in Careem?
    There are some unique challenges women face, such as returning to work after maternity leave. By working in a remote-first way, two of my team members have been able to return to work on their terms in a way that fits the commitments they have after becoming mothers. I believe that operating in this way has empowered these individuals to make a choice rather than a sacrifice and, in return, it has helped us retain talent that we might not have been able to in other circumstances.
    What we have seen and what our colleagues have been telling us is that by sharing the same virtual space we have levelled the playing field for our colleagues. All of our processes, including promotions, are now geared towards being delivered remotely because of the wide geography we operate in.
    Right now we are doing more internal communications events, such as Ask Me Anything, and are actively championing senior women to share about their reality at Careem and beyond. I think by lifting each other up we can continue to build on developing the next level of senior women for the region.
    What has the feedback from employees been about the new initiative?
    Over the last six months, we have learnt a lot about ourselves. Colleague feedback has shown us that 90 per cent feel they are able to be more productive and effective at home and almost all of our colleagues have expressed a desire for more flexibility, with around 60 per cent telling us they would prefer a 2-3 day split between home and the office. Colleagues want to use office time for collaboration and socialising.
    Our internal metrics show that overall engagement has gone up during this time and key topics in our survey, such as autonomy accomplishment, manager support, and peer relationships have actually increased whilst being remote.
    For our colleagues, remote-first delivers real savings on daily commute times and gives people significant flexibility in how they manage their life. Careem’s culture is one of ownership and trust and this is also reflected in our unlimited vacation policy, which was announced in October 2018.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Abu Dhabi reopens its borders to tourists three months after Dubai

    Abu Dhabi has reopened its borders to tourists, along with five other emirates, The National has reported.

    The reopening of the borders to international travellers is to “support recovery plans of the country’s tourism sector and economy”, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) said.
    This move comes nearly three months after Dubai’s borders opened to tourists on July 7. Per requirements for visitors to Dubai, a negative COVID-19 test is required and there’s no isolation period if you test negative.
    READ: Abu Dhabi residents and tourists no longer require an alcohol license
    However, in Abu Dhabi those who are arriving from international destinations – whether they are tourists or residents – must quarantine in their homes or a hotel room for 14 days even if they test negative for COVID-19.
    Last week it was confirmed by Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad that passengers travelling into the UAE will have to wear tracking wristbands during their 14-day quarantine.
    In their announcement, it was confirmed a medically-approved tag will be given to travellers arriving into Abu Dhabi International airport after they clear immigration, whatever country they arriving from.
     “On arrival into Abu Dhabi you must self-isolate for 14 days,” the airline’s statement said. “Self-isolation must take place at home and all arrivals will be required to wear a medically approved wristband for this duration.”

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Instagram More