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    Your fabulous guide to this weekend in Dubai: August 27-29

    Use this weekend as an opportunity to try something new in Dubai, whether it’s discovering a stylish new yoga studio or indulging in a recently launched brunch. Oh, and don’t forget to celebrate the amazing Emirati women on Friday.
    Golden hour

    Kick off the weekend with a sundowner at one of the most stylish rooftop locations in the city. Alfresco bar SoBe, located in W Dubai – The Palm, has launched Sunset Hour concept which available from Sunday to Thursday, 4pm till 7pm, with house drinks priced at Dhs35 and a premium selection available for Dhs50. Perfect for after-work catch up, the deal is on until September 31.
    Say bonjour to a new brunch

    Bleu Blanc Oysters & Grill, a Southern French farmhouse-style bistro at Renaissance Downtown Hotel, has recently unveiled a brand new brunch concept La Belle Vie Brunch that takes place every Friday from 1pm to 4pm. From oysters, mussel pots and charred king prawns, to beef tenderloin tartare, prime rib, corn-fed baby chicken, wood-roasted salmon, and wagyu cheeseburger, there is something to suit all taste buds. Oh and there’s also a cocktail station where you can mix your very own drink. Prices start at Dhs325 for soft drinks, Dhs425 for house beverages and Dhs650 for the sparkling package.
    Vegan treats at your door

    The Emirati-owned GOSSIP The Café has created an array of vegan desserts that are now available for delivery. Known for using carefully selected ingredients, the new delivery menu features peanut caramel bars and vegan almond protein balls as well as a new collection of cheesecakes, such as the Mango Blackberry Keto Cheesecake – a creamy fresh mango blackberry keto cheesecake with a pistachio date crust, topped with fresh blackberries, blueberries and mango jelly cubes. GOSSIP The Café is delivering to Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ajman. Contact GOSSIP directly via Instagram to place your sweet order.
    Meet us on the mat 
    INSPIRE, a yoga, Pilates, and fitness studio is opening a new studio in the heart of DIFC.  Spaced out across two rooms, the new location will offer a variety of yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes as well as specially curated classes and experiences like Floating Bliss, Yin Aroma Yoga and Sound Meditation. Our favourite already is the Coffee Nap “Class” available from midday till 3.30pm daily. To celebrate the opening, INSPIRE DIFC studio will be offering free classes from today until August 29 and is currently giving free classes in the pop-up studio in Zone A Gate Avenue. Additionally, INSPIRE is offering savings of up to 40 per cent on class packages to first 100 new members in DIFC studio and a family class package.
    A sweet gesture

    To celebrate Emirati Women’s Day, the Tania’s Teahouse team has Emira-tea Box t help you show yourself some self-care. Inside you’ll find a limited-edition Tania’s Teahouse mug as well as three tasty retail teas and three decorated sugar cookies. A perfect gift for your bestie which is priced at Dhs120.
    Say cheers to the weekend

    Round off your weekend with a brand new Saturday brunch. Sui Mui, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi’s Asian restaurant has launched Pho Real serving up crowd-pleasers. Expect sushi, Asian tacos and dim sum, Kalbi spiced BBQ short ribs, Chinese style steamed seabass with ginger, scallion and soy and the seafood red curry. Don’t skip out on dessert which includes sticky rice with mango, fruit makki or the Pandan crème brulee. The buffet and soft drinks are Dhs169 and Dhs225 for selected house beverages.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied, main image instagram.com/greenpacha More

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    COVID-19 guidelines for entering Abu Dhabi have changed

    Travel restrictions on entering the emirate of Abu Dhabi have been in place since June.
    In the latest update from the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, it has been announced that to enter the UAE capital a negative COVID-19 test completed via a PCR nasal-swab test is required.

    Previously UAE citizens and residents were permitted with a negative rapid DPI laser test, but this is no longer the case.
    Per the Abu Dhabi Media Office official Twitter page, “Entry will be allowed within 48 hrs of receiving a negative PCR test result, or with a negative DPI laser test result accompanied by a negative PCR test result received within 6 days. The Committee states that the same type of test cannot be taken twice in a row within six days.”

    The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in cooperation with @DoHSocial, approves two tests to enter the emirate effective 27 August 2020, enhancing precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/TclavviPUi
    — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 25, 2020

    However, there are exemptions for this. It was confirmed that those who volunteered to take part in the COVID-19 vaccine trials would be “exempt from these entry measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes for a smooth journey”.

    Volunteers in the COVID-19 vaccine trials are exempt from these entry measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes for a smooth journey. Meanwhile, violating these procedures will result in penalties and fines as outlined by the Attorney General.
    — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 25, 2020

    As of late, COVID-19 cases in the UAE have been on the rise and the question of overnight curfews making a comeback in some areas has been raised.
    Last week, a spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) Saif Al Dhahri said: “The UAE might re-enforce the national sterilization program, which had included a night-time curfew. This would be possible in certain areas where we observe high infection cases.”
    According to health officials across the country, the number of coronavirus cases have been on a steady decline since July 9, but the recent surge has been a concern.
    On August 18 Dr Omar Al Hammadi, the UAE government spokesperson, said the average number of cases had increased by 136.
    “The UAE government has done a commendable job with more than six million tests, which is more than 50 per cent of the total population,” Dr Adel Al Sisi, the Chief Medical Officer, Consultant of ICU and Chair of Intensive Care at Prime Hospital, told Gulf News. “The higher the tests, the more are the possibilities of detecting asymptomatic cases in the community. That is why we see a surge. However, there is cause for alarm when we see a rise in number of cases.”
    To date, the total number of cases in the UAE stands at 67,621 – with 58,754 recoveries and 377 deaths.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    Under Armour unveils its first hijab for Muslim athletes

    In a step towards inclusivity, sports brand Under Armour has unveiled its first hijab for Muslim athletes.
    The new sport hijab was developed with help from Hijabi athletes around the world including Saman Munir, who is a Toronto-based personal trainer and fitness influencer and the face of the new campaign.

    Announcing the new launch last week, Under Armour’s CEO, Patrik Frisk said, “Every athlete should have the gear she needs to be the best.”
    In order to ensure the product was of the highest quality, the UA Sports Hijab was om development for several years prior to its launch.

    Every athlete should have the gear she needs to be the best. The Under Armour Sport Hijab was developed with the help of Hijabi athletes from around the world including Saman Munir (@makeuphijabs): https://t.co/lwsKPDoCCL pic.twitter.com/eOaYJGQ1iu
    — Patrik Frisk (@PatrikFrisk) August 17, 2020

    “We spent several years developing the UA Sports Hijab, because we wanted to ensure that when the product launched it was the best it could be,” Jennifer Smith, senior designer of women’s and girl’s accessories at Under Armour, said in a statement. “The UA Sports Hijab is rooted in functionality and performance, from the breathable and sweat-wicking fabric, to the stretch, seam construction and ear bud access.
    “Our team worked diligently to launch a quality sport hijab that will meet the performance needs of its user and ensure all female athletes are covered from head to toe no matter their size, level of performance or religion.”
    Under Armour’s launch of a sports hijab comes three years after competing brand Nike launched theirs.
    It’s set to retail for $35 (Dhs129), the same price at the Nike Pro Hijab.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Under Armour Twitter More

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    This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been confirmed

    It’s official: this year’s Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been confirmed after months of speculation.

    However, it will be a very different experience than many fans are used to.
    While the closing date has been set for the annual motorsport race on December 13, the atmosphere will be very different as this year it will take place without spectators.
    The event will take place in a “bio-sphere”, which will create a safe-zone for all F1 staff, drivers and teams, sans the hoards of fans the F1 normally sees.
    Speaking on the confirmation of the event, Chase Carey, CEO of the Formula One Group said: “We are delighted that we will be upholding our traditional end of season race with our valued and special partners at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.”
    “While this season has been challenging for everyone, we can think of no better place to bring the 2020 season to an end and look forward to completing our seventeen-race calendar,” he added.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Tommy Hilfiger Twitter More

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    Some of the best restaurants in Dubai come together to support Beirut

    Eat out to help the people of Beirut through Dubai’s new charitable initiative.
    For one day only, restaurants, delivery platforms and fast-food outlets will join forces to donate a percentage of each bill – from 30 per cent to 100 per cent – to Beirut-based charities, as well as giving diners the option to add their own donation.

    Under the patronage of The Emirates Red Crescent in association with the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai, the Hospitality Initiative will take place on August 30 and will run across several venues including COYA, Gaia, Indochine, La Petite Maison, Miss Lily’s, Scalini, The Maine and Zuma as well as laidback eataries such as Paul and Sandwichy, with more names to be added to the list.
    All of the venues will operate from 8am to 3am to allow guests plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of the best food in town in support of Lebanon with the aim to raise Dhs10 million in funds.

    All donations raised will be coordinated through the Emirates Red Crescent. There’s never been a better time to eat out, here is the full list of outlets so far.
    Abd El Wahab
    Akiba Dori
    Al Beiruti
    Al Falamanki
    Al Mandaloun
    Al Safadi
    AlKarya Snack
    Allo Beirut
    Amazonico
    Antika Bar
    Barsalata
    Café Younes
    Cipriani
    Couqley
    Coya
    Eataly
    Entrecote
    Café de Paris
    Gaia
    Gunaydin
    Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
    Indochine
    Jabbour
    Japang
    Kaak Al Manara
    Kaak Beirut
    Karam Beirut
    Kteer Tayyeb
    La Petite Maison
    Logma
    Lokmet Gibran
    Luca
    Marea
    Meat Republic
    Miss Lily’s
    New Shanghai
    Paul
    Pulp Juice Bars
    Rim Jhim
    Roka
    Saj & Co
    Saj 2 Go
    Sandwichy
    Scalini
    Seven Sisters
    Shanghai Me
    ShopKitopi.com
    Siraj
    Sukkar
    Tawook Nation
    The Butcher Shop & Grill
    The Maine
    Tsunami
    Vigilante
    Warehouse 18
    Zuma
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Sheikh Mohammed wishes pupils a ‘safe start’ to the school year

    As many pupils prepare to return to school, a “new normal” awaits them amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
    While online learning was the norm from mid-March onwards due to the pandemic, many students in the UAE will return to in-class learning with a hybrid of e-learning.

    Ahead of the school year officially beginning, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai wished pupils a “safe start” to the academic year.
    “I heard from the Minister of Education about the latest preparations for the start of the next academic year,” His Highness wrote to his 10.3 million Twitter followers.

    اطلعت من وزراء التربية والتعليم على آخر الاستعدادات لانطلاق العام الدراسي القادم .. نتطلع لانطلاقة آمنة ووفق أفضل معايير السلامة لأكثر من مليون طالب وطالبة ضمن منظومة التعليم في الإمارات .. pic.twitter.com/ERlcn7LIzB
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 25, 2020

    “We look forward to a safe start and in accordance with the best safety standards for more than a million students within the education system in the Emirates.”
    As pupils prepare to head back to school, there are regulations to be mindful of which differ from emirate to emirate.
    It’s been clarified that pupils in Dubai do not need to get tested, but teachers are due to undergo COVID-19 tests this week.
    “As we look forward to many students returning to school next week, we would like to confirm that Covid-19 PCR testing is not mandatory for students,” the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said in a statement on Tuesday.
    Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, students who are over 12 will need to be tested. However, under a staggered return plan high school students are not set to return to classrooms until the end of September. Like Dubai, all teachers in the UAE capital must be tested for COVID-19.
    Across the UAE, it is mandatory for students to wear face masks throughout the school day.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter More

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    Jameela Jamil comes to the defence of Meghan Markle amidst backlash

    Now she’s no longer officially a royal, Meghan Markle is free to express political views, something you need to refrain from whilst a part of the British Royal Family.
    The Duchess of Sussex recently took part in a virtual When All Women Vote #CouchParty, an event to celebrate the 100-year anniversary since women were legally allowed to vote in the USA.

    The former royal encouraged people to vote and also admitted she hoped to see “change” happen come November when the US presidential election take place, however, she did not express any specific views.
    “If we aren’t part of the solution, we are part of the problem,” she said.

    Despite not expressing specific allegiance to a party, the 38-year-old received some backlash over the appearance with the likes of The Sun’s executive editor Dan Wootton and Piers Morgan stating it was inappropriate for Meghan to remain as a royal whilst discussing foreign elections.

    The Queen must strip the Sussexes of their titles. They can’t remain as royals & spout off about foreign elections in such a brazenly partisan way. https://t.co/6uZ3FTbjHW
    — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 21, 2020

    However, actress Jameela Jamil came to the defence of Meghan stating that the royal family should be embarrassed over the Prince Andrew scandal rather than “an American supporting women voting in her own country, and loosely referencing the importance of general democracy which is being threatened here currently”.
    Further defending the former Suits star, Jamil replied to a fan’s question about the vitriol and hate the Duchess of Sussex receives.
    “Because she’s not white,” she responded. “And because she’s smart, strong, opinionated, rebellious, beautiful, happy and has everything they never will. She’s a terrifying threat to patriarchy because she doesn’t fit the stereotype for women.”
    The Duchess of Sussex is now residing in Los Angeles with husband Prince Harry and their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor after stepping down from royal life earlier this year.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Getty More

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    Your last chance to take advantage of these 9 fabulous UAE staycation deals

    With travel largely on hold, many have turned to staycations to get away from the familiar surroundings of home.
    There’s been some incredible deals available, particularly throughout the 23rd edition of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

    However, this year’s DSS is coming to a close as it’s on its final week.
    With that, we’ve rounded up some of the best staycation deals in Dubai you still have time to take advantage of. Whether you fancy a cityscape or a luxury dessert getaway, there’s something for everyone.
    Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

    To truly escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai, head to the tranquil and quiet desert for a few days of relaxation at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. The hotel’s current Summer 2020 offer, which runs until the end of August, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner plus the chance to watch the animals that roam the resort, including wild Arabian oryx and gazelles.
    Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection

    With rooms available from Dhs500 per night, the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection located in Dubai Marina currently has their ‘stay plus F&B’ deal running which allows guests to redeem the price of the room back in F&B vouchers to be used at the Olival and Andreea’s restaurants. This offer is valid until August 31.
    Atlantis, The Palm

    For the ultimate family getaway, nothing beats Atlantis, The Palm. The hotel’s current ‘Weekend Sizzler’ offer includes free daily access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, with prices starting at AED795++, while the Weekday Saver deal includes access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium for AED555++. Meanwhile, for those looking to just take advantage of the aquatic experiences, the hotel is offering up to 50 per cent off with their Unbeatable Atlantis Aquaventure promotion.
    Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai

    Indulge in an island vacation, whilst just being minutes away from the city. Currently at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, guests will receive 20 per cent off the best available room rates at the hotel. Not only that, a daily breakfast for two people is included and 20 per cent off the hotel’s restaurants, as well as complimentary access to Cove Beach club. This offer is valid until September 30.
    JA Hatta Fort Hotel

    For a getaway amongst the Hatta mountains, the JA Hatta Fort Hotel is a must-visit. Rates currently start at Dhs369 per night which includes a complimentary breakfast. Whether you want to simply relax by the pool or take part in some adventurous activities, there’s something fro everyone. This offer is valid until September 30.
    Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

    Right now at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, guests will receive 100 per cent of the cost back on their room for spending on food and beverage. The offer is valid until September 30.
    Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers

    Guests will receive a guaranteed room upgrade until August 31 (which excludes suites), as well as early check-in and late check-out. Not only that, a 20 per cent discount will be given off all food and beverages, laundry and hotel transport.
    JW Marriott Marquis

    For sky-high views, stay at one of the world’s tallest hotels – the JW Marriott Marquis. With room rates starting from Dhs400 and 15 award-winning restaurants to choose from, it’s a summer deal you can’t miss.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More