Life

Subterms

    More stories

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Gigi Hadid reveals the behind-the-scenes from her angelic maternity shoot

      by

      Gigi Hadid pretty much broke the internet last week after she shared her maternity shoot with the world, in angelic photos taken by photography duo Luigi and Iango.
      While she didn’t go into much detail about what went on behind-the-scenes of the shoot, the supermodel recently opened up to a fan on Twitter after she was asked what it was like “shooting with [her] baby bump for the first time”.

      The mother-to-be admitted that she had fun, but she was left feeling incredibly tired.
      “I loved it, I knew what I wanted from the pics and Gab and L&I really made it happen for me,” she replied to the fan, acknowledging the team behind the shoot. “But [it] was definitely more tiring than working normally.
      “Got through the second look and was like ‘guys I think I can only do two more’ hahaaaa [sic].”

      I loved it, I knew what I wanted from the pics and Gab and L&I really made it happen for me🥺🙏🤍 but was definitely more tiring than working normally. Got through the second look and was like ‘guys I think I can only do two more’ 😰 hahaaaa https://t.co/QrRmym5dxC
      — Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) August 27, 2020

      Hadid is currently in New York with Zayn Malik after spending some downtime on her farm in Pennsylvania during the heigh of the pandemic. It’s fair to assume the pair will be staying in her new $5.8 million (Dhs21.3 million) Manhattan apartment, which she gave fans a glimpse of last month.
      According to a source close to Hadid and Malik, the pregnancy has been good for their relationship after the couple reunited at the end of last year.
      “Zayn and Gigi are really excited and have been loving this experience together,” the source told E!. “They both are reading parenting books, have had fun planning the nursery and picking out items together. Things are going really smoothly, and they are closer as a couple more than ever.”
      It’s been reported the couple are expecting a girl, but neither of them has officially confirmed the gender.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram, Photographers Luigi and Iango More

    • 163 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      The UAE has become the first Arab country to grant paid paternity leave

      by

      By decree from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, paid paternity leave has been granted for those working in the private sector.
      This groundbreaking move makes the UAE the first Arab nation to make paid paternity leave a requirement in the private sector.

      Under the new amendments to the federal law, five days of paid paternity leave must now be given to private sector employees. This leave can be taken from when the baby is born up until they are six months old.
      According to state news agency WAM, the new law will reinforce the aim to achieve gender balance. It’s also to “achieve family stability and cohesion, and encourage young people to work in the private sector”.

      #UAEPresident approves amendments to federal law on paternity leave #WamNews https://t.co/Cb1SKSNarL pic.twitter.com/XaOlZCeQtf
      — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 30, 2020

      It’s a move that’s certainly welcomed in the region as the rules surrounding paternity leave in other countries are reportedly unclear.
      Per The National, in Saudi Arabia it’s stated that paternity leave of three days should be given to men, but it’s not be made clear if this just for the public sector or if it pertains to the private sector too. Meanwhile, Lebanon also has three days paternity leave, but this is allegedly not often enforced.
      As for other Arab nations including Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan and Syria, there is no paternity leave offered.
      The new federal law in the UAE also puts the nation leaps and bounds ahead of the USA, as there is no paternity leave currently offered for new fathers. Similarly, there is no guaranteed maternity leave for new mothers either in the western nation.
      In the UAE at present, women in the public sector are given 90 days of paid maternity leave, while those working in the private sector are given 45 days of paid maternity leave.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Unsplash More

    • 100 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      DIFC hotspot launches a fabulous live music deal

      by

      Downtown Dubai hotspot Iris is launching a new live music night.
      The timing is perfect as it’s a luxury many of us will have missed amidst the pandemic.

      Launching tomorrow Monday, August 31, the establishment’s new ‘Record Deal’ package will feature a sharing platter of signature dishes.
      Starting at 8pm, the deal also includes with free-flowing house grape, hops and other beverages for Dhs170 per person. And, of course, we can’t forget the fabulous live music.

      To kick off the new night, Australian singer, songwriter and producer Jaymie Deville is performing his signature sound of blended R&B and pop.
      To follow Irish singer Gari Deegan will perform on September 7 and Aleksandra Krstic will perform on September 14.
      You can bet you’ll find us front row.
      Location: Iris Pop-Up, Gaucho, Podium Level, Gate Village 5, DIFC
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Supplied More

    • 150 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ with Her Highness Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum

      by

      Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Ziga MihelcicMakeup: Melanie Meyer at MMG ArtistsHair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG ArtistsProduction: Kelli MaddockFashion Assistant: Camille MacawiliLocation: With Special Thanks To Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club
      Welcome to The Power Issue.
      We would like to thank Her Highness Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum for the honour of allowing us to present her as our cover star for this prestigious edition. Shooting the cover at sunrise was not only the backdrop for an incredible shoot but allowed us to share time with one of the most dedicated, hard-working and inspiring women we’ve ever met.
      We spoke with Her Highness, the daughter of Sheikh Ahmed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hessa bint Rashid Al Maktoum, sister to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to find out what it takes to keep your mind in champion mode.

      We are also exceptionally proud of this issue as we partnered with NET-A-PORTER, a powerhouse of a company.  In this issue we have exclusive interviews with a long list of incredible women, one of whom is Alison Loehnis, President NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER.
      In the issue we also have exclusive interviews with Sheikha Dana Al Khalifa, Her Highness Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah, Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud, Her Excellency Dr Maryam Mohamed Fatma Matar MD PhD and many more inspiring and powerful women.

      In a year that asks us to draw from the power within to overcome the challenges we face, having insight into how the incredible individuals throughout this issue do just this can provide no better inspiration. Challenges are our biggest openings for transformation.
      Mindset is everything.
      September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Emirates Woman More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      It appears Sheikh Hamdan is currently in the UK

      by

      It appears HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has escaped the final weeks of the sweltering heat in the UAE for the cooler weather in the United Kingdom.
      The Crown Prince of Dubai recently shared photos with winning horses Ghaiyyath and Pinatubo on his Instagram account tagging Godolphin, the horse-racing company founded by his father HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. The Godolphin stables in the UK are located in Newmarket, Suffolk.

      Other photos were also posted of Sheikh Hamdan playing paddle tennis at what appeared to be a country estate in the UK.

      The Dubai royal family are no strangers to travelling the UK, particularly as Sheikh Mohammed owns a home in Surrey and he’s a big fan of horse racing.
      Last year Sheikh Hamdan made a lengthy trip to Scotland in the UK and he’s since posted many photos from the holiday.
      While it was never confirmed where His Highness was staying, Sheikh Mohammed also owns a Highland estate on the Isle of Skye – an island off the coast of the north of Scotland.

      Back in June, the Crown Prince of Dubai showed off an Emirates first-class plane ticket heading to London Heathrow.
      The ticket showed the date of the flight as Monday, June 1, along with the time of the flight, 7.45am, and his name – Al Maktoum/ShkHamdan.
      However, the ticket was a teaser as Sheikh Hamdan was appearing at Dubai Airport to share how the emirate was “taking off again”.
      On the same day, he posted the photo of the ticket, the Chairman of the Executive Council led a meeting of the council at Dubai airport Terminal 3, highlighting how the airport is the “beating heart of the world”.
      “We have learnt from Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to defeat the impossible, and to turn the challenge into an opportunity to consolidate our achievements and benefit from our readiness and to rapidly adapt with the new reality,” he explained.
      “This experience has provided us with a significant boost ahead to maintain our achievements so Dubai remains the best city in various vital sectors, and to start a new phase with strength and competitiveness.”
      Since then Dubai’s borders have reopened, allowing tourists to once again enter the country. Of course, precautionary measures are in place with everyone entering the country required to have a negative COVID-19 test or they must self-isolate for 14 days.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram More

    • 175 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Pupils across the UAE return to school today with a ‘new normal’ in mind

      by

      The school holidays have come to a close and life amidst the pandemic is returning to a “new normal” in the UAE, and for many students that means back to school – not just online, but physically in classrooms.
      There’s been a long list of requirements for schools to follow to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff. In order to minimise gatherings, some schools have divided pupils into morning and afternoon shifts, while others will go into school on specific days. Others have a mixture of online and in-classroom learning.

      However, some have questioned if this new model – or if parents decided to do continued distanced learning – will result in lower school fees in Dubai.
      In the new interactive initiative with the Dubai government, the question was asked if school fees would be lowered.

      Answering the question, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), stated, “The choice of distance learning does not impact the fees.

      Q5: Can my child continue with distance learning in the new academic year? #AskDXBofficial @KHDA pic.twitter.com/QtjO4KLHk2
      — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 27, 2020

      “But we understand that many schools are putting together different packages to support parents who have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.”
      Last week, 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.
      “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.”

      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

      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 many teachers underwent COVID-19 tests last 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: Unsplash More

    • 150 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      An epic stand up paddleboarding event took place at this Dubai landmark

      by

      If you haven’t tried at least one type of watersport in Dubai, you’re not taking full advantage of the seaside lifestyle.
      Whether you’re nervous around the waves or simply haven’t felt inspired to dive into the deep end, an epic event that took place this Friday was determined to convert from water-shy among us to a nymph.

      Iconic Water Lakes at the foot of the Burj Khalifa hosted a first of its kind stand up paddleboarding event that saw residents glide across the blue waters, surrounded by the Dancing Fountains.
      ‘We Paddle for Dubai’ is an initiative by Dubai International Marine Club and organized by DIMC with the support of the Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with Emaar Properties, in cooperation with Kite N Surf.

      Around 80 water enthusiasts took to their boards for a two-hour experience like no other. Some of the high-profile attendees included our past cover star and Egyptian marathon runner Manal Rostom.
      If this hasn’t tempted you to test your balance on the water, then we don’t know what will. Plus, this is the best time to support local business so check out some of EW‘s favourite paddleboard spots here.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      How I got my job as…Founder of Dubai’s chic bakery Mélange

      by

      There are cakes, and then there are Mélange cakes.
      Dubai-based small-batch bakery specialising in gourmet desserts and bespoke cakes is your go-to for unique sweet treats for any occasion.

      Founder and CEO, Nadia Parekh, came into the world of bakery via the route of being a clinical psychologist. She went on to train at Le Cordon Bleu London before working in pastry kitchens in London and Dubai. After plenty of sweet experience, she decided to treat Dubai resident to beautifully decorated desserts that look too good to eat.

      What was your favourite subject at school?

      Culinary and Psychology were definite favorites. Which then lead to me pursuing a career in clinical psychology.
      What was your first job?
      Ironically it was completely urelated to food. I worked in a research lab at Douglas Hospital in Montreal.
      What inspired you to launch Mélange?
      I wanted to exercise my creativity more. I started feeling bored at work like a machine in the kitchen doing the same production every day. It didn’t excite me anymore. I always wanted to start my own brand with my own products and vision. It was always a dream so I just took the plunge
      What are the key elements of your role?
      Being the boss means you have to find a way to motivate yourself! No one will help you do this.Youalsohave to motivate your team and oversee all aspects of the business, make quick decisions and hope to god they’re the right ones.
      I enjoy Innovation and product development. It’s always a challengeto come up with new recipes because you’re restricted by so many things – the product must be easy to transport, fit inside our retail boxes, have a decent shelflife, not be too tempreature sensistive, yet incredibly delicious and cheatworthy.
      In a startup organisation is crucialas there is no wiggle room or budget for errors. It’s pivotal to have eyes on all aspects of the business and as a growing company setting up systems and procedures from scratch and implementing them requires strong organizational and problem solving skills.

      Talk us through your daily routine.
      Italways starts with a good cup of coffee and emails – mostly to clients with bespoke cake orders finalizing their designs and keeping social media up to date. Then the phone calls start with my team as I oversee production and logistics for our online platform with our operations manager. The odd meeting here and there with suppliers or B2B clients. But once I get into that kitchen nothing else seems to exist. I plug in my music and just focus – I’m there for hours at a stretch. What I love about my job is every day is different. Different cakes, different places to go, and of course different challenges to overcome.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Hard work and passion will always pay off. You have to persevere through the rough days because they are present in abundance. It’s all about looking at them in a positive light and taking them as lessons learned.
      Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
      To be honest you’ll mostly find me in chef jackets and jeans. I’m definitely a casual jeans and black T-shirt kind of girl but I am obsessed with shoes – especially my royal blue Manolo Blahnik’s . And you’ll never find me without my favorite sling back Bottega Veneta bag.

      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      “You cannot do everything on your own.” You can’t be good at everything. Balance your weaknesses and ask for help because you’re only as strong as your team.
      And what is the worst?
      “Growth is the most important measure of success.” Sometimes staying consistent and focusing on foundational efforts and brand value, can be more important than growth. Strategy will always change depending on what stage your business is at.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      I’ve always had control issues when it comes to work. That was a big challenge to overcome and change my mindset. Being a one woman show for so long I had to teach myslef how to work with others. Trusting others with the company and learning how to delegate.  Maintaining quality controlhas been another struggle as well, coming up with a system to make sure every product that leaves the kitchen is consistently good every time.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More