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    The breakdown of Saudi Arabia’s population might surprise you

    An official breakdown of Saudi Arabia’s population has been released by the General Authority for Statistics (Gastat), a Saudi state statistics agency, and the results may surprise you.

    With a total population of 34.8 million, of that number 10.5 million are foreigners.
    However, it’s the staggering figure that the youth takes up the population of the Kingdom that may interest you.
    Those who are aged between 15 to 34 make up 36.7 per cent of the population in the country and a total of 66 per cent of them are unmarried.
    In terms of gender in this age category, 43.1 per cent of Saudi women are unmarried. Meanwhile, 75.6 per cent of males aren’t married.
    The statistics, which were released in conjunction with International Youth Day, also showed Saudi women exercise with the intention of health and wellbeing.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Amy Roko Instagram More

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    The next holiday for UAE public sector has been confirmed

    The next public holiday for the UAE has been confirmed and it’s not far off at all – in fact, it’s next week.
    The news was announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), which confirmed that Sunday, August 23 would be a public holiday, marking the first day of Muḥarram for Islamic year 1442.

    This announcement currently pertains for government employees only, who will return to work on Monday, August 24.

    FAHR: It has been decided that the Hijri New Year holiday for the year 1442 in the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates will be on Sunday, 23rd of August 2020, and regular working hours will resume on Monday, 24th of August 2020. pic.twitter.com/6ISWMyEj26
    — FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) August 13, 2020

    However, an announcement for the private sector is expected to be made soon.
    The rest of the public holidays for 2020 are as follows…
    The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on Thursday, October 29.
    Commemoration Day and UAE National Day
    To close out 2020, those in the UAE will have another three-day break to look forward to with Commemoration Day on Tuesday, December 1, and UAE National Day, Wednesday, December 2, with a day off also on Thursday, December 3.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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    Europe’s largest hotel group is opening a luxury resort in Saudi Arabia

    With AlUla in Saudi Arabia already a bucket list destination for many, we’ve got some news that may just push it to the top of your list.
    The region which boasts incredible heritage, culture, landscapes and more in the Kingdom is set to welcome a new resort which will be opened by Europe’s largest hotel group, Accor.

    The group will be working with the Royal Commission to expand upon a resort that already exists in the Al Ula region – Ashar Resort – which is 15km from Hegra, which is the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    The current resort which is located in the Ashar Valley will fall become a Banyan Tree resort. With 35 villas already in place in the original resort, 47 more will be added bringing the total to 82, all of which will be developed into high-end villas ranging from one to three bedrooms.
    The AlUla region is well-known for its ancient history with Hegra being built more than 2,000 years ago. The Kingdom is ensuring the ancient city is being celebrated for its past, but also looking to the future with sites like the all-mirrored Maraya Hall.

    When you visit, of course, there will be so much to do in terms of sight-seeing and taking in the culture and heritage of the area, but the resort is also set to boast a luxury spa, full gym, swimming pools and restaurants.
    The AlUla region – which includes four main sites Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and Old Town – is set to open up permanently for visitors in October.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    A new initiative by Sheikh Mohammed will train 1 million medics across the globe

    A new initiative has been launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai which is set to train one million medics around the world.
    His Highness announced the news to his 10.3 million followers on Twitter, stating that the UAE would be working with 67 training and academic institutions and 140 experts across the globe.

    The new initiative will be overseen by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and will provide specialised training in the medical and ambulance fields to one million people from a distance.
    According to Sheikh Mohammed, the initiative “part of the UAE’s international responsibility to support the global medical sector”.

    بمتابعة أخي الشيخ سيف بن زايد أطلقت دولة الامارات اليوم مبادرة صحية لتوفير تدريب تخصصي في المجال الطبي والإسعاف لمليون شخص حول العالم عن بعد.. بالشراكة مع ١٤٠ خبيرا و٦٧ جهة تدريبية وأكاديمية حول العالم .. جزء من مسئولية الامارات الدولية لدعم القطاع الطبي العالمي
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 12, 2020

    This just one of the many schemes the Ruler of Dubai has launched in order to put more training and support behind the health sector.
    Earlier this week, Sheikh Mohammed opened a new medical research centre in Dubai which will not only study COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases.
    His Highness toured the new Dhs300 million centre on Tuesday, which will aim to study an array of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and more.
    In a statement issued by Dubai Media Office, Sheikh Mohammed stressed how medical research is of the utmost importance, particularly now.
    “Medical research is an important part of our society’s health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country,” he said. “It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history.”
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Dubai Media Office Twitter More

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    Bella Hadid is showing her fans the best ways they can help Beirut

    Bella Hadid isn’t just thinking about the people of Beirut in the short-term, she’s here to help for the long haul and is also sharing this message with her fans.
    In an informative post she shared to Instagram, the model not only encouraged her followers to think of the long-term needs of Lebanon, but also urged them to do research when exploring donation options.

    “Immediate support is great, especially during this time,” she said. “I also have kept in mind that the future of rebuilding doesn’t stop here; we should and will continue to rebuild Lebanon.”
    Highlighting that 34 schools and 12 health care centres have already been destroyed; outlining the number of deaths and people directly affected by the tragic Beirut explosion; and sharing the poverty and struggle the country was experiencing before the blast, Hadid encouraged her fans to think of the long-term.

    In addition, she outlined the importance of supporting organisations that prioritise helping those that are the most vulnerable.

    “It’s important to support organisations that prioritise helping those that need it the most and are clear about where donated funds are going, especially in the near term,” she said.
    Further educating her audience, the 23-year-old shared the five organisations she has been supporting for years and will continue to do so in the wake of the tragedy – Save the Children, UNICEF, International Medical Corp, Preemptive Love and Lebanon Food Bank.
    Last week, the model sent a heartfelt message to her “brothers and sisters” in the capital city.
    “My eyes and heart are crying for you Lebanon…,” she began. “I am sorry you have to endure this kind of disaster my brothers and sisters… I will be sending donations to the Lebanese Red Cross, as well as ALL of the smaller organisations in Beirut.”
    “We need to continue to speak on this crisis, #PRAYFORLEBANON but most importantly, we need to collectively support immediate humanitarian relief,” Hadid continued. “Stand UP and stand TOGETHER. I love you all out there. Beirut – I am wrapping you in a golden blanket of light and strength. I see you and support you. I am sorry.”
    For further information on how you can help the people of Beirut click here.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Bella Hadid Instagram More

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    So this is when UAE’s scorching heat is supposed to end

    When the temperature feels like it’s over 50 degrees outside (thanks humidity) it can be hard to imagine a time when this scorching weather subsides and we can finally venture outside without instantly melting.

    Well, we have some good news. The extreme summer heat is supposed to ease off around August 24, well according to the Suhail star at least.
    When this celestial phenomenon appears, it is usually a sign of a shift in the weather, and it can normally be seen until winter in the country.
    “The visibility of the Suhail star coincides with mild weather as temperatures drop by a few degrees, accompanied with a high level of humidity and south-easterly winds, which tend to blow towards the Hajar Mountains in Oman and the east coast of the UAE,” Ibrahim Al Jarwan, member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, told Gulf News.
    The sea temperatures will also start to drop around that time and certain birds also return to the region, like flamingos. We might also experience some adverse weather conditions like strong winds and thunderstorms.
    “This period is accompanied with drizzle and strong winds, which reduces the humidity in the air, and activates a sort of a summer scents along the Hajar mountains. From Al Dhaid to Al Ain, residents will witness storms and strong winds, as well as heavy thunderstorms,” Al Jarwan added.
    Storms or not, we are counting our lucky stars that the heat will start to ease off soon. 
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Zimmermann x Mytheresa More

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    You can now do yoga 150m above ground in the Dubai Frame

    If you’re big into yoga and fancy a change of scenery from your regular studio or simply want to try yoga for the first time in a different setting, then we have just the activity for you.
    A series of limited yoga classes have launched taking place in the Dubai Frame 150 metres above ground.

    The first class, which took place today, saw participants performing their yoga routines on the glass-bottomed walkway of the Dubai Frame.

    If you’re keen to take part, you’ll need to be quick and book via the Core Direction app as there are only two more classes – which cost Dhs199 on offer for the next two Wednesdays – August 19 and August 26.
    Starting at 7.30am, you’ll get a wake up like no other if you do manage to snag a spot.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Dubai Frame Instagram More

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    Hande Erçel and Murat Dalkılıç split five months after getting engaged

    Turkish actress Hande Erçel and her long-time boyfriend Murat Dalkılıç announced their engagement back in February, but just five months on, it appears the pair have now parted ways.

    While it’s unclear of exactly when they split, according to Turkish media reports last month, the couple called it quits, which was then confirmed by Erçel herself on social media.
    The 26-year-old was seen out and about in Istanbul recently and had a run-in with the press who asked her about her split from Dalkılıç.
    The actress politely said she had already made her explanation on social media, adding there was “nothing bad” that went on. She also said her ex was a “very valuable” person to her.
    The now-former couple began dating in 2017 and after three years together Dalkılıç popped the question.
    Following their breakup, it appears the pair have deleted many of the pictures they had together on Instagram, but they both still follow one another.
    Sometimes it’s just not meant to be…
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Hande Erçel Instagram More