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    A stylish new Japanese-Latin American restaurant is coming to Downtown Dubai

    Mark August 18 in your diary for an exciting new restaurant opening in Downtown Dubai.
    Featuring an impressive terrace, a buzzing bar and a fusion of Latin-American recipes and traditional Japanese ingredients and techniques, MAMI UMAMI in Renaissance Downtown Dubai Hotel is set to become your next favourite spot for fresh sushi and zesty cocktails.

    Located on the 23rdfloor, the latest opening will be serving dinner every evening from 6pm to 1am. Overseen by Executive Chef Carlos Rodriguez, the restaurant takes izakaya-style dining and reimagines it with a modern Latin-American twist.
    The menu is divided into nine categories – Nippy Nippon (cold); Hotto Mami (hot); Lo Crudo (Raw); Tempura y Frita (fried); Carbon De Japon (grilled), La Mami Umami (signature); Sushi/Sashimi; Maki; and Sweet Wasabi (dessert) – giving you plenty of options to discover unique and vibrant flavours.

    You know what goes really well with some Maki rolls? A cocktail inspired by the tropics of Japan and Latin America. Featuring speciality cocktails infused with Japanese Sake, with the choice of fruity, zesty, spicy, bitter, or umami flavours – the cocktail menu is full of creative concoctions for you to snap for Instagram.
    For those in search of Latin-American street-food vibes, with a Japanese twist, MAMI UMAMI’s Bar and Lounge is a vibrant hotspot within the venue. The signature menu features simple-yet-creative street food options, along with flavour-filled cocktails and a wide array of other drinks, with a side of laidback Latin and Bossa-nova sounds in the evening, funky jazz beats at dinnertime, and upbeat Caribbean throwbacks at night.
    Whichever dining experience you choose, don’t forget to check out the colourful terrace, enhanced with dreamy mood lighting, botanical decorations and Latin grill – ideal for cooler evenings spent with friends. 
    For reservations call +971 4 512 5555 or email rhi.dxbbb.rr@renhotels.com
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The entire Kardashian-Jenner clan is obsessed with this Dubai-based entrepreneur

    It’s always amazing to see so many female entrepreneurs emerging from this region, but when they become a massive hit with the Kardashian-Jenners that’s when you know you’ve truly made it.
    Dubai-based entrepreneur and influencer, Sophie Katirai, who is also a makeup artist and a jewellery designer, branched out into another career sphere this year – augmented reality (AR).

    “I’m an artist and love creating so when I heard that Facebook has opened it’s Spark AR platform to designers I immediately started learning the program and creating my filters,” she tells Emirates Woman on the creation of the filters.
    Given that during the height of lockdown everyone was on Instagram ten times more than they were already were – us included – it gave people the opportunity to test out new filters available, and lo and behold Katirai struck celebrity gold.

    After launching the ‘Butterfly Pretty’ filter in April, it became an instant hit with all of our favourite A-listers.
    While her filters became an instant hit, Katirai admits she wasn’t surprised by the response, but she was surprised it garnered the attention of the ultimate influencer Kylie Jenner, telling EW the makeup mogul’s “attention and support was not something I ever imagined would happen”.
    A whole host of others followed including Kim Kardashian West, Khloe Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and more became obsessed with the filters.

    They’ve become so popular that she’s actually been asked to create specific filters for brands and celebrities, but she’s keeping tight-lipped on who she is working with.
    We’ll just have to keep an eye on her Instagram to see who’s lined up to work with her…
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sophie Katirai Instagram, Feature Image: Kim Kardashian Instagram More

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    Your fabulous guide to this weekend in Dubai: August 13-15

    This weekend we are making it all about food and drinks as we bring you the latest deals and openings across the city. Bon Appétit.
    Catch of the day

    Kick off your weekend at Cove Beach Dubai where you can sample the freshest seafood every Thursday from 7pm to 11am. Hosted in restaurant Two.0, Thursday’s Catch’ includes freshly caught shellfish, whole fish and more, served with accompaniments. There’s an indulgent mixed seafood platter for three people priced at Dhs600 as well as a two-course set menu at Dhs270 per person. Call +971 (0) 50 454 6920 or emailing info@covebeach.com for booking and remember to use Uber code “CoveBeach40” for 40 per cent off fares to and from Cove Beach Dubai.
    Spa and cocktails

    Just in case you needed another excuse to get together with the girls, Antika Bar has partnered with the Address Dubai Mall to offer a Dhs150 voucher to all female guests, redeemable on any service or treatment at the luxurious Spa. All you have to do is book a table, enjoy the evening and then spend the next day recovering in a calm sanctuary. Antika Bar is located on Floor 1, Al Fattan Currency House and you can call 050 735 9177 or 050 972 9177 for bookings.
    Afternoon delight

    No one does afternoon tea like the Brits so start your weekend early with Gordon Ramsay who will take you on a new experience at Hell’s Kitchen, located in Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai. Celebrating the best of British cooking, the leisurely two-hour extravaganza includes rounds of classic finger sandwiches and freshly baked cakes, desserts and fluffy scones with free-flowing coffees, teas and juices. Available every Sunday to Thursday from 2.30pm until 4.30pm, with prices starting at Dhs185 per person, it’s the perfect excuse to take a half-day on Thursday.
    Late-night feast

    1 OAK Restaurant and Loungeat JW Marriott Marquis has reopened with a late-night feast like no other. From 10pm, you can indulge in tempting dishes like truffle grilled cheese sandwich and chicken burger with a side of cocktails while the DJ spins the best of R&B, hip-hop and afro-beats.
    A day in Mykonos

    If travel is not an option this summer, then Avli by tashas is offering you a taste of Greece with it’s newest dishes. Available for lunch and dinner, dig into Beef Tartare with Koulouri Wafers, Loukouma Bombesstuffed with crab and mozzarella cheese, Octopus Stifado and more. If you’re booking for lunch, take advantage of the set menu priced at Dhs120 each.
    Health boost

    Blending traditional French cooking with a modern flair, Cassette will be regularly introducing seasonal menus to bring you the freshest and the most nutritional options in town. Available until August 20, tuck into one of the three dishes from the special menu that will help you feel great on both the inside and the outside. Choose from Tropical Acai packed with fresh fruit and topped with granola; Caesar The Vegan loaded with kale, asparagus and avocado to build up the immune system; or Vegan Breakfast Skillet consisting of spinach, paprika, parsley and lemon. Who knew healthy could taste so good?
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied, Instagram More

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    It’s official: UAE residents no longer need ICA approval to return

    UAE residents who have been stranded abroad for the past few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic no longer need approval to re-enter the country, it has been announced.
    In a statement issued by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, it was confirmed that the registration and waiting for approval process has been replaced with pre-approvals being granted without the need to submit an application in order to return to the country.

    تنفيذاً لتوجيهات القيادة الرشيدة، اعتمدت الهيئة الوطنية لإدارة #الطوارئ_والأزمات والهيئة الاتحادية للهوية والجنسية المرحلة الثانية من عودة المقيمين اعتباراً من 12/8/2020 بالتزامن مع قرب إنتهاء الإجازة الصيفية للمؤسسات التعليمية وعودة الأنشطة التجارية والمرافق الاجتماعية والخدمية.
    — NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) August 12, 2020

    Both authorities said this was part of the “second phase of residents’ return” from Wednesday, 12 August, which was in conjunction with the end of the summer holidays for many students who will be returning to school, university and other educational institutions.
    The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship advised that to “ensure that the procedures are completed easily” that those residents returning should update their details on this website – https://uaeentry.ica.gov.ae – to verify travel documents.

    ولضمان استكمال الإجراءات بكل سهولة ويسر، ننصح المقيمين بضرورة تحديث بياناتهم الخاصة (رقم بطاقة الهوية، رقم جواز السفر، الجنسية) عبر موقع https://t.co/uqH8WT2pAp
    — NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) August 12, 2020

    It is still mandatory for all travellers including UAE residents to undergo a COVID-19 test no more than 96 hours before the intended date of travel. Upon residents’ arrival in the country, everyone is required to adhere to the precautionary guidelines in place, including required self-isolation and laboratory test.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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    Here’s how Kim and Kanye’s ‘make or break’ holiday went

    Following claims Kim Kardashian West was “ready to end her marriage” to Kanye West, a make or break holiday the couple took with their four children has put their relationship back on track.
    Last week, Kardashian and West travelled to the Dominican Republic with their four kids – North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, two and one-year-old Psalm – in a bid to smooth things over after the rapper had a very public bipolar episode due to his mental health issues.

    According to People magazine, the A-list couple “had a good family week” together.
    “Kim and Kanye are getting along. They both seem much happier,” a source told the publication, with another adding that West, in particular, is “really enjoying his time right now”.

    “They decided to travel together so they can be away in private,” another source said. “Between the kids, work, and dealing with Kanye’s bipolar episodes, it’s been hard for her to think clearly.”

    Prior to their trip, the makeup mogul was just taking “things day by day” and wasn’t sure if her marriage could be saved.
    A couple of weeks ago, Kardashian took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.
    “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
    She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
    The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.
    “Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some,” she said. “That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
    She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.
    Luckily, things now seem to be back on track…
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kim Kardashian Instagram More

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    Another history-making moment for women has happened in Saudi Arabia

    As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to champion women, a history-making appointment has been made.
    In a new appointment for Dr. Khulood Mohammed al-Khamis to Secretary-General of Tabuk’s regional council, it made her the first woman to hold this role across the entire Kingdom.

    Having worked as an associate professor in the science department at the University of Tabuk, Dr. al-Khamis knows the area well.
    To solidify her new role, the new secretary-general met with the Governor of Tabuk Region Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz on Monday after her new appointment was announced.

    The governor expressed how confident he was in Dr. al-Khamis being the first woman to hold such a position.
    “His Highness congratulated Dr. Khulood al-Khamis on this confidence as the first woman to hold the position of Secretary-General of the regional council at the level of the Kingdom, wishing her continued success in her new work,” a statement said about the pair’s meeting which was obtained by the Saudi Press Agency.
    In a statement to Al Arabiya, she expressed her gratitude for being the first woman in Saudi Arabia to hold such a position.
    “I’m happy to be the first Saudi woman to hold this position and to be a daughter of Tabuk, and this is not surprising from the leader on the matter, and from [His Highness] Prince Fahd bin Sultan, Governor of Tabuk region, and the keenness to empower Saudi women to assume leadership positions in the Kingdom,” she said.
    READ: ‘Historical’ court ruling in Saudi Arabia will benefit equality for women
    This latest appointment is just one of the many things have changed for women in the last few years in the Kingdom since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in 2017.
    Under his Vision 2030 initiative, an ambitious post-oil economic plan, there has been a major focus on women’s rights in the Kingdom.
    Just three months after he stepped into the role in 2017, the Crown Prince revealed in a royal decree, women would be able to secure driving licenses from June 2018.
    Then, in March 2018, it was announced by the Ministry of Justice that women who are divorced in the country would be able to instantly retain custody of their children.
    Under his plans, women are now also able to attend sports events in stadiums in three cities, female students in the Kingdom are now allowed to carry their phones while on campus and as of August 2019, women aged over 21 are now allowed to travel independently.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Saudi Press Agency More

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    Positive news for Dubai’s tourism industry

    For the better part of four months of this year, the world was largely put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the travel industry.
    The UAE closed its borders in March, with only repatriation flights and cargo flights allowed to come in and out of the country.

    Following the long pause of travel, Dubai reopened its borders for international tourism on July 7, and a month on the tourism and hospitality sectors in the emirate are now “benefitting from a rapid rebound”, according to WAM.
    The Director-General of Dubai Tourism, Helal Saeed Almarri, has said that since the reopening of the borders they have “been greatly encouraged by the market’s response in the second phase of our recovery strategy”.

    “People are much more optimistic and well-informed now and are ready to go on holidays to destinations that are safe and have put in place strong health and safety protocols,” he added.

    Green shoots of revival bloom as #Dubai accelerates tourism rebound #WamNewsRead More: https://t.co/3DC1NctOhu pic.twitter.com/Gzmzu7bDFU
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 10, 2020

    With Emirates now flying to over 70 destinations and flydubai covering 66 desintations this summer, bookings for both local airlines are reportedly increasing.
    During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism industry was brought to a complete standstill and according to the World Tourism Organisation, this could be losses of between US$1.2 and US$3.3 trillion globally for the industry, which is dependent on the recovery time.
    But for Dubai the “pause phase” – as Almarri refers to it – gave the travel hub time to rethink strategies in order to build a framework that would work in the current climate.
    “We rethought business strategies and plans working closely with stakeholders and partners to develop innovative initiatives to manage the ‘new normal’,” he explained. “In cooperation with key authorities, we mapped out stringent health protocols and precautionary measures that would reassure even the most demanding safety-conscious tourists.”
    As we head into the final quarter of the year, the Director-General of Dubai Tourism remains optimistic about regrowth for the industry given the obstacles and challenges 2020 has posed.
    “We expect to see good progress in the last quarter of 2020 based on growth strategies we have adopted to accelerate momentum ahead of the full reopening,” he said.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Dukes the Palm More

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    Sheikh Mohammed has opened a Dhs300 million Dubai medical research centre

    From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai’s prerogative has included mass testing and conducting immediate research to tackle the virus.
    Now, under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a new medical research centre has opened in Dubai which will not only study COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases.

    His Highness toured the new Dhs300 million centre on Tuesday, August 11, 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.

    .@HHShkMohd: We have launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research at a total value of AED 300 million. The Centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country, in addition to research on COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/vh3VfPUWiZ
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020

    “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.”

    .@HHShkMohd: Medical research is an important part of our society’s health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country. It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history. pic.twitter.com/snBYWobYgz
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020

    Just last month it was announced by UAE authorities that research was being conducted for two potential vaccines for COVID-19 to be developed. Per Gulf News, human trials are reportedly set to be conducted.
    “We have more than 15,000 volunteers to conduct trials, and the best scientific standards for medical studies will be followed and guaranteed,” Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection stated during the briefing. “If the safety and efficacy of the vaccine are proven during this phase, the test will be considered successful.”
    If either strain of the vaccines tested in the UAE are proven to be both safe and effective in combatting COVID-19, they would move to manufacture them.
    To date, the UAE has had 62,704 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – 56,766 of those have recovered and there have been 357 deaths.

    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Dubai Media Office Twitter More