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    Watch: Dubai-based Manal Rostom becomes first Egyptian woman to summit Everest

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    May 19, 2022

    Dubai-based athlete and former Emirates Woman cover star Manal Rostom is known for breaking down barriers and now she’s just broken another huge record.
    The marathoner and mountaineer has become the first Egyptian woman to reach the top of Mount Everest.
    The athlete, 42, shared the history-making moment on Instagram with a video of her “on top of the world”.
    Rostom reached the top of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, at 6.30am on Monday, May 16, 2022. The following day the athlete safely reached Everest’s base camp.
    The record-breaker revealed this has been an ambition of hers since she was a teenager.

    “Can’t believe I’m now the first Egyptian woman to stand on top of the world,” she said. “A 15-year old dream has finally come true.”
    Throughout the years, Rostom has continued to break down barriers and pave the way for women.
    The Surviving Hijab founder became the first hijabi ambassador for global athletics brand Nike and she was also the Egyptian woman to complete the Great Wall of China Marathon in 2016 and the first Egyptian woman to summit Mont Blanc – the highest mountain in Western Europe – in 2018.
    Discussing her passion for running and mountaineering with Emirates Woman in 2019, she explained she felt the sport of running “chose” her.

    “When I was younger, I experimented with other sports, but I was either too short or didn’t have the right coach – until I found running,” she said. “It was as if the sport chose me, I could train myself and work as hard as I needed to on my own. It became part of my identity and the track was no longer just a place for me to have an outlet for my energy, it was my independence. It became where I found peace, growth, and stability in difficult times.
    “It gave me purpose and now, I cannot imagine myself without running, I have to keep going – not just for me, but for all the young girls after me with the same dream – this is what I live for.”
    We can’t wait to see what record this inspiring athlete is set to break next.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/Instagram  More

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    7 times Sheikh Hamdan was the ultimate doting father to twins Rashid & Sheikha

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    May 19, 2022

    Nearly a year ago, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, became a father for the first time after welcoming twins Rashid and Sheikha.
    Throughout the past year, His Highness has shared tidbits of the growing twins on social media, sharing some adorable doting father moments with his 14 million followers on Instagram.
    As the twins approach their first birthday, we look back on some of the special moments Fazza has shared over the last 12 months.
    Keeping up family traditions

    The Dubai royal family have always been known for their strong equestrian bond and Sheikh Hamdan is ensuring he is passing down his love for horses to his kids. Earlier this year, in March 2022, the took his then 10-month-old twins to the f3 Team stables. He shared a series of pictures on this memorable occasion of them petting the horses, looking ever-so adorable. “The love for horses runs in our blood,” he said in the caption of the post.
    A special outing

    In January 2022, Fazza took Rashid and Sheikha on a special outing in Dubai with a visit to see the giraffes. Sharing a couple of photos on Instagram, the doting dad is seen cradling the little ones. In the first photo, he is seen holding baby Sheikha and in the second photo, he’s holding baby Rashid. Both of the twins were wearing adorable animal-themed outfits for the occasion – Sheikha wore a leopard and tiger one-piece and Rashid wore a dinosaur printed one-piece.
    A celebration of heritage

    To mark the 50th anniversary of the UAE, the Crown Prince of Dubai celebrated the heritage of his country with his two children. His Highness was dressed in traditional Emirati dress wearing a white kandura and gutra, as was his son baby Rashid. Meanwhile, baby Sheikha wore a dress emblazoned with the colours of the UAE flag on it to mark National Day. He captioned the photo with three UAE flags, perhaps representing himself and his two children.
    The best birthday present

    Sheikh Hamdan turned 39 back in November and it also marked his first birthday as a father. He shared a sweet photo of his son and daughter wearing matching outfits with a ‘Happy birthday daddy’ message for their father. “I am the best present ever,” the message on the matching baby clothes read. “Mom says you are welcome.” While the photo shared didn’t show the baby boy and baby girl’s faces, it did show the brother and sister locking arms as they wore the adorable matching outfits.
    First trip abroad

    Fazza is known for making regular visits to the UK. Marking their first trip as a family to the country, they paid a visit to Godolphin stables. The Crown Prince of Dubai was seen holding baby Rashid, dressed in blue, with their family horse Adayar.
    Family time

    Just a month after they were born, Sheikh Hamdan shared an adorable photo of his father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, holding his newborn grandchildren. Being the caring grandfather that he is, Sheikh Mohammed is seen holding baby Rashid on the left and baby Sheikha on the right.
    Welcome to the world

    Sheikh Hamdan became a father for the first time last year welcoming baby Rashid and baby Sheikha in May 2021. The caring father shared the first image of his children a couple of days after their birth was announced, where he was seen cradling the twins in each arm.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram  More

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    The best Dubai cafés for a matcha-needed break

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    May 18, 2022

    Obsessed with matcha? Us too.
    Known for its host of health benefits, matcha is best for both its energising and detoxifying properties.
    So, if you’re looking to skip coffees and adapt to a natural source of caffeine, Dubai offers an array of chlorophyll-infused beverages that we simply can’t resist.
    NETTE

    Situated in the heart of Dubai’s premium boutique padel club, this urban sanctuary brings the perfect blend of Japanese with Parisian. Surrounded by a padel court and yoga studio, this culinary space is a home for must-try wellness activities. With a wholesome menu, the café serves both iced and hot matcha with an array of alternative milk choices to choose from.
    Nette, Inside MATCHA Club, Al Quoz. Open daily 8am to 10pm. matcha-club.ae
    Bageri Form

    Inspired by Scandinavian design, this artisanal café was elevating bakery classics and serving dishes with the freshest of ingredients. With Nordic-infused interiors, the bakery also serves freshly sourced matcha in minimal cups for a rejuvenating start to the day. With an aesthetic presentation, this place is beyond Instagrammable-worthy.
    Bageri Form, Dubai Design District, Building 4. Open Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday 8:30am to 10pm. bageriform.com. 
    LDC Kitchen + Coffee

    For an enticing spot to dine with your friends, this restaurant is an ideal smart working space that brings a healthy twist to all its culinary delights. Without limiting the menu to coffees and smoothies, this delightful place offers both iced and hot matcha’s in an inviting atmosphere.
    LDC Ktichen + Coffee, One JLT, One Business Centre DMCC. Open daily 7am to 1am.
    The Grey

    Known for its minimalist décor and creative space, this café is designed as a venue where creative minds can meet. With a twist to your usual matcha, the café serves a coconut-infused iced matcha latte that comes with boba, making it a speciality.
    The Grey, Al Wasl, Al Safa 1, open from Sunday to Thursday 7:30am to 11pm, Friday & Saturday 8am to 12pm. the-grey.co. 
    Flow Kitchen

    This healthy eating creative hub serves a plethora of conscious eating meals and drinks including vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options. With ethically sourced ingredients from around the globe, this café serves vegan matcha lattes, ensuring every customer’s need is met.
    Flow, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Dubai Internet City. flowdubai.com
    % Arabica

    Designed to embody a strong Japanese aesthetic, this café expands beyond the world of coffee. With a futuristic touch to serving beverages, this haven becomes the perfect go-to spot for unwinding after a long day or a mid-day break. With latte art, this deliciously offered matcha is sure to boost your energy levels.
    % Arabica, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk, Dubai Mall and many more. arabica.coffee
    Comptoir 102

    This award-winning ethical concept is tucked away on Jumeirah road offering conscious choices with ingredients sourced from local organic farms, serving delicious food while promoting sustainability. From homemade nut milk to its famous smoothies, there’s enough and more for everyone who visits. Prepared without any added preservatives, this homemade drink is created with natural ingredients for a tasteful touch to any day.
    Comptoir 102 Beach Road, Jumeirah 1. Open daily 8am to 10pm. comptoir102.com. 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Pexels @darina-belonog  More

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    Watch: The Real Housewives of Dubai first full trailer unveils a lot of drama

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    May 18, 2022

    It’s just a few weeks until the premiere of The Real Housewives of Dubai and to up the anticipation, the first full-length trailer has dropped.
    Following the lives of Dubai residents, Caroline Stanbury, Caroline Brooks, Sara Al Madani, Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan, it appears the first international version of the franchise is set to deliver in the entertainment and drama departments.
    In fact, according to the franchise’s executive producer Andy Cohen there’s a lot that will be seen that many “didn’t expect to see in Dubai”.
    “I think people are going to be very surprised how much Dubai plays into things and the rules of Dubai and what’s allowed for women there and what’s not, and I think it’s going to blow a lot of stereotypes out of the water,” he recently told Entertainment Tonight. “You’re going to see a lot of things that you didn’t expect to see in Dubai.”
    While a teaser was released at the beginning of last month, the newest trailer gives fans more of an insight into what to expect from The Real Housewives of Dubai.
    From arguments to lavish dinners to weddings, to fashion shows and more, there’s a lot to digest from the three-minute trailer. So, here’s what stood out to us.
    [embedded content]
    Drama, drama, drama
    As with any of the Real Housewives franchises, the drama is set to come in its masses. From relationship woes to gossiping to friendship fallouts, we can’t wait to see it all unfold on-screen. 
    Luxury & lavish lives take centre stage
    All of the Real Housewives series’ are known for showcasing the opulent lives of the protagonists and Dubai will be no different.
    Branded the ‘City of Gold’ by Bravo, the trailer shows a scene where housewife Nina Ali is shocked by a license plate selling for Dhs33 million.
    You’ll see some iconic Dubai hotspots

    For those who know Dubai, it’ll be fun to see which hotspots the franchise has chosen to film at. So far in the trailer, we’ve seen the housewives dining at the Palazzo Versace Hotel and the world’s largest observation wheel Ain Dubai. The cast also parties at Miss Lily’s and takes part in a photoshoot in the desert with camels.
    The women aren’t playing games
    It’s clear all of The Real Housewives of Dubai protagonists are booked and busy. In the trailer, entrepreneur Caroline Brooks discusses her new venture with her fellow castmate – which interestingly has input from two of her exes – and Lesa Milan is seen going through the motions of hosting her first fashion show.
    As Caroline Stanbury says in the trailer: “In Dubai, women are far from submissive. Most of the women are running this town.”
    Things get real

    While there’s a huge amount of glamour in the trailer, things are also set to get real and personal with the housewives. Chanel Ayan opens up about finding love and Nina Ali breaks down in tears with her cast members.
    There’s wedding bells

    Fans are set to get a look inside Caroline Stanbury’s lavish wedding to Sergio José Carrallo Pendás which took place back in December at Raffles The Palm Dubai.
    Well-known faces appear

    Some well-known faces from the Real Housewives are set to appear in the first international edition of the franchise. In the trailer we see Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks sitting down for a catch-up with Caroline Brooks.
    “Give me the tea, honey, I’m very thirsty today,” she says.
    Just like Parks, we cannot wait to see and hear about all of The Real Housewives of Dubai tea.
    The show is set to premiere on June 1, 2022. 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images/Media: Bravo TV Instagram/YouTube More

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    In pics: Prince William meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

    Lifestyle

    by Staff Writer
    May 17, 2022

    Following the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, condolences have been sent in their masses to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
    Many dignitaries from around the world arrived in the UAE over the weekend to pay their respects to the new President of the UAE.
    Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, was one of the many who touched down in the UAE to share his condolences with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in the wake of his elder brother’s passing.

    #UAE President receives more condolences from leaders of fraternal and friendly countries on passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.#WamNews https://t.co/k1QvywwKpQ pic.twitter.com/pwjKjLCV7b
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) May 16, 2022

    Queen Elizabeth II, who has been having some mobility issues as of late, issued a statement following Sheikh Khalifa’s passing on Friday.
    “I am saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi,” she said. “Your distinguished brother devoted his life to serving the people of the United Arab Emirates and his relationship with its allies and friends.
    “He will be long remembered by all who work for regional stability, understanding between nations and between faiths, and for the conservation cause. I offer Your Highness my sincere condolences and I extend my sympathy to the people of the United Arab Emirates.”

    The Queen has sent a message of condolence following the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi:
    — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 13, 2022

    Over the weekend, a council meeting was held at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, where Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was unanimously elected as President of the UAE.
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s election as president comes after the passing of his elder brother.
    Sheikh Khalifa, who was also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, had been President of the UAE since 2004, following the passing of his father, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nayhan, the Father of the UAE.
    Sheikh Khalifa was born in 1948 and was the eldest son of the late Sheikh Zayed.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: WAM/Instagram More

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    This is how you get out of that scroll hole

    Have you ever found yourself stuck in a scroll hole? This is what happens when you want to get to the end of the internet.
    Doom scrolling
    Just refreshed your Twitter feed for the umpteenth time today? You’re not the only one. “The tendency to endlessly scroll from one bad news story to another has grown over the past 18 months,” warns Tanya Goodin, digital detox expert and author of My Brain Has TooMany Tabs Open. This habit, also known as doom scrolling, is specific to your smartphone. Unlike your TV, your iPhone is always there, offering you continuous access to, let’s face it, the now rather depressing world.

    READ MORE: Is Your Smartphone Addiction Causing You To Gain Weight?

    We love misery
    This may sound strange, but your brain loves to cling to negative news. “And the algorithms that drive news feeds know this all too well,” explains Goodin. Reading bad news triggers the fight-flight response, but your brain also hates leaving things unfinished. And so arises the psychological phenomenon where you have a fear of interrupted or unfinished tasks, also known as the Zeigarnik effect. And you just want to soak up more bad news.

    READ MORE: Should You Go Through Your S.O.’s Phone? A Flow Chart

    Pandemic = infodemic
    This harmful effect is particularly associated with digital media. In the early days of the pandemic, consumption of stressful online news (which some researchers have called social media’s first “infodemic”) was associated with increased levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Research found that this was not the case with newspapers or magazines. The choice of your reading material therefore determines a lot.

    READ MORE: 15 Best Journalling Apps To Start The New Year With More Mindfulness

    Vibe check
    It is not only news that can temper your mood. If scrolling through your perfectly filtered feed fuels your anxiety, it can be just as damaging. “If you find yourself getting gloomier, log out and do something completely different,” Goodin advises. And that really doesn’t mean you should delete all your apps: ‘Dissociating yourself from (social) media is not good for your mental well-being, any more than overconsumption of news or social updates is.’ Keep it in balance.

    This story was first published in WomensHealthMag.nl

    READ MORE ON: Health Tips Life Mental Health More

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    The Wellness Gift Guide: WH Editors’ Wish List Picks

    A wellness gift guide? That’s right. Okay, it’s been one long year and you deserve everything. You and yours have earned the right to some great wellness gifts this holiday season, just for making it through the year. And since wellness can take many forms, there’s gifts for everyone; adventurers and beauty junkies, athletes and techies. We’ve curated some of our favourite things. In this lil’ gift guide we’ve picked items that pamper and look out for your well-being. From our WH family to yours.
    Running shoe
    Adidas Ultraboost 22. Fact: more than 50 percent of runners are women, and yet most running shoes are created with the male form in mind.  Tapping into an online database of 1.2-million female foot scans, the Ultraboost has been refined and re-engineered to create a 360-degree female fit. “The UltraBoost 21 was one of the most comfortable running shoes I’ve worn. The UltraBoost 22 tops that. This is such a cool motivation to lace up and go for a run. I’d recommend these to any female runner looking for a comfortable way to get in or get back to running. Plus, the sustainable aspect of this shoe really makes me feel good. Designed with our oceans in mind, it includes a natural rubber outsole and an upper made with yarn containing 50% Parley Ocean Plastic.” – Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini

    READ MORE: 16 Super-Stylish Stocking Fillers & Gifts Under R150 – That Aren’t Socks
    Smartwatch
    Garmin Lily Smartwatch. It wouldn’t be the perfect WH list without a smart watch, and this one takes the cake. “I’ve spent a few weeks reading and getting to know the Garmin Lily and found out it’s got major features in such svelte form.” It tracks your heart rate, stress, hydration and your menstruation cycle. When you want to relax or focus, you can start a breath work activity, and this watch will track your stress and respiration to help you get a better understanding of how you’re breathing.- Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini

    Garmin Lily SmartwatchR 5049BUY NOW

    A good book
    Vibrate Higher Daily Live Your Power by Lalah Delia. “I’m learning to sift through what should and shouldn’t bother me, while keeping my energy consistent at all times. I have been eyeing this book for a while, and think it will be such a great addition to this new journey.” – Kemong Mopedi

    Bike
    A Raleigh 26″ Comfort Cruiser Bicycle. Like the name says, this is an easy-cruising laid-back comfort bike. You get a truly comfortable bicycle thanks to the thick padded saddle with memory foam. You’ll hardly feel any bumps. “I’m finally ready to get over my fear of riding — don’t ask! [chuckles]” – Kemong Mopedi

    Raleigh Comfort Cruiser R 2499BUY NOW

    Pocket knife
    Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Pocket Knife. The Swiss Army Knife is still an icon of sleek functionality. It has 7 functions — including scissors, a nail file and a screwdriver. Victorinox is famous for their high-carbon stainless steel blades, which hold exceptionally good edges and can easily be resharpened. “Great for cutting bagels on the beach or zip ties when travelling. Essential and multifunctional.” – Pia Hammond

    Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Pocket KnifeR 349BUY NOW
    Comfortable sneaker
    Nike Air VaporMax 360. Looking to add a fashion-forward bit of style to your look? This retro-inspired sneaker (yes, 2000s is retro now) gives remarkable and unquestionable underfoot comfort. It features a full-length foam midsole and VaporMax Air unit giving you remarkable underfoot comfort. “I’ve always loved VaporMax, they look like a soccer shoe hybrid, strong and good grip. And they just look badass.” – Pia Hammond

    NIKE women’s Air VaporMax R 3999BUY NOW
    Styler
    Dyson Airwrap styler. The price tag might make you hesitate but believe us, this is as good a hair tool as you can get. Dyson’s Airwrap was the most awarded hair tool in 2019. It comes with 6 attachments; a pre-styling dryer (goodbye hairdryer), a firm smoothing brush (goodbye straightener), a soft smoothing brush, a round volumising brush (goodbye 80’s curlers), 30mm barrels for voluminous curls or waves and 40mm barrels for loose curls or waves (goodbye curling iron). You’ll get hairdresser quality hair in no time and at home. Need to see it in action? Check out the blowout tutorial below. “Hello new BFF” – Kelleigh Korevaar

    Dyson Airwray styler R 11499BUY NOW

    READ MORE: Find Spring In A Bottle With These 6 Floral Fragrances
    Jewelry
    RVLRI Trust Gift Box. After being a “silver jewellery girl” for as long as I’ve adorned myself in metals, I’ve recently matured into a “gold jewellery girl”. Yes, very scandalous. That means I’m trying to find everyday gold staples that don’t break the bank. Enter RVLRI. Their Trust gift set contains a watch, circle of life pendant necklace and intricate circle earrings. That’s half your jewellery sorted in one beautiful box! And at a really great price, too! Who wouldn’t be stoked to receive this? – Kelleigh Korevaar

    READ MORE ON: Fitness gift Gift Guide Health wellness More

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    Live concerts are set to make a return in Abu Dhabi next month

    While live entertainment has largely been put on hold for the last year, concerts are set to make a return in the UAE’s capital from next month onwards.As per an announcement by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), concerts with notable regional talent is all set to return for this year’s Eid Al Adha celebrations along with fireworks for three days over the break.His Excellency Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at the Department of Culture and Tourism said, “We are thrilled to be bringing live concerts back again for the first time since March 2020, featuring the best and brightest regional superstars for our Eid Al Adha celebrations in Abu Dhabi.”As part of the safety procedures, all attendees must be aged 16 years and above, while presenting a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours and show proof of having taken the second vaccine dose more than 28 days ago prior to the date of the event. This is done via the AlHosn app where you’ll need to have a gold E mark or * within the app. Meanwhile, attendees between 12 to 16, are required to receive a negative PCR test valid for 48 hours and are not required to be vaccinated.While all ticket holders must present their Emirates ID or any personal identification for those who are not residents in the country and download the ALHOSN app to show their status upon entry.With concerts from Assala Nasri, Hussein Al Jasmi, Tamer Hosny and Myriam Fares all on the horizon to be held at the Etihad Arena, between July 22 to July 23, 2021, the tickets are now available on sale for groups of two, three or four people, starting at Dhs195 on tickets.etihadarena.aeOther enticing events also seem to be on the Capital’s agenda at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena, including Michael Mclntyre’s stand-up comedy show on July 16, ‘An Evening with Russell Peters’ for September 17, 2021, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix between December 9 and 12.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @etihadarena More