More stories

  • in

    Win a stay at this luxury Maldives resort courtesy of Emirates Woman

    As many are preparing to travel over the summer break, Emirates Woman has an exciting opportunity for our readers – the possibility to win a luxury stay in the Maldives.Escape to the shores of North Male Atoll in the Maldives at the luxury Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi resort. Surrounded by 83 acres of lush tropical beaches on Lhohifushi Island.Relax and unwind amongst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean in the pristine surroundings of the luxury resort, with a range of lavish Maldives villas with either direct beach access or directly overlooking the waves.When you’re not soaking up the sun poolside, indulge in one of the many spa treatments the resort’s Chavana Spa has to offer which include traditional aromatherapy massages to result-driven Elemis face and body treatments.Meanwhile, during your stay, you can enjoy a variety of cuisine at the resort for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In particular, the Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi’s Sunset Restaurant is the ideal spot to enjoy an exquisite dining experience overlooking the Indian ocean.The PrizeA three-night stay at the Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi resort on a Premium All Inclusive basis. The guest and their plus one are entitled to all three meals and beverage selections as available on the Premium All Inclusive offering. The guest will be entitled to a non-motorized water sports experience such as windsurfing, catamaran, canoe and stand-up paddleboard.Entries close on July 30, 2021. Rules: This competition is open to residents of all GCC countries. Entries received after this date will not be accepted. The prize will be awarded to one entry received, at random. The prize is non-transferable, and no cash alternative or extension on the voucher is available. The voucher holder is entitled to three nights for two persons, on a sharing basis, at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi on a Premium All Inclusive basis. Reservation for the utilization of the voucher should be made a minimum of two weeks prior to the date of travel with a copy of the voucher. A reservation contact will be given on the voucher issued. The reservation confirmation will be made via email and will be based on availability. The voucher does not cover speedboat transfer fees from Velena International Airport and back. Black-out dates apply. Any other additional costs incurred during the stay other than what is extended complimentary should be borne by the voucher holder. Employees of Motivate Publishing and the company contributing to the prize are not eligible. The decision of Motivate Media Group is final, and no correspondence can be entered into. The winner will be announced on our website and notified by email.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

  • in

    6 ways to spark creativity in your little one’s everyday life

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Engaging your child’s creative side is an incredibly important part of the nurturing and growing process, however, it doesn’t have to take an entire day of your time.Sparking the imagination of little ones’, LEGO® DUPLO® Bricks are the ideal play pieces to stimulate your child’s mind creatively, whilst also having fun.Whilst playtime can be chaotic and also messy, encouraging your child to play without any setbacks and blocks is key to unlocking their potential as it helps to develop their core socio-emotional, physical, creative and cognitive skills. By age three, there are over 1000 trillion connections between the brain and neurons, putting into perspective how important assisting your child to thrive is.Helping to pave the way for their future, the large bricks in the LEGO DUPLO sets put your mind at ease that they are safe in their building endeavours, no matter what adventure they choose to envisage.Prompt creative conversations with your little one By making creative conversations part of everyday life, a child naturally develops an imaginative way of thinking. Creative conversations can be as easy as playing word association games in the car or making up a simple story before bed. Prompts like “Where would you go if you were a bird?” can allow your child’s imagination to run wild.[embedded content]Let them lead Every so often it is important to let your child make the decisions. This could start with going to the park for half an hour, letting them lead the way on a walk at their pace. Or tell them they will make the plan and encourage them to talk about all the amazing things they could do when they get there.Encourage positive conversation with questionsEvery night before bed, establish a routine where you both talk about the positive points of the day. This allows your child to reflect on their day as well as helping you to understand what they enjoy doing from a young age. If you don’t always have a lot of time, this is a quick way to engage your child’s creative mind.Give them freedom with playtimeFreedom to play in an unstructured way is vital for development. You could give your child a box of bricks and watch them build, rather than instructing them what to create. Afterwards, try to be specific and ask them what it is and what it can do.It’s okay to make creative mistakes [embedded content]Experimentation is creativity for children, some of their creations may look slightly strange, however, they could have just learnt something new, like how a brush moved on the page. The most important part of playtime is ensuring they have fun, whilst also providing education.Don’t worry about the mess Yes, messiness can be good sometimes, plastic sheets and lots of space can allow your child to be free and get messy to their heart’s content. Feeling safe to try anything will allow your child to build confidence in their creative abilities. And If you’re lucky, you might be able to convince them that tidying up is a fun game too.Perfect for small hands and curious minds, LEGO DUPLO bricks are double the size of the regular LEGO brick; twice the length, height and width making them easier to handle for younger builders aged 1.5-5 years old.As your child grows, they can move onto traditional LEGO bricks, but don’t worry the LEGO DUPLO bricks are completely compatible, meaning your child can continue to use them in their more advanced building endeavours.The Hero Buys

    LEGO DUPLO Alphabet Truck

    LEGO DUPLO T. rex and Triceratops Dinos

    LEGO DUPLO Spider-Man Headquarters

    LEGO DUPLO My First Car Creations

    LEGO DUPLO Mickey & Minnie Birthday Train

    LEGO DUPLO Minnie’s House and Café

    LEGO DUPLO Number Train – Learn To Count

    LEGO DUPLO Space Shuttle Mission

    LEGO DUPLO is available at all good toy retailers including Toys R Us, ELC & plus online stores such as First Cry, Noon, Amazon, Mumzworld. And of course, our very own LEGO® certified stores.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages/Media: Supplied More

  • in

    Sheikh Hamdan shares a heartwarming photo of Sheikh Mohammed with his baby twins

    Just over a month ago, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, announced he had become a father of twins.It was announced Sheikh Hamdan was now a father to a baby boy, Rashid, and baby girl, Sheikha.Following the announcement, Sheikh Hamdan took to Instagram to share with his 11.6 million followers a photo of himself, a proud father, holding his newborn twins.Now, the Crown Prince of Dubai has 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 doting grandfather he is, Sheikh Mohammed is seen holding baby Rashid on the left and baby Sheikha on the right.Announcing the arrival of twinsTo announce the arrival of the twins, Sheikh Hamdan shared a photo on Instagram with his 11.6 million followers of a blue foot and a pink foot.Congratulations on the arrival of the two new babies was shared on social media by many of Sheikh Hamdan’s siblings including Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Her Highness Sheikha Maryam.Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Interior and Deputy Prime Minister, also shared his congratulations on Twitter.“I congratulate my brother His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, for the arrival of his two children (Rashid and Sheikha),” he said. “Oh God, save them with your protection … and make them the apple of the eye of their parents.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram More

  • in

    Inside the only on-site hotel at Dubai Expo 2020

    As the much-awaited Dubai Expo 2020 is now less than 100 days away, the highly-anticipated event is set to host an array of inspiring exhibitions from the globe over.Taking place from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, the Rove Expo 2020, located at Al Wasl Plaza is the only on-site hotel for the event.Visitors are ensured a comfortable stay at the property with access to live shows, a host of dining venues with over 50 cuisines alongside a vibrant kaleidoscope of unmissable events for everyone who visits.With Rove Hotels being known for its casual yet contemporary atmosphere, this latest property has managed to exude the same charm through its design, adding a nod to the neighbourhood’s character with quirky elements infused through each element.For food within the vicinity, there are several eateries onboard including a ‘grab-and-go’ Rove Café and The Bar, which has a rooftop swimming pool along with a sundeck showcasing the glistening skyline of Dubai, with other amenities such as an ATM and grocery store all within the area.As a smooth experience is promised from start to finish, guests can travel using the Expo Rider Shuffle, including the coach or a taxi as there’s 24/7 access to the venue. For travel arrangements via a metro, the Dubai Metro Arrival Plaza ensures you’ll be directed to the hotel with staff to guide you, in case your arrival takes place outside standard operating hours.For more details regarding the Expo’s theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, visit expo2020dubai.comWith advanced booking now available from October 1, 2021 online, you can visit rovehotels.com to make a reservation.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied by Rove Hotels  More

  • in

    Everything you need to know about Emirati Women’s Day 2021

    Launch in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, 2021 marks the sixth anniversary of Emirati Women’s Day.As we look forward to celebrating the day in August, we have rounded up everything you need to know about Emirati Women’s Day 2021.When is Emirati Women’s Day?Emirati Women’s Day is a reoccurring event on August 28 every year. This year it will fall on Saturday, August 28, 2021.When was the day launched?Emirati Women’s Day was first launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, known as the Mother of the Nation, in 2015. The choice of August 28 as the date coincides with the founding of the UAE’s General Women’s Union which launched in 1975, on August 28.What is this year’s theme?In May of this year, Sheikha Fatima announced that this year’s theme of Emirati Women’s Day would be ‘Women: Ambitions & Inspiration for the Next 50 Years’.This theme is in line with the His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE’s announcement of 2021 as ‘Year of the 50th’.Aiming to highlight the unlimited ambitions of Emirati women and their aspirations for a better and more prosperous future, Emirati Women’s Day 2021 pays tribute to the leaderships support and empowerment of women.In the year of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, Emirati Women’s Day 2021 aims to celebrate the Emirati women holding leading positions across the nation, made possible through support by legislation and laws that reinforced their rights and boosted their participation in legislative, executive and managerial roles.The day will look back at the responsibilities, accomplishments, achievements and successes of Emirati women over the last 20 years, and look forward to the next 50 in light of the celebratory year of the UAE.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Dr Nadia Al Bastaki Courtesy of Etihad More

  • in

    All the hotels with private pools in the UAE

    As the sweltering heat is here to stay for the next couple of months, there’s nothing like cooling off in the privacy of your own private pool.From temperature-controlled swimming pools to luxe views of the UAE’s skyline, these exotic properties offer their own private swimming facility to unwind with friends and family.Emirates Woman has curated a list of must-visit resorts located both in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, that offer their own space to unwind as you book a premium villa or suite that best fits your needs.Abu DhabiAnantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & SpaIf you’re looking for a city escape in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this urban waterfront retreat offers an expanse of mangroves with waterfront swimming and mangrove kayaking during your stay as you unwind at the Mangrove pool suite. It offers a host of privileges from an abundance of space to basking on your terrace or in the mini plunge pool, which elevates your stay in UAE’s capital.For more information visit Anantara.comSaadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat IslandLocated on the pristine white beach of Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking Saadiyat Island, this one-of-a-kind five-star property features a striking modern Arabic architecture with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Starting with the one-bedroom beach villa, guests can rejuvenate at their very own large private plunge pool with a fully furnished terrace, as they absorb unrivalled sea views that are reminiscent of an elegant beach house with a location that is hard to beat.For more information visit Rotana.comAl Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & SpaRooted deep within the desert landscape of Al Wathba, an intimate retreat with natural beauty lies at the hallmark of this hotel experience, with guests ready to embark on an individual wellness journey, immersed by privacy. With a secluded plunge pool, guests can take in serene views of the Arabian Desert from their villa with a generous amount of space as they lay back and absorb the beauty of the property.For more information visit alwathbahotel.comDubaiOne&Only The PalmThis glittering sanctuary with lush gardens is secluded on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah with opulent hotel rooms, while also featuring beachfront villas with their own private swimming pools as you witness breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. The premium villa allows you to step into the world of luxury with complete relaxation as you’re surrounded by lush private gardens and can cool off in your private temperature-controlled swimming pool with a majlis-style space shrouded by an oversized gazebo.For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.comAnantara The PalmWith a private sanctuary that overlooks the beach and Arabian Gulf beyond, you can enjoy luxurious sunny days by the poolside with private concierge services at the Villa with options for one or two bedrooms as you unwind in style with oversized daybeds featuring a lagoon that is made into something special.For more information visit anantara.comNikki Beach Resort & SpaWith a relaxed yet effortless atmosphere, Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts prides itself in providing guests with an unrivalled luxury lifestyle experience, while offering guests contemporary dining with an enhanced Nikki Beach experience. The Nikki beach pool villa is pleasant to the eye, with a uniquely designed space featuring an external shower pool and vast recreational areas that are perfectly conceived down to the smallest detail. With a perfect combination of white, light blue and beige colours in the interiors, the outdoor area is fitted with high-quality furniture offering a unique area for private dining or relaxing.For more information visit nikkibeach.comMelia Desert PalmThis urban oasis offers lush green surroundings with an elegant oasis in the one-bedroom hideaway villas with ground floor living and dining spaces that extends to the spacious outdoor as guests enjoy a home away from home for the ultimate privacy with an alfresco dining area, complemented with a stone-walled courtyard for utmost serenity. With fascinating views of Dubai’s skyline and your own space to unwind at, there’s enough of room in this superlatively designed area to relax with friends and family.For more information visit melia.comBulgari Resort DubaiBringing the Mediterranean style to the Middle East, while being surrounded by ocean views with a nautical spirit imbibed at the property, guests can unwind at the luxurious beach view villas with stunning landscaped gardens and a temperature-controlled pool, as the villas offer the perfect amount of space to have the ultimate luxury gathering with the feeling and privacy of being at home, while enjoying the details of a sunken marble bathtub in the layout.For more information visit bulgarihotels.comAl Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & SpaJust under an hours drive from the city of Dubai is Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa. This luxury hotel, which resembles a luxurious Bedouin encampment, is the perfect escape for a weekend recharge. While the resort’s location already ensures maximum privacy for guests, Al Maha’s 42 suites take luxury and privacy to the next level. Each suite boasts a private temperature-controlled pool overlooking the infinite desert views, alongside opulent interiors which pay tribute to Arabian heritage with handcrafted furnishings, antiques and artefacts.Kempinski Hotel & Residence The PalmThis luxury resort located on Palm Jumeriah has the ideal place for families to escape to in complete privacy. The Kempinski Hotel & Residence The Palm’s Family Apartment comes complete with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and its very own pool, as well as a large private terrace.Ras Al KhaimahThe Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra BeachEscape to the shores of Ras Al Khaimah at The Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach resort which has over 32 luxurious villas which each have their very own private pool, as well as direct beach access.The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi DesertFor those seeking a desert escape in Ras Al Khaimah, The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert resort is ideal. Similar to its sister resort, there are 100 villas available each with its own private pool.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied / Instagram More

  • in

    Neptune Retrograde has arrived – here’s everything you need to know

    While the second period of Mercury Retrograde this year is officially over, there’s still more to come.Welcome Neptune Retrograde, starting June 25 and lasting until December 1, Neptune is beginning a backwards dance in the sign of Pisces meaning we could be in for a confusing rollercoaster of a ride.Neptune is the planet of illusion, dreams and fantasies, meaning this retrograde could bring a period where secrets are revealed, and illusions are disrupted.Per Refinery29, normally when Neptune is in direct motion, “it can make us see what we want to see, and affirms what we want to believe of people, certain situations, and even ourselves,” according to Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com.However, with Neptune in retrograde, Montúfar says, “the rose-coloured glasses fall off, clearing the veil and exposing unwanted and harsh realities.”This means that the fascinating and inspirational planet that is Neptune may prove rather tricky over the coming months and, for many, a reality check is in store.Not all is bad though, as Neptune is the furthest planet from the Earth, its influences are subtle, and something we feel at a subconscious level. Some people will have a more intense reaction to the retrograde, most notably people who have Natal planets in Pieces, Gemini, Sagittarius and Virgo.Overall, Neptune’s retrograde will allow individuals to have a more acute sensitivity and perhaps pick up on things they wouldn’t normally if Neptune was direct. Leslie Hale an astrologer for Keen.com suggests that people will be more likely to “listen to our own inner voice and our creativity and psychic or intuitive abilities may increase.”Neptune Retrograde will not have as much of an impact if healthy boundaries have been implemented, honesty has been at the forefront of the mind and responsibilities have been kept on top of. However, if this hasn’t happened, a serious reality check could be in store.Whatever Neptune retrograde brings, it is an opportunity to learn and grow and knowledge gained during this period ultimately creates new possibilities when Neptune returns to motion later in the year.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: NASA on Unsplash More

  • in

    This Dubai landmark takes the top spot for most searched for travel experiences

    For the past year, travel plans have largely been on hold but that hasn’t stopped people from dreaming about their travel bucket lists.So much so, this Dubai landmark has topped searches of places to visit.Luxury travel company, Unforgettable Travel, recently conducted research on the most searched places to visit when travelling and it was found that heading to the top of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – was the most googled travel experience.It was found that the search term ‘Burj Khalifa tickets’ reached a skyrocketing average of 10,000 searches per month, as both residents and tourists globally are eager to visit the tallest tower in the world.The list also included experiences such as sail around New York’s green lady, the Statue of Liberty, trek to Mount Everest’s base camp in Nepal, a cruise down Egypt’s famous river the Nile, go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and many other unmissable experiences that are definitely a must-try for the ultimate travel indulgence, with something to cater to everyone’s wants.To book tickets for the At the Top, Burj Khalifa experience visit tickets.atthetop.ae as prices start from Dhs149 with timings from 10am to 3:30pm and 7pm to 12am on weekdays and 8am to 3:30pm on weekends and 7pm to 12am on weekends, as it keeps in line with all the necessary COVID-19 restrictions for a safe experience.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @burjkhalifa More