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      Best matcha places to try in Dubai if you’re trying to skip coffee

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 mins ago

      Move over macchiatos, step aside soy lattes, everyone is under the spell of matcha these days.
      This vibrant powdered green tea is taking the UAE by storm, and for good reason. Forget the jitters and afternoon crashes associated with coffee, the Japanese wonder offers a calm focus fueled by L-theanine, an amino acid known for its relaxing properties. Basically, it’s like sipping serenity in a cup.

      Looking for the perfect spot to everyone’s favourite beverage in Dubai + Abu Dhabi? We’re about to spill the tea (pun intended) on the top spots to find your perfect cup of green goodness, all boasting a minimalist aesthetic to match your zen vibes.
      Dubai
      The Matcha Tokyo

      The Matcha Tokyo, a renowned Japanese matcha brand announces its debut in Dubai with an aesthetically pleasing kiosk nestled in JBR. Trademark  drink? The velvety Matcha Latte, a fusion of rich matcha and milk, and the bold Matcha Coffee Latte, blending matcha with coffee.
      Blu Matcha (Multiple Locations)

      This dedicated matcha haven is a dream come true for green tea enthusiasts.From their classic Matcha Latte to playful creations like the Ube Matcha Latte, Blu Matcha offers a full spectrum of matcha experiences. Plus, their locations boast a clean, modern design with pops of green, making it an Instagrammable paradise.
      The Edit (Alserkal Avenue)

      Fashionistas rejoice! You can now fuel your shopping sprees with a guilt-free matcha fix at The Edit. Tucked away within this stylish boutique, their dedicated matcha bar offers a variety of lattes and iced beverages.
      Orto Cafe (Dubai Canal)

      Craving a green fix with a view? Look no further than Orto Cafe. This serene spot overlooking the Dubai Canal offers a picture-perfect setting to enjoy their Matcha Smoothie Bowl – a healthy and delicious blend of matcha, fruit, and granola.
      Pekoe Tea & Bread Bar (Alserkal Avenue)

      This industrial-chic haven offers a haven for true tea enthusiasts. Their matcha latte is a revelation – pure, ceremonial-grade powder whisked to perfection.
      Nette (Al Quoz)

      Nestled within Dubai’s trendy padel court complex, Nette offers a Californian vibe with a strong matcha focus. Don’t miss their milkshake, a playful yet sophisticated blend of green tea, vanilla ice cream, and almond milk.
      Abu Dhabi
      LOCAL (Al Zeina & Mamsha Al Saadiyat)

      This bright and airy cafe is a minimalist dream. Their grass green Latte is a crowd-pleaser, offering a smooth and creamy experience that won’t overwhelm your taste buds.
      Coffee Architecture

      The vibe tilts towards less-is-more but the drinks here do the most. If that doesn’t do it for here, try the iced matcha-based latte and come back for more.
      Salt & Caramel

      If you live in Abu Dhabi, tuck yourself away to their quaint cafe and find your corner where you can curl up with a book and a warm concoction to keep you company.
      Ava Cafe

      Soaked in that minimalistic-yet-vintage vibe, Ava Cafe takes the Matcha-game to a whole new level with drinks like cold fluffy matcha lattes and iced  tonics to savor on summer days.
      So there you have it, folks! Your ultimate guide for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Now go forth, sip green, and embrace the zen!
      Looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe? Stock these breezy dresses, all under Dhs500 for all your summer matcha runs:

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @yaraalnamlah More

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      13 visa on arrival and visa-free entry countries to visit for UAE residents

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      If you’re looking for a much-needed escape for the upcoming summer holidays without any additional visa hassle, there are myriad of countries around the globe offering visa on arrival and visa-free entry for UAE residents.
      With visa on arrival and visa-free entry for UAE residents, you can plan ahead without leaving your plans for the last minute.
      While travel is very much back on everyone’s radars, sometimes certain passports require specific visas, which can quite often be a tedious process. However, for UAE residents, there are many destinations which are visa-free or have a visa-on-arrival option.
      Below, the Emirates Woman editors have curated a guide for all the countries offering visas on arrival for UAE residents.
      Morocco

      Georgia

      All UAE residents who have a valid visa can travel to the country and receive a visa on arrival in Georgia. Holders of other GCC countries can travel visa-free for a period of 90 days and receive an entry stamp upon arrival. From Tblisi’s nightlight to stunning mountains, there’s a long list of endless activities.
      Flight time: 3 hours & 30 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Armenia

      With a rich history and picturesque ancient architecture, a visit to the country should definitely be added to your bucket list. All Indian, Lebanese, Jordanian and South African nationals with a valid UAE residency visa can receive a visit visa on arrival due to the positive relations between the UAE and Armenia leading to a special visa-waiver programme. The cost of the visa is around Dhs20 and details regarding additional requirements can be found online.
      Flight time: 3 hours & 10 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Azerbaijan

      Known for its contemporary design, Azerbaijan is home to iconic buildings including landmarks designed by the famous Zaha Hadid. All UAE residents with a valid residency visa can present their passport at the counter after paying and receive a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa on evisa.com.az to avoid standing in long queues.
      Flight time: 3 hours approx. 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Japan

      If Japan was on your travel bucket list this year, the process to visit is now a whole lot easier with the latest e-visa laws. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a new online tourist visa system. All residents are required to apply more than seven days before their trip. Applicants will need to apply via the dedicated website Japan eVISA, where upon successful submission, a digital confirmation visa will be sent to the applicant. At immigration, visitors will need to simply log on to the website and show the visa upon entry. The new system allows residents of permitted countries to apply for an online tourist visa which will grant e-visas for up to 90 days in Japan.
      Flight time: 9 hours and 34 minutes
      For the latest visa requirements visit here.
      Maldives

      For a quick idyllic getaway, a tourist visa is granted to all nationalities visiting the country. A few requirements such as a pre-paid hotel or accommodation booking, sufficient funds to last during the stay, confirmed tickets to return to their home country or country of residence and a traveller declaration form which must be filled in and submitted by all passengers going to and from the Maldives within 96 hours of travel. A visa for a maximum time period of 30 days will be granted on arrival for tourists. With an archipelago of islands to visit, travellers can experience nature at its finest.
      Flight time: 4 hours & 15 minutes
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Seychelles

      With Seychelles being a visa-free country, Indian citizens will not require a visa on arrival or an e-visa to enter the country for a short stay. This scenic escape ensures a seamless travel experience, however, a valid passport will be required to gain entry into the country. However, certain documents such as a valid return ticket, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay amounting to $150 (Dhs550) per day are required in case asked for.
      Flight time: 4 hours & 35 minutes
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Nepal

      Most nationalities can receive a visa on arrival for a small price depending on the tenure of the visit. A 15-day visa costs Dhs110, a 30-day visa costs Dhs183 or a 90-day permit for Dhs460 and can be decided accordingly upon arrival. All Indian passport holders do not require any visa and can visit hassle-free.
      Flight time: 4 hours & 20 minutes
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Serbia

      For passports with a valid Schengen, UK or US visa, a visa-free entry is granted upon arrival. For those who do not have the mentioned visas, five documents will be required including travel booking details, proof of vaccine, the original passport and proof of funds to substantiate enough money for the stay and to leave.
      Flight time: 5 hours & 55 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Indonesia

      With the perfect blend of culture, nature, culinary delights and design mastery, this haven should be on your list of destinations to travel to. Bali is now open for tourists after the pandemic, as this irresistible country offers a visit visa on arrival for a period of 30 days, which can be easily extended for another 30 days at any visa office in the country. Upon arrival in Indonesia, there is a checkpoint available for visa on arrival which is priced at $35 (Dhs128).
      Flight time: 8 hours & 27 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Mauritius

      Known for its expansive beaches, lagoons and reefs, this country is most definitely a must-visit for all. For those who love nature, there’s a wide range of forests, waterfalls and hiking trails to experience the outdoors. The maximum duration of stay is three months and it is free for UAE citizens. Upon arrival, passengers need to visit the immigration counter and show the original passport to obtain an entry stamp.
      Flight time: 6 hours & 35 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Sri Lanka

      All UAE residents can receive an e-visa which can be obtained from the comfort of their homes. A visa can be applied for online prior to visiting with the ETA, initially limited to 30 days. All applicants require a mandatory passport to be valid for six months from the date of arrival. It is important to check the list of countries eligible for Sri Lanka ETA before applying.
      Flight time: 4 hours & 30 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Thailand

      UAE residents will need to apply for a Thailand Pass, it takes up to 1 to 2 hours. After submitting the required documents, passengers will receive a QR entry code and a Thailand Pass ID needed for entry. With the UAE included in the Visa Exemption Scheme, you can stay up to a period of 30 days.
      Flight time: 6 hours and 20 minutes 
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @tialineker @alexiiak More

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      7 summer candles to make your home smell balmy and fresh

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 mins ago

      Summer is synonymous with sunshine, long days, and a carefree spirit. Why not extend this blissful ambiance into your home? Summer candles offer more than just a delightful fragrance; they transform your living space into a personal oasis, evoking memories of vacations, warm breezes, and endless possibilities.
      A thoughtfully chosen summer candle can dramatically alter your home’s atmosphere. Its gentle glow casts a warm, inviting ambiance, perfect for relaxing evenings or intimate gatherings. The carefully curated fragrance fills the air, stimulating your senses and transporting you to sun-kissed shores or lush gardens.
      Beyond the sensory experience, summer candles are versatile decor pieces. Their aesthetic appeal complements various interior styles, from minimalist to bohemian. Consider displaying them on coffee tables, bookshelves, or windowsills to add a touch of elegance and personality to your space.
      A Symphony of Summer Scents
      The key to selecting the perfect summer candle lies in choosing a fragrance that resonates with your personal preferences. Here’s a glimpse into some popular scent profiles and renowned brands to inspire your olfactory journey:
      Citrus Bliss: Infuse your home with a burst of sunshine through zesty lemon, invigorating grapefruit, or tangy bergamot.
      Floral Fantasy: Embrace the enchanting allure of summer blooms with delicate jasmine, romantic rose, or exotic gardenia.
      Aquatic Escape: Transport yourself to coastal havens with refreshing marine notes, salty air, and oceanic undertones.
      Green Oasis: Immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility with verdant grass, crisp cucumber, or leafy fig.
      Fruity Delights: Indulge your sweet tooth with juicy peach, pear, succulent watermelon, or tropical mango.
      By incorporating summer candles into your home decor, you can create a haven of relaxation, inspiration, and pure indulgence. Let the gentle glow and captivating scents transport you to a world of warmth and tranquility, where every moment feels like a perfect summer day.
      7 EW-approved summer scents to add to your home:

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image: Supplied & Instagram @jomalonelondon More

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      Luxury brand pop-ups and beach club takeovers to visit for summer

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      1 min ago

      From seasonal pop-up boutiques to branded beach club takeovers – this summer is at its most chic. Here, Emirates Woman rounds up all the summer activations, taking this season to another level.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image: Supplied / Instagram @bevhillshotel More

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      UAE Residents travel to Europe: Schengen visa applications rise by 20%

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      1 min ago

      A significant uptick in Schengen visa applications from UAE residents has been reported by The Visa Services, a leading Dubai-based visa processing expert. 
      The company’s data reveals a 20% year-over-year increase in Schengen visa requests during the second quarter of 2024, underscoring Europe as a top travel destination for UAE nationals and expatriates.

      Europe Reigns Supreme as Travel Destination

      Europe captured a dominant 65% share of all travel requests processed by The Visa Services in Q2 2024, with the United States and Asia-Pacific regions following at 25% and 15% respectively. This surge in European travel coincides with a peak tourist season marked by favorable weather conditions and high-profile events such as EURO 2024, the Paris Olympics, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

      Diverse Applicant Base and Changing Visa Trends

      The Visa Services caters to a diverse clientele, with Russians constituting the largest group of applicants at 35%, followed by Indians at 23%. Filipinos, Egyptians, Jordanians, and South Africans also represent significant segments of the applicant pool. Notably, families account for a substantial 58% of visa inquiries.

      While the processing time for most Schengen visas is within 15 days, certain countries may extend this period to 45 days.The company reported a 22.44% rejection rate for Schengen visa applications from UAE residents in 2023, with a corresponding 77.56% approval rate.

      A notable shift in visa trends has emerged in 2024. While single-entry visas dominated in 2023, this year has witnessed a growing preference for longer validity periods. Currently, 45% of visas issued are valid for 3-6 months, while 30% extend beyond a year. Travel remains the primary purpose for visa acquisition, accounting for 70% of applications, followed by business, study, and medical reasons.

      The Visa Services

      The company’s impressive growth, marked by a tripling of completed applications in the past year, aligns with the broader expansion of outbound tourism from the GCC region. The Visa Services’ success is attributed to its reliability, expertise,and ability to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

      As the GCC travel and tourism market is projected to reach $75.64 billion by the end of 2024 and $181.48 billion by 2036, The Visa Services is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for visa services in the region.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @spain, @germanytourism, @swedense More

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      UAE Residents travel to Europe: Schengen visa applications surge 20%

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      6 seconds ago

      A significant uptick in Schengen visa applications from UAE residents has been reported by The Visa Services, a leading Dubai-based visa processing expert. 
      The company’s data reveals a 20% year-over-year increase in Schengen visa requests during the second quarter of 2024, underscoring Europe as a top travel destination for UAE nationals and expatriates.

      Europe Reigns Supreme as Travel Destination

      Europe captured a dominant 65% share of all travel requests processed by The Visa Services in Q2 2024, with the United States and Asia-Pacific regions following at 25% and 15% respectively. This surge in European travel coincides with a peak tourist season marked by favorable weather conditions and high-profile events such as EURO 2024, the Paris Olympics, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

      Diverse Applicant Base and Changing Visa Trends

      The Visa Services caters to a diverse clientele, with Russians constituting the largest group of applicants at 35%, followed by Indians at 23%. Filipinos, Egyptians, Jordanians, and South Africans also represent significant segments of the applicant pool. Notably, families account for a substantial 58% of visa inquiries.

      While the processing time for most Schengen visas is within 15 days, certain countries may extend this period to 45 days.The company reported a 22.44% rejection rate for Schengen visa applications from UAE residents in 2023, with a corresponding 77.56% approval rate.

      A notable shift in visa trends has emerged in 2024. While single-entry visas dominated in 2023, this year has witnessed a growing preference for longer validity periods. Currently, 45% of visas issued are valid for 3-6 months, while 30% extend beyond a year. Travel remains the primary purpose for visa acquisition, accounting for 70% of applications, followed by business, study, and medical reasons.

      The Visa Services

      The company’s impressive growth, marked by a tripling of completed applications in the past year, aligns with the broader expansion of outbound tourism from the GCC region. The Visa Services’ success is attributed to its reliability, expertise,and ability to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

      As the GCC travel and tourism market is projected to reach $75.64 billion by the end of 2024 and $181.48 billion by 2036, The Visa Services is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for visa services in the region.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @spain, @germanytourism, @swedense More

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      Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faces unjust scrutiny over gender eligibility at the Olympics

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      1 hour ago

      In a decision that should have been straightforward, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the eligibility of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
      Despite this confirmation, Khelif has been unfairly subjected to intense scrutiny and baseless accusations questioning her gender, igniting a controversy that should never have occurred.

      Imane Khelif, a dedicated athlete who has competed as a woman throughout her career, was born female, is registered as female, and holds a female passport. Yet, her legitimacy to compete was challenged, primarily due to lingering biases and misconceptions. These allegations were refuted by the IOC, which reaffirmed her status as a female athlete. IOC spokesman Mark Adams stated unequivocally that Imane “was born female, is registered as female, has lived her life as female, boxes as female, and has a female passport,” stressing that the issue is not related to transgenderism.

      Despite the clarity of her eligibility, public figures and critics, including British author JK Rowling and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have attacked Khelif’s right to compete. Rowling’s comments on social media, labeling Khelif as male, and Meloni’s assertion that female athletes with male chromosomes should not compete in women’s sports, have only fueled the controversy and intensified the unfair treatment of Khelif.
      The criticism directed at Khelif is not just a personal attack but also a reflection of broader societal prejudices and misinformation about gender identity. The Algerian Olympic Committee and Algerian Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdel Rahman Hamad, have rightfully condemned these attacks, emphasizing the need to support athletes like Khelif against baseless and malicious accusations.

      Adding to the injustice, Khelif’s recent victory in the 66kg weight class was overshadowed by the controversy. Her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their match after a strong punch, leading to Khelif’s advancement. Yet, instead of celebrating her achievement, the focus shifted to unfounded allegations. Even after Khelif’s unanimous victory over Hungarian Anna Luca Hamori, ensuring her an Olympic medal, the debate over her gender persisted.
      The situation was exacerbated by past incidents, such as Khelif’s disqualification from the 2023 world championships due to an unspecified gender eligibility test. This past scrutiny has only compounded the current controversy, despite the IOC’s clear stance and support for Khelif’s participation.
      The IOC President, Thomas Bach, defended the inclusion of Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting, criticizing the backlash as “hate speech.” Bach emphasized that both athletes were born as women, raised as women, and have competed as women, underscoring the baselessness of the criticism they faced.

      The unnecessary controversy surrounding Imane Khelif’s participation in the Paris Olympics highlights the urgent need for better education and understanding of gender issues in sports. Khelif’s case should serve as a reminder of the importance of fair treatment and the dangers of allowing prejudice to overshadow athletic achievements. It is imperative that future discussions and decisions on gender eligibility in sports be guided by facts and fairness, ensuring that no athlete has to endure such unjust scrutiny again.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @imane_khelif_10 More

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      In Pics: Jordan Royal family meet baby Princess Iman for the first time

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      17 mins ago

      JordanCongratulations are in order for the Jordanian Royal family as they welcome baby Princess Iman – daughter of Crown Prince Al Hussein and Princess Rajwa.
      The royal family including King Abdullah II, Queen Rania, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem along with Crown Prince Hussein made their way to the hospital to meet the new royal baby.
      Queen Rania shared a host of images captioning it, “Iman, you’ve already got a hold of my heart. Our family has never been happier,” gushing about her first grand daughter.
      In the joyful carousel, you can see each member of the Jordanian royal family holding the new Princess and showering her with immense love and blessings.
      Take a look at the all the precious moments shared by Queen Rania:

      Queen Rania also shared a heartwarming video of the family wishing Crown Prince Al Hussein on the birth of his baby daughter, as they make their way to the hospital to meet the baby Princess Iman.

      Congratulations are in order for the Jordanian Royal Family — Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Princess Iman, on August 3, 2024.

      The Hashemite Royal Court shared a glimpse of Princess Iman, held by her father, the Crown Prince, while he performed the act of calling the adhan in her ear.
      All of Princess Rajwa’s pregnancy looks so far:
      Princess Rajwa looked radiant in a nude body con dress, standing tall next to her is the Crown Prince, dressed in a formal black shirt.

      Previous Pregnancy Portraits
      The Royal Court has unveiled new photos of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, on the joyous occasion of her first wedding anniversary and her pregnancy in June 2024.
      Princess Rajwa’s Official Pregnancy Portraits

      Radiating elegance and grace, Princess Rajwa dazzled in a vibrant red dress by Alice & Olivia, complemented by exquisite gold jewelry that added a touch of regal splendour to her look. The photos beautifully captured the joyous moment in her life as she lovingly cradled her baby bump, symbolsing both a personal milestone and a bright future for the royal family. This special celebration highlights a year of love and anticipation for the Princess and the entire kingdom.
      The anticipation of royal parenthood grows as the Crown Prince of Hussein and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein of Jordan eagerly await the arrival of their first child this summer.
      First Outing Post Announcement
      For her first public appearance after the announcement captured on video, Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein was spotted wearing a jumpsuit from Seraphine and carrying a Bottega Veneta mini tote, showcasing her radiant baby bump as she left THE ABDEEN store in Amman.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @queenrani, @arabianroyalagency, @rhcjo More