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    Here’s why the Selena Gomez vs. Hailey Bieber narrative needs to end

    Lifestyle

    by Ruman Baig
    4 hours ago

    It’s 2023, how are women still pitting womnen against each other over issues so trivial, that should have been best left in high-school.
    Unless you’re living under a rock, you must be aware of the whole scoial media drama between Hailey Beiber and Selena Gomez — orchestrated by unhappy people on the internet. While the latest edition of this tomfoolery may have begun in February, the real catty narrative around Hailey and Selena have been doing the rounds since the former married Justin Bieber in 2018, six months after his reported breakup with Selena. Ever since, everything the two women do — right from posting a song on their personal IG stories to writing a slightly vague caption, everything is turned into a planned dig by theory makers on Instagram and TikTok.

    While the ladies have reportedly mentioned under various platforms that there’s no bad blood between the two — netizens cannot seem to let the two women live in peace. Back in 2022, Selena and Hailey even publically posed together for a photo op, in an attempt to put the past behind at the Academy Museum Gala. And for a fleating moment, both beauty entrepreneurs could breathe a sigh of relief.
    Cut to a month ago, the Rare Beauty founder posted about accidentally overlaminating her brows. On the same day, Kylie Jenner shared a video of herself and Hailey on FaceTime highlighting their eyebrows, which was instantly translated as an attack on the singer. TikToker Nuha, @devotedly.yours, shared her theory and left the internet in a frenzy. Both Selena and Kylie resorted to comment on this absurd theory. “This is reaching,” wrote Jenner, “U guys are making something out of nothing. This is silly,” selena backed the reality star with her comment on the same TikTok.

    @devotedly.yours Replying to @its_alexhilton Half asleep making this but @piamia’s latest video says a lot without saying a single thing #selenagomez ♬ Calm Down – Rema & Selena Gomez

    Despite the invidual involved in the supposed fued clearing the air, fans of both parties continued to vandalize their social media with hateful comments, Hailey more than Selena. Things grew even more tensed when online hate started picking up heat in real life. Recently, at a Justin Bieber concert, the crowd heckled him by chanting “Fuck Hailey Bieber” leaving the singer and his wife in complete dismay.
    Amidst the chaos, Selena took a break from social media, dethroned kylie Jenner as the most followed women on Instagram and then came back to regular programming, posting about the filming of her show. But the bitter fans apparently weren’t done berating Mrs. Bieber on her behalf. The online bullying progressed to death threats for the Canadian singer’s wife and the two women had to yet again take a stand for each other publically.

    On 24th March, 2023, Selena shared an Instagram story almost pleading her followers to leave Hailey alone. In the said story, she wrote, “Hailey Bieber reached out to me and let me know that she has been receiving death threats and such hateful negativity. This isn’t what I stand for.”
    Following her statement, Hailey posted, “I want to thank Selena for speaking out, as her and I have been discussing the last few weeks how to move past this ongoing narrative between her and I. The last few weeks have been very hard for everyone involved and millions of people are seeing so much hate around this which is extremely harmful.”
    Hailey and Selena’s official statements

    After this, they may just have to come out in the open and sign a peace treaty for the people to finally let them move one. In this entirely fabricated chaos, one can visibly see how easy it is to keep a triangle involving two women go on for so long. Ever since time immemorial, celebrities have been dating, breaking up and then dating ex partners of other celebrities. While men are seldom in the limelight for choosing a happily ever after with one half of a popularly shipped couple, female celebrities cannot seem to see the end of it. Both women in this situation are highly accomplished and are constantly striving to grow in their space, while allowing other women to do the same. Yet, they cannot catch a break about a decison in their lives involving the same man.
    Even if any of the fan cooked up theories held any semblence of truth, does a sketchy comment or a shade-throwing IG story deserve a death threat in reaction? I don’t think so. Celebrity or not, no women needs to be answerable for her personal choices, irrespective of public opinion. It is about time we go back to treating social media like a space to harbour community spirit, instead of using it as a false court of law where the general public writes a death sentence for any one and everyone they don’t agree with.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Sheikh Hamdan visits Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid a visit to the newly opened Atlantis The Royal last week.
    The ultra-luxe resort situated on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah has received the Royal stamp of approval.
    On the hotel’s official Instagram page, a post of Fazza overlooking the Palm was shared with the caption, “It was an honour to welcome Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as he took in the stunning views from our Royal Mansion.

    When Sheikh Mohammed visited
    Prior to its official opening on February 10, 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE paid a visit to this expansive property. His Highness toured the resort and was briefed on its interior design inspired by Bedouin culture. The hotel celebrates the preciousness of water with beautiful water features, sculptures and hues.
    VIP opening

    For its grand preview weekend, the 795-room mega-hotel on Palm Jumeirah witnessed an exclusive weekend of VIP guests, celebrities and media personnel before the expansive property officially opened its doors. With Queen B marking her first private concert since 2016, many A-listers flew down, especially for the event and made a special appearance on the red carpet in their stand-out silhouettes. From Kendall Jenner to Ellen Pompeo, the star-studded event, welcomed A-listers from around the world to witness the grand-scale weekend. This expansive property features 795 rooms, suites, and a penthouse with a series of record-breaking experiences including the largest jellyfish aquarium in the world, the first-ever Nobu by the Beach, meditation with the dolphins, unique fire and water fountains and other one-of-a-kind experiences. With a host of must-visit restaurants and facilities, the property includes a host of culinary havens such as Milos, Jaleo, La Mar, Ling Ling, Nobu by the Beach and Cloud 22.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    SUSHISAMBA shares what it takes to stay relevant in the gastronomy world

    Lifestyle

    by Dan Robinson
    2 hours ago

    We talk to Ida Garphagen, General Manager at SUSHISAMBA on being ahead of the game in an ever-changing industry
    What is the inspiration behind the restaurant – tell us more?
    The concept and idea of SUSHISAMBA came to light in early 90’s when our founder Shimon Bokovza travelled to Brazil and fell in love with the vibrant culture and diversity of the country. SUSHISAMBA is based on the food and culture born out of the emigration of thousands of Japanese to South America in the early 20th Century. Fast forward a few years, and the first ever SUSHISAMBA opens in New York in 1999 – it was the place to be back then, and I believe everyone is familiar with the famous SUSHISAMBA’s “Pink Cosmo” from Sex and the City. SUSHISAMBA is one of the very first restaurants that embraced the lifestyle offering and made the dining experience fun and multi-dimensional in every city.
    How does SUSHISAMBA Dubai differ from the other four global locations?
    SUSHISAMBA is recognized worldwide, yet every location is unique with its own concept. They are all different from one another, providing guests with a new and immersive experience at each as they travel globally.
    What are the must-try hero dishes?
    Our bite size yellowtail taquitos are very popular, and I can see why – they are the perfect size to enjoy with a pre-dinner drink. My personal favourite is the seabass anticucho glazed in sweet miso and grilled over the robata – anyone that walks through the doors of our restaurant can’t leave without trying them. Our SAMBA Dubai roll, which is a lobster maki roll, is always special since it is exclusive to Dubai only.
    How does the F&B industry in the UAE differ from other cities globally?
    With big cities, comes high competition as the option for consumers become endless. Here in Dubai, we have guests visiting from all over the world, and this helps when consumers recognize chain names – global brand names tend to perform better than smaller local brands. But this, of course, trickles down to the preference of residents and visitors and the overall experience provided. Nowadays, consumers want to know that they are not only savouring delicious food but are gaining an overall dining experience, and when they are bombarded with so many options, opting for a global brand name is always a safe choice. This is exactly why, we must never take our customers for granted, and need to stay relevant in this ever-evolving market.

    You have a stunning 360-degree view, was this the plan from the outset?
    We wanted to make sure we would represent the brand in the best way possible, knowing SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower in London is offering a breathtaking view overlooking London’s most iconic landmarks. Here at SUSHISAMBA Dubai, you can see 360-degree views of the entire Palm Jumeirah, the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf, the skyline of Dubai Marina and if the day is clear, the Burj Khalifa is visible as well. And what better location to see the city than an afternoon here, savouring the delicious flavours of Japan, Brazil and Peru all under one roof while sipping on a glass of champagne.
    You recently launched the afternoon Sky Tea at SUSHISAMBA, can you elaborate on this experience?
    At SUSHISAMBA, we want our guests to enjoy more of what we have to offer and take advantage of our wonderful SAMBA room, which has tantalizing floor to ceiling views of the Palm Jumeirah. Guests can indulge in a delicious selection of sweet and savory bites that are beautifully displayed on a three-tier spiral tree accompanied by a wide selection of loose teas, fine Japanese teas, coffee, or bubbly. I can’t think of a better location to watch the sunset in Dubai while Bossa Nova tunes set the perfect ambiance.
    What piece of advice can you give someone starting out in the hospitality industry or looking to start their own business?
    It’s always best to start from the bottom up and build the experience needed for any position you’re planning on joining. If you’re looking to start your own business, it’s always great to learn from existing organizations and then applying the lessons learned to your own model. If you want to be a CEO for example, then you must understand all aspects of the business before you start at the top – it’s recommended to break it down into smaller compartmentalized areas first, so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. Lastly, don’t be scared to roll up your sleeves and be prepared to work hard for what you want. And in times of difficulty, always ask for help and never give up.
    What are the plans for growth and what’s next for SUSHISAMBA?
    We are expanding the brand with openings in Riyadh, Edinburgh, and Bahrain in 2023, Milan is due to open in the second quarter of 2024 – major expansions for SUSHISAMBA in the following years to come. As for the venue in Dubai, we will continue to enhance our guest experience and focus on our most recent activation, Sky Tea at the SAMBA room.
    This is The Style Issue. What does style mean to you?
    Style is something subjective and personal – everyone has their own understanding of what is fashionable and will try to make it unique to their own identity. Which is why,being your most authentic self is the best and only way one should present themselves.
    March’s – The Style Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/Instagram  More

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    In pics: Dubai to open the world’s tallest hotel in 2024

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    13 hours ago

    Known for its record-breaking man-made structures, Dubai has always been on top of its game regarding achieving outstanding titles.
    Primed to become the world’s tallest tower, The Ciel Hotel led by The First Group, will be the largest and most complex development to date. This 365-metre skyscraper encapsulates the power of an integrated superstructure setting a new benchmark for the hotel industry in the UAE.
    This 82-storey property is set to open in the first quarter of 2024, with the installation of its façade brackets reportedly being completeted up to the 72nd floor.
    “Ciel will offer guests an unparalleled experience with its unique design, luxury amenities, and stunning views. Ciel is not just a building, but a symbol of Dubai’s ambition, innovation, creativity, and excellence”, said Rob Burns, CEO, The First Group.
    Another standout feature of Ciel will be its 300m tall interior atrium that will feature vertically stacked landscaped and naturally ventilated terraces. This interactive space will give occupants a shared communal space for an unparalleled experience.
    The architectural firm NORR designed the hotel’s key features, such as its observation deck with views of Dubai’s skyline and its rooftop infinity pool and bar on the 76th floor.
    Swipe through the gallery to see inside the property.

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

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    Sheikha Mahra is reportedly engaged to Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    25 mins ago

    Congratulations are in order for Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as this royal is reportedly now engaged.
    According to Arabian Royal Agency, an announcement was reportedly made on March 22, 2023, Wednesday evening for the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai being engaged to Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum.

    With little revealed about the engagement, the low-key ceremony was held as a start for the two royals to build their life together.
    After recently graduating from London with an International Relations degree, Sheikha Mahra is shared a series of portraits on her graduation day last month with her 139k fans congratulating her on this big milestone achievement.

    Known to attend some of the UAE’s most popular events, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra is always visiting several openings and attending new launches in the UAE, including the Icons exhibitions, Sheikha Mahra plays a pivotal role in uplifting women in the region including upcoming entrepreneurs, fashion designers and leading philanthropists. By always spreading joy in community, Sheikha Mahra often spends time with children of determination and welcomes everyone with open arms.
    Always seen in a traditional ensemble Sheikha Mahra’s sartorial choices never fail to impress us as she always plays with different patterns and colourways for any public appearance and events.
    Swipe through the gallery to see some of our favourite moments of Sheikha Mahra from her feed

    We wish the couple a big congratulations for this wonderful news!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @hhshmahra More

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    In pics: Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud visits Saudi Arabia’s first female astronaut

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    Saudi Arabia is making waves by sending their first Saudi female astronaut, Rayana Barnawi to space this year.
    To congratulate both Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni who will accompany her on this mission, Princess Reem Bint Bandar Al Saud, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States of America visited them this week.
    She visited them in Houston and toured the facilities of NASA Johnson with Axiom Space where the astronauts are currently training and even saw the site’s mission control center first-hand.
    In a post shared on her feed, the caption said, “I had the pleasure to meet with #Saudi astronauts Ali & Rayyanah (the first Arab & Muslim female astronaut) who will shape science through 11 experiments which they’ll take park in while joining the Ax-2 space mission’s crew this quarter.”

    I met with #Saudi astronauts Ali & Rayyanah (the first Arab & Muslim female astronaut) who will shape science through 11 experiments which they’ll take part in while joining the Ax-2 space mission’s crew this quarter.@saudispace @Astro_Rayyanah @AstroAli11#Saudi_towards_Space pic.twitter.com/uv5ctQ3xwo
    — Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) March 21, 2023

    With an additional set of images shared on her Twitter feed, she wrote, “It was a privilege to visit @NASA_Johnson in Houston and tour their facilities including the Mission Control Center, and see our astronauts in training. I would like to thank NASA and @Axiom_Space for their gracious hospitality.”
    Set to make history, the mission comes nearly 40 years after the Kingdom had sent the first Arab, Prince Sultan bin Salman to space in 1985.
    Scheduled to launch from the US to the ISS, Barnawi and Al Qarni will join the crew of the AX-2 space mission, to activate scientific innovations at the level of space sciences and develop human capital by attracting talents and necessary skills to keep in line with the country’s 2030 mission.
    Swipe through the gallery to see portraits from Princess Reema’s visit to the International Space Station:

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

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    UAE announces the official start date of Ramadan

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    43 mins ago

    The most sacred month of the year begins this week in the UAE on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
    Depending on the moon sighting, the Islamic months last for 29 or 30 days, marking tomorrow as the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, which was not spotted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 night.
    Special Iftar tents will be set up outside mosques and prayers will last well into the evening as this sacred month begins tomorrow.
    Marking the first holy month this year without any COVID-related restrictions, residents will be able to host Iftars along with gatherings and family. Additionally, masks are not required to be worn by worshippers inside mosques or any public places in the country.
    For those abstaining from food and drinks from dusk to dawn will observe shorter working hours during this period.
    Shorter working hours

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced a reduction of 2 working hours per day for all employees in the private sector in the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/ukHWkyo19h
    — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) March 13, 2023

    According to the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the official work timings for private sector employees during Ramadan have been reduced by two hours. Government employees will work 9am-2.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am-noon on Fridays while private sector workers will see their hours reduced by two hours per day.
    Eid Al Fitr break
    If you’re looking to plan ahead for this year’s first long weekend. The official Eid Al Fitr holiday in the UAE will commence from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. As per the current astrological predictions, the break will take place from Thursday, April 20 to Sunday, April 23, 2023.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @visitabudhabi & Feature Image: Instagram @mindz.eye More

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    Dubai’s Raffles The Palm is now offering an ultra-luxe membership programme

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 hour ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: For the ultimate rejuvenation, Raffles, The Palm has launched an elite membership programme to experience.
    The ultra-luxurious resort offers a holistic approach to hospitality with its all-in-one programme set to offer a myriad of unparalleled benefits throughout the year across stays, dining, wellness, and fitness experiences at the resort.

    For an idyllic escape, the property offers unlimited Raffles Club Access, private cabana preferred bookings and once-a-year 24/7 concierge services.
    Guests can embark on a culinary adventure with an array of benefits including a complimentary Chef’s table experience at Matagi with authentic Japanese cuisine along with brunch and afternoon tea experiences for up to four guests and 25 percent off food and beverages across all the restaurants.

    Matagi at Raffles The Palm
    If you’re looking to unwind, the property’s ultra-luxe spa Cinq Mondes Spa, promises a sanctuary of blissful well-being with an array of world-class services and treatments including wellness services for a holistic approach to living. Customers will have access to six 60-minute Royal Balinese Massages for single membership members and six Wellnamis Binaural Acoustic and Vibrational Therapies with three for singles membership members. For a refined retail experience, members can avail 10 percent off on all Cinq Mondes retail products and 20 percent off the spa menu with access to the indoor pool, gym and unlimited outdoor pool and beach access.

    Cinq Mondes Spa at Raffles The Palm
    In addition to all the benefits, each customer also receives silver, gold, platinum and diamond membership including full access to exclusive Diamond members benefits such as suite night upgrades, access to the Executive lounge and free breakfast on the weekends.

    Piatti by the Beach
    Priced at Dhs60,000 for a single membership and Dhs80,000 for a couple’s membership, customers can rejuvenate at this oasis that’s ideal for families, couples and everyone all throughout the year. To sign up for all the exclusive benefits visit rafflesthepalmdubai.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More