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    16 homegrown UAE brands that have gone global

    Born in the UAE, but growing globally.
    These luxurious brands have made their imprint around the world and have undoubtedly received a universal stamp of approval.
    Fashion
    The Giving Movement

    By disrupting stereotypes, Dubai-based lounge and activewear brand The Giving Movement has always gone against the grain. The founder of The Giving Movement, Dominic Nowell-Barnes, has highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries on several occasions. The brand has reached global icons and content creators with its premium collections being loved by all those who are seen in them. From Haya Salman to Natalie Sallaum, various fashion enthusiasts have been spotted in the brand.
    For more information visit givingmovement.com
    L’Couture

    The luxe activewear label founded by Lyndsay Doran in 2019, has filled in the apparent athleisure gap in the country. With plans to eventually open a UK office and warehouse, the brand has customers from around the world including in Europe and the US. With new launches every season, the brand is constantly innovating and encouraging women to live healthier lives.
    For more information visit lcouture.com
    Bouguessa

    This contemporary womenswear label has reinvented the wardrobe classics for the modern-day wearer. Founded by Faiza Bouguessa in 2014 in her studio in Dubai Design District, the brand has now made its mark global, as its e-tailer includes one of the largest players in the market, NET-A-PORTER. Designed to empower strong sophisticated women, several A-listers such as Priyanka Chopra and many more have been spotted in the Dubai-based brand.
    For more information visit bouguessa.com
    L’Afshar

    Made in Dubai, this iconic label was started by Lilian Afshar in 2019. Designed for the sophisticated woman, the brand is combined with contemporary handcrafted designs, made in Dubai with luxurious yet industrial elements. The brand is stocked around the globe including NET-A-PORTER, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols and many more. From Queen Rania to Kendall Jenner, the brand has made remarkable strides globally.
    For more information visit lafshar.com
    All Things Mochi

    Ayah Tabari launched her label in 2013 with patterned hues infused into every element of the brand. While combining traditional prints and embroideries with quintessential tailoring, each piece is created by hand in individual ateliers by a team of talented makers. The brand has been shown at New York Fashion Week and appeared on people with a global reach. The Hungarian-inspired label has previously retailed on NET-A-PORTER with centuries-old embroidery techniques infused into the collection.
    For more information visit allthingsmochi.com
    Bil Arabi

    Established in 2006, by Nadine Kanso, this luxurious jewellery brand is an ode to the region and celebrated the Arabic alphabet in a refined manner. From earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants this fine jewellery brand has carved a niche for itself in the market. With modern heirlooms and bespoke projects, the brands have reached a global level through collaborative partners which include The Doha Jewellery, Christie’s and Harvey Nichols.
    For more information visit bilarabi.ae
    Restaurants
    The MAINE Group

    Dubai-based restauranteur Joey Ghazal opened his first instalment of the MAINE Group years ago and has undoubtedly dominated the F&B space. The MAINE Group now consists of three restaurant concepts – The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill in JBR, The MAINE Street Eatery in Studio City and The MAINE Land Brasserie in Business Bay. Now, The Maine Mayfair has officially opened its doors in London.
    For more information visit themaine.ae
    Gaia

    First bursting onto the Dubai foodie scene two years ago, Chef Izu Ani’s brainchild has garnered a cult following for the delicious Mediterranean and Greek cuisine Gaia has to offer. With HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum being a keen visitor to the eatery, the restaurant has surely made a mark for itself in the region and globally. All set to hit Europe’s shores with an establishment opening up in London, in the exclusive Mayfair postcode, later this year. With Sheikh Hamdan being a regular visitor to the UK, it begs the question if he’ll pop in for a meal at Gaia London.
    For more information visit gaia-restaurants.com
    Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

    With authentic Tuscan flavours in the heart of Dubai, this Italian haven is located in Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel and is certainly loved by all those who dine there. From plush interiors to an undeniable charm when it comes to the ingredients and ambience, this restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for the finest wholesome cuisine in Dubai. With a true farm-to-table concept, this refined concept stays true to its roots. Il Borro London officially opened its doors earlier this year.
    For more information visit ilborrotuscanbistro.ae
    La Serre

    After opening in Dubai in 2013, La Serre announced it was going global last year. Having opened its door already in Riyadh, La Serre will be heading to the exclusive area Knightsbridge in London and eventually to New York City.
    For more information visit laserre.com
    Beauty
    Huda Beauty

    Renowned beauty mogul Huda Kattan started her cult beauty brand in the UAE in 2013. Since launching, the brand has gained worldwide popularity by making remarkable global strides. From all the latest must-haves, the brand has upped its offerings to include foundations, concealers, lipsticks, eyeshadows, setting powders and much more while expanding with offices in the US and the UK, with plans for further expansion.
    For more information visit hudabeauty.com
    Hindash Cosmetics

    Famous YouTuber and multi-faceted artist Mohammed Hindash launched his own luxurious cosmetics brand which was unveiled to the public in Dubai earlier this year. Hindash has added a series of products varying from eyeliners to vegan matte eyeshadow pigments to enhance every look. From being advertised in Times Square, New York to launching on Cult Beauty, the brand is seen the globe over and is praised for its minimal fallout which sets it apart from all the brands.
    For more information visit hindash.com
    Shiffa

    Founded by Dr. Lamees, this organic skincare brand is backed by the most potent organic ingredients with advanced science. Created to focus on the science of healing, each product is a powerful combination of active ingredients in therapeutic concentrations to heal the skin from within. For all your skincare concerns, whether acne issues or large pores, these organic products protect the skin and increase its uses well-being and is loved by celebrities globally.
    For more information visit shiffa.com
    Shirley Conlon Organics

    Dubai’s premium organic skincare brand ensures long-lasting benefits to the skin. Infused with skin-loving plant-based botanicals, the products gently remove pollution and makeup while still protecting the skin’s natural barrier. With ultra-lightweight botanicals that absorb into the skin, these formulas instantly absorb to minimize any concerned areas. Founded by Shirley Conlon, the products have reached around the globe, making a difference to people’s skin. With botanical ingredients from around the world, this beauty brand is not limited to a fanbase in the UAE.
    For more information visit shirleyconlonorganics.com
    Kayali

    The UAE-based fragrance brand for founded to delve into the Middle Eastern traditions of perfume layering. Founded by beauty entrepreneurs Huda and Mona Kattan, this exclusive has created popular scents that are loved by many worldwide. Whether the scented vanilla perfume or the staple musk perfume, each ingredient makes this brand truly special. Created with luxe fragrance oils, this cult-favourite brand always spritzes things up with something new. The enticingly rich scents are loved by all with a customer base all over the world.
    For more information visit kayalifragrance.com
    Hotels
    Jumeirah Hospitality Group

    When it comes to hospitality, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts has made a mark globally. With around 24 luxurious properties, the resort is a leader in leaving its imprint around the world. The diverse set of employees also allows the company to stand out. From the Maldives to Mallorca, the brand has reached different corners of the world.
    For more information visit Jumeirah.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Everything to know about Emirati Women’s Day 2022

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    This August will mark the seventh annual Emirati Women’s Day which was launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed and Mother of the Nation, in 2015.
    With the day fast approaching, here’s everything you need to know about Emirati Women’s Day for 2022.
    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 Sunday, August 28, 2022.
    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.
    [embedded content]
    What is this year’s theme?
    Back in April, Sheikha Fatima announced the theme of this year’s Emirati Women’s Day would be ‘Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future’.
    Upon announcing the theme for 2022, Sheikha Fatima praised the women of the UAE saying “Emirati women have proven that there is no task that is impossible, due to their hard work and innovation”, per WAM.
    Since the inception of the UAE in 1971 under the leadership and guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed, women’s empowerment continues across the nation and this year’s Emirati Women’s Day will highlight this.
    The prosperous and bright future of Emirati women will also be exemplified this Emirati Women’s Day.
    Take a look at some of the incredible women we championed to mark Emirati Women’s Day last year here.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images/Media: Supplied More

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    Abu Dhabi & Dubai voted the most liveable cities in the MENA region for 2022

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    The UAE’s biggest cities have topped the rankings for the best places to live in the MENA region for 2022.
    In a list compiled from the Economist Intelligence Unit’s global survey which includes 173 global cities ranked based on their liveability.
    The rankings are calculated based on five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
    Out of the 173 cities, Abu Dhabi was the highest-ranking city in the Middle East placing number 77, with Dubai closely following at 79.
    It’s the fifth year in a row that these UAE cities have been ranked as the most liveable cities in the MENA region.
    However, as for the top 10 cities, most of the highest-ranking ones were based in Europe. See the top 10 most liveable cities in the world below.

    Vienna, Austria
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    Zurich, Switzerland
    Calgary, Canada
    Vancouver, Canada
    Geneva, Switzerland
    Frankfurt, Germany
    Toronto, Canada
    Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Osaka, Japan and Melbourne, Australia

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

    Feature image: Instagram @demoisellezakia More

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    This app enables residents across the UAE to recycle for free

    Lifestyle

    by Nicole Little
    1 minute ago

    With sustainability being a big priority for everyone nowadays, recycling has never been more important.
    However, when it comes to the UAE, finding where to recycle your waste sometimes proves to be a challenge.
    But we’ve found a free-of-charge app which is game-changing for recycling.
    RECAPP App, which is available in both the App store and Google Play, is the first free mobile app in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for on-demand door-to-door recyclables collection services.
    The service is available in the entire city of Abu Dhabi and in certain areas of Dubai. You can ensure that pick-up is available from your home address by downloading the app and registering.

    The initiative aims to support local communities as they strive to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by providing the opportunity for individuals, businesses, and government entities to exchange recyclable and reusable material through an online platform. By donating your recycling to RECAPP, you will contribute to reducing the waste that ends in landfills.
    With the service, you can recycle all transparent plastic bottles (think water bottles), all opaque plastic bottles (think detergent and skincare bottles), and all-metal cans. While for now, they focus on plastic bottles and metal cans, they plan to gradually extend their service to cover other recyclables.
    Using the service is as simple as:

    Separate your recyclables from general waste
    Ensure your recyclables are empty and clean
    Download RECAPP and create your account
    Schedule a pick-up time.

    If contributing to sustainability isn’t enough to convince you to use RECAPP, they even offer a rewards program for recycling. You can collect more points the more you recycle and the points can be redeemed into gifts offered by their partners.
    So, will you be downloading it?
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: @emitaz Instagram  More

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    Hande Erçel, Alina Boz & more: The top Turkish actresses to follow on Instagram

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    When it comes to a global presence, Turkish actresses are making their mark.
    From brand ambassadors to appearing on the big screen, these talented individuals are constantly inspiring future generations.
    As the Turkish entertainment industry continues to grow, Emirates Woman takes a look at all the actresses to follow on Instagram.
    Hande Erçel

    One of Turkey’s biggest TV stars, Erçel has garnered a massive social media following on Instagram at just 28 years old. She has reached some incredible milestones in her career with popular television shows under her belt such as Sen Çal Kapimi (You Knock on My Door). Her career in the spotlight began with modelling and when she competed in the Miss Civilization of the World Contest and ended up being a runner-up in Azerbaijan. As a brand ambassador of brands such as Atasay Jewelry, L’Oreal and many more. As one of the most renowned names in the industry, she has hit 28.2 million followers.
    Tuba Büyüküstün

    The 39-year-old actress wears many hats with her array of talents. During her career, she has received a host of accolades for her role in various TV series. As a popular name in the industry, she has worked with Netflix on several upcoming series such as Another Self and Rise of Empires: Ottoman, that is all set to release this year. In 2014, Büyüküstün was also given the title of UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador to improve the rights of children in Turkey. The actress has garnered a massive fan base of around 5.6 million followers on Instagram.
    Fahriye Evcen

    The German-born Turkish actress and model, Evcen is known for her roles in the TV series, Yaprak Dökümü and Çalikusu. After beginning her career at a young age, she made her cinematic debut with the film Cennet in 2008. She has gained over 13.1 million followers over the years after achieving success in the industry.
    Hazal Kaya

    Having played multiple roles over the years, Kaya is best known for her role in the television series Adını Feriha Koydum and Filiz in Bizim Hikaye. She has appeared in multiple music videos and albums as the leading star. Over the years, her following has reached up to 7.1 million and is growing daily.
    Demet Özdemir

    As a multi-talented name in the industry, this Turkish actress balances many roles such as a comedian, model and dancer. Her career began with the series Sana Bir Sir Vereceg Vereceğim, moving upwards from there, as the series developed a loyal fan base. Besides acting she took on many roles, such as the brand ambassador for Pantene, making her reach a following of 15.1 million on Instagram.
    Serenay Sarikaya

    The Turkish actress and model made her acting debut with a minor role in the movie Şaşkın, later appearing in the television series Peri Masali, she was later awarded the first runner-up at Miss Turkey, adding to her diverse portfolio. As the face of numerous brands, she has won a host of accolades leading to 9.3 million followers on Instagram.
    Neslihan Atagül

    As one of the most popular actresses due to her role in the series Faith Harbiye, where she met the love of her life. Atagül has a remarkable presence both onscreen and offscreen. She has also been awarded the international Emmy Award and has made remarkable strides in the films Araf and Sensen Bana Kalan. Her total following on Instagram now amounts to 13.3 million.
    Alina Boz

    Her rise to fame came after her role in the Netflix series Aşk 101. She’s both an actress and model who has appeared as a cover star on several occasions. She transitioned from her career in dance theatre to working as a model in commercials and magazines and eventually became an actress. At present, she has around 4.6 million followers.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @handeercel More

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    In pics: Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum visits Museum of the Future for the first time

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has made a visit to the Museum of the Future (MOTF) for the very first time.
    The daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shared a series of photos on Instagram of her official visit to the iconic building which opened four months ago.
    Her Highness took a tour around different parts of the museum, including its outside observation deck.

    For the public outing, Sheikha Mahra wore a stunning light pink abaya with her long hair curled, also featuring a braid.
    MOTF officially opened its doors on 22/2/22 and was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed himself alongside his sons His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

    The spectacular opening of the building marked a new chapter for Dubai with MOTF set to give a “message of hope, a global scientific platform and an integrated institutional framework to shape a better future for all of us”, Sheikh Mohammed said.
    What is the Museum of the Future?
    MOTF is described on the museum’s website, it’s a “home for inspiration, open to all”.
    Back in September 2021, Emirates Woman became the first publication to shoot on the site of the Museum of the Future for The Icon Issue’s cover shoot.
    As part of this groundbreaking issue, we spoke to Majed Al Mansoori, Deputy Executive Director of the Museum of the Future about the primary focus of the new iconic Dubai landmark.

    “The Museum of the Future is a transformative environment that will engage all senses in a life-altering experience that will invite visitors to look at their world through a new lens and encourage them to embrace innovative ways of thinking,” he said.
    “It will showcase living, breathing examples of a better, hopeful future. It strives to be a place of tolerance and inclusiveness and promote a pro-human value system.”
    Now, Sheikha Mahra is just one of many who has visited this iconic Dubai building.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images:@marwa.alzarounii Instagram  More

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    7 Emirates flight attendants forging new career paths

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    Balancing two careers doesn’t come easy, but Emirates cabin crew members show us how it’s done.
    From launching their own fashion labels to jewellery brands, these talented individuals have made a mark for themselves beyond the world of aviation.
    To champion these talented cabin crew members, Emirates Woman has curated a list of flight attendants who prove that you can do both.
    Luciana Tanase

    Besides her full-time career as an Emirates cabin crew member, Luciana Tanase has also founded her own fashion label, I-LO. This Romanian-based fashion label offers an array of everyday wardrobe staples such as crop tops and partywear pieces. With a passion for travelling, she’s managed to garner a massive fan base and dedicate time to growing her fashion brand’s presence online.
    Yassmine El Kholy

    With a passion for yoga and other meditation practices such as sound healing, Yassmine Elkholy is a part-time yoga instructor and an Emirates cabin crew member. She has been part of several campaigns for brands such as Reebok and Alo Yoga, making a mark for herself in the world of fitness. With a focus on complicated poses, she has garnered a dedicated audience who are keen to learn about the practice.
    Maria Soldatova

    With over 11 years of flying experience, Maria Soldatova is a long-standing Emirates cabin crew member. With her dedicated love for travelling, Soldatova decided to launch her own jewellery brand, Zoldi Jewels, designed with all the wanderlust inspiration. The pieces consist of airplanes, seashells, a map and various countries she’s visited around the globe. The pieces are sustainably produced in a conscious environment for the workers. As an entrepreneur, she has learned the art of dedicating her efforts to both her profession and brand.
    Danai

    Danai has visited over 48 countries as an Emirates flight attendant. Originally from Greece, she has established herself as a travel content creator with her pictures from around the globe. From surfing to skydiving, she’s always on a mission to try out new activities while sharing her fashion inspiration. Her loyal fan base is always keen to see where she’s off to next and what her outfits are.
    Margot

    With long-haul flights and numerous hours spent on air, Margot started her own YouTube channel and is now a part-time vlogger. With all the new countries she has visited, she shares snippets of her life as a cabin crew member, her channel has reached over 51,000 subscribers.
    Hana Brvar

    This Slovenian cabin crew member has travelled to a host of countries around the world. After pursuing her law degree, she decided to become a full-time flight attendant and makes time for her hobby as a professional ski instructor. From Portugal to Sri Lanka, she has seen the world and constantly shares photos of her travel experiences.
    Olia Podvolotskaya

    Podvolotskaya wears many hats. Along with being an Emirates cabin crew, she has been a dancer for 18 years and is also a part-time English and German teacher and interpreter. In May 2022, she officially completed her training programme and is now a full-time flight attendant for Emirates.
    So, who says you can’t do two things at once?
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @luciana_tanase More

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    In pics: Dubai now has its very own ‘Billionaires Row’ on Palm Jumeirah

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    Looking beyond Dubai’s fine-dining havens and unending skyscrapers you’ll find some of the most luxurious properties in the world.
    Home to the uber-wealthy, year after year the emirate attracts expats from the globe over to experience its attention-grabbing mega-projects. Adding to its list of exclusive properties is the new ‘Billionaires Row’ in Palm Jumeirah’s Frond G.
    Spearheaded by leading high-end real estate developer, Alpago Group, this new project features a host of unique and luxurious displaying the UAE’s unrivalled elegance.
    To kickstart the project, the first villa branded as ‘Riva Del Lusso’, spanning over 10,000 square feet has already been built. With more than enough rooms and a garage to house eight cars, this five-bedroom property is complemented by a private beach for complete tranquillity.
    With a tasteful eye, Massimo Castagna used his expertise to design the Riva del Lusso villa for its architectural and interior design layout.
    It’s a project, which Murat Ayyildiz, Chairman Of Alpago Group says, is set to cater to the “world’s wealthiest”.
    “Being the playground of the world’s wealthiest individuals, ultra-luxurious residences are more important now than ever,” he said. “These incredible signature villas offer stylish residential properties with world-class amenities, specially designed to accommodate the flawless Dubai lifestyle.”
    This exclusive strip is already home to 13 signature villas, which all come with their private beach access, a swimming pool and basement parking. Set to feature six more villas, priced between Dhs120 million and Dhs300 million by the end of its completion, this location will undoubtedly become Dubai’s hottest new address.
    With ‘Billionaires Row’ already being positioned on a global map with two prestigious neighbourhoods on Manhattan’s 57th Street and on The Bishops Avenue in London, it’s now Dubai’s turn.
    Take a look inside this luxurious development below.

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