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Last month, the world’s largest painting, which was created in Dubai by artist Sacha Jafri, was officially unveiled to the world.Completed at the Atlantis The Palm, the painting – known as ‘The Journey of Humanity’ – scales over 17,000 square feet and was aiming to fetch $30 million at auction to raise money for charity.A little under four weeks after its official unveiling, the painting has officially sold for $62 million – over double what it aimed to fetch.The painting comprises of 70 individually framed pieces and the painting in its entirety wasn’t expected to be sold as one, but it was. The highest bidder who bought the world’s largest painting for $62 million was Andre Abdoune, the chief executive of Altius Gestion International Holding.Discussing the record-breaking purchase and painting, Abdoune explained that it was his “dream” to do something incredible for his children and his father.“I talked with Sacha and I discovered the investment and love he put into this painting was so amazing,” he said. “All my life I was aiming to help children.”Reflecting on his years as a child Abdoune went without food, which has led him to want to help others less fortunate.“Every dollar can mean something. If we do it together, we give hope to these children and their future,” he said. “The UAE shows us the way, we have to follow it. The impossible is possible. I want to say that this is just the first step for ‘Humanity Inspired’.”The funds raised at the auction will be directed by Dubai Cares to beneficiary partners including UNICEF, Unesco, the Global Gift Foundation and Dubai Cares, with the aim to help over 2.5 billion individuals worldwide.The record-breaking painting took seven months to complete with working over 20 hours a day to complete with around 1,065 paint brushes and 6,300 litres of paint to complete this masterpiece.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

As the travel industry was turned on its head last year due to the global pandemic, restrictions across the world have continued to change.While some countries previously opened their borders in summer 2020, it led them to then close them again at the end of last year. Despite this, many countries are still open for travel, but staying up-to-date on the fluctuating restrictions can prove to be difficult.However, there’s a website that’s aimed at revolutionising the travel industry, helping travellers stay informed on the latest updates they need to know.While Kayak is first and foremost a platform KAYAK that searches through hundreds of sites to compile information on flights, hotels, hire cars, holiday packages, it’s also become a go-to to showcase details on which countries have travel restrictions.Using a colour-coded system, the site outlines a summary regarding each country’s restrictions.Red signifies a country’s borders are completely closed only allowing citizens and residents returning home or people in special circumstances to enter.Partially open in pink depicts the entrance into the country depending on the travellers citizenship or any other specific regulations. Orange signifies borders reopening soon with certain entry requirements still being applicable.Finally, green showcases that the country has no formal restrictions or entry by air, with the situation still being monitored through either testing or quarantining upon arrival.Currently, the summary includes information on the 50 countries that have their borders completely closed, 122 countries that are partially open, five countries to be opening soon and 43 countries which have no travel restrictions.The colour-coded map is also interactive, as more information is available once users click on the country to reveal entry restrictions, requirements and quarantine details. This creates awareness for passengers who wish to travel.In addition, KAYAK also provides travel guides for each city, so you’re fully aware of where to visit for each place with a list of all the things to do with the prices.
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Feature image: Unsplash @rparmly More

As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continues to champion women in this region, a groundbreaking appointment has been made in Dubai.The very first female duty police officer has been appointed at the Naif Police station in the emirate.The Emirati police offer, Lieutenant Nouf Khaled Ahli, graduated from the Dubai Police Academy in the first fleet of the female candidates for the emirate’s police force.And now, Lieutenant Ahli holds the title of duty police officer – the first female to hold this title in Dubai.
#أخبار | أول ضابط مناوب عام لمركز شرطة من العنصر النسائي في دبي
التفاصيل:https://t.co/jgEeoZ9eBE#أمنكم_سعادتنا#الجميع_مسؤول#نتواصل_ونحمي_نبتكر_ونبني pic.twitter.com/gWZDjnPIt5
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 20, 2021Upon her appointment, the newly qualified cop shared her pride in being able to now work for the authorities in Dubai.“I feel very proud to be working at Dubai Police, which enjoys a global reputation, thanks to its world-class achievements,” she said. “Working at Dubai Police is like a dream for many people seeking excellence, creativity and innovation.“In addition to providing a unique work environment, Dubai Police supports its staff on all levels and empowers female cadres through launching initiatives and programmes that all aim to develop their capabilities and skills across various disciplines.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied More

A series of new visas in the UAE were announced on Sunday during a cabinet meeting which was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.Multiple-entry tourist visaOf particular note, a new multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities was approved by the cabinet.This new visa, according to Sheikh Mohammed, will “strengthen the UAE’s status as a global economic capital”.While full details of the new visa are still to be released, as well as when it will officially launch, it’s set to be a five-year visa which will enable tourists to enter the UAE multiple times. Based on a self-sponsorship model, holders of this visa will be able to remain in the UAE for 90 days and can also be extended for a further 90 days.Remote-working visaAs remote working has become the norm for many during the pandemic, His Highness announced a new remote-working visa.This will enable “employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE even if their companies are based in another country”.More details about both new visas are expected to be announced in due course.These new visa announcements come after Sheikh Mohammed revealed back in January that for the first time ever expats would be able to obtain Emirati citizenship. He outlined the decision was made to “attract talents” to the country to contribute in the continued development of the UAE.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Dubai Media Office More

While the pandemic has affected every aspect of life for people on a global scale and somewhat slowed life down, surprisingly the population has continued to grow in Dubai.According to a report by the Dubai Statistics Centre, the population of the emirate reached approximately 3.4 million by the end of 2020 which is an increase of 55,300 people in comparison to 2019. This equals a growth rate of 1.63 per cent overall year on year.The report also stated, “In respect of population of Emiratis, the growth rate is mainly subject to normal increases.”Overall, amongst the population of the emirate, the male percentage is significantly higher than the female percentage with around 225 males per 100 females due to the high number of male expatriates working in the UAE without their families.The report also highlighted a tangible increase of active individuals during rush hours within the emirate due to its dynamic environment, making it a tourist hotspot while attracting different cultures from around the world.With Expo 2020 set to launch later this year after being postponed for a year due to the pandemic, the six-month-long event is sure to expect millions of visitors to arrive.From the record-breaking painting curated at Atlantis The Palm by artist Sacha Jafri, to a new world record-breaking fountain opening in Dubai, to a number of new visas launching and other technological advancements taking place in the emirate, such milestones will boost the economy’s overall development making this bustling city a world-class tourist destination and a multicultural hub to facilitate ideas and growth.For more information visit dsc.gov.ae– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @binfalah More

To mark Mother’s Day 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, shared a personal message to his mother, Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, on social media.Sharing a photo with his mother to Twitter, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi penned a letter to Sheikha Fatima praising her for all that she does.“To my beloved mother, Fatima bint Mubarak, and to every mother around the world,” he said. “You are the universal symbol of hope, love and compassion. We celebrate you today, and every day.”
أمي الغالية فاطمة بنت مبارك وجميع الأمهات .. أنتن الخير والبركة..نبع الرحمة والعطاء ورمز الصبر و الإرادة..تحملن أسمى معاني الحياة وأطيبها..تهانينا لكل أم في الإمارات والعالم..في يوم الأم وفي كل يوم.. أدام الله عليكن الصحة والسعادة pic.twitter.com/u4XtgROHHp
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) March 21, 2021Sheikha Fatima, who is the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, is also known as the ‘Mother of the UAE’.Her Highness also marked Mother’s Day herself, paying tribute to all mother around the globe stating they are a symbol of generosity and nobilioty.“You are an incubator, educator and guide,” she also said.Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s Mother’s Day messageLike Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, also shared a heartfelt message on Mother’s Day.Honouring mothers across the nation, His Highness posted to his official Twitter page which has over 10 million followers stating that mothers are “the source of life”.“To all mothers, you are the source of life, you are life,” he said. “Our words fall short of describing the amount of love and mercy that you put in this universe. God bless you.”Alongside this, Sheikh Mohammed also posted a video that paid tribute to his mother, Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan, who died in 1983.
إلى كل الأمهات .. من مثلكن .. من يشبهكن.. أنتن مصدر الحياة .. أنتن الحياة .. تتقاصر كلماتنا عن وصف حجم المحبة والرحمة الذي وضعتموه في هذا الكون .. حفظكن الله ..#يوم_الأم pic.twitter.com/073t0tMw6n
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 20, 2021“Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, I was the closest to her,” he said. “I have never experienced love like hers. I remember her words.“People used to come to her. She had a lovely, strong personality. She was loved by all who knew her. There is no one like her.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages/Media: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter More

As we celebrate all those who are mothers today, Queen Rania has shared a series of sweet throwback photos with her four children to mark the day.Her Majesty shared four individual photographs from when her children – Crown Prince Hussien, 26, Princess Iman, 24, Princess Salma, 20, and 16-year-old Prince Hashem – from when they were babies.“I see my whole world in your eyes,” she captioned the post. “Happy Mother’s Day.”Queen Rania is no stranger to sharing personal posts with her 6.3 million followers on Instagram.Back in January to mark her husband King Abdullah II and Prince Hashem’s joint birthday, Queen Rania shared a series of photos of the father and son together saying, “It seems impossible to love you two more, but every day proves me wrong… twice! Happy birthday Your Majesty and my Prince Hashem.”Queen Rania also did a second dedicated post to her husband of 27 years.“I hope that each year brings you the same peace you radiate to the world,” she said. “Happy birthday, Your Majesty.”The couple married in 1993 and approximately five years later the then Crown Prince Abdullah became King of Jordan after his father, King Hussein I, passed away.King Abdullah has now been the constitutional monarch of the country for nearly 22 years.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Queen Rania Instagram More

It has been announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention that the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all of those who are over the age of 16.Following a period of six weeks where certain age groups and those who were most at risk of infection were prioritised, the Ministry is now urging all of those who are eligible to receive the vaccine to book in as soon as possible.UAE citizens and residents who are aged 16 and above are able to receive the vaccination for free at any of the 205 vaccination centres available across the nation.It was highlighted by the Ministry that a booking is required for all those eligible to receive their vaccine as those who are most vulnerable will continue to be prioritised without a booking.It was outlined by the UAE earlier this year that the government aimed to have 50 per cent of the population vaccinated by March, a goal which has now been surpassed.It was confirmed by Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, that as of Saturday 56.59 per cent of the eligible population had been vaccinated against COVID-19, while 72.89 per cent of elderly citizens and residents and those with chronic diseases had been inoculated against the disease.At present, there are four COVID-19 vaccines available in the UAE.The first vaccine to be approved in the UAE was the Sinophram vaccine, followed by the Pfizer vaccine being permitted in Dubai towards the end of last year.In January, Russia’s Sputnik V was approved for emergency use. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was approved for use in Dubai last month.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Sarah Shakeel Instagram More