News

The United Kingdom has announced a ban on direct passenger flights from the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE was added to the country’s travel ban list on Thursday alongside Burundi and Rwanda due to rising COVID-19 cases.
UK adds UAE to travel ban list

As of today, January 29, all non-British or Irish passengers, excluding third-country nationals who have residence rights in the UK, will not be permitted entry to the UK if they have transited through the three above countries.
Meanwhile, those who are Irish and British citizens and third-country nationals with residence rights in the UK can enter the country but are required to self-isolate for 10 days at home.

“The decision to ban travel from these destinations follows the discovery of a new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa, that may have spread to other countries, including the UAE, Burundi and Rwanda,” the UK government’s statement said.
Etihad and Emirates suspend flights
Dubai-based airline Emirates announced that all its UK flight routes to Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Manchester would be suspended from Friday.

UK flights update: Emirates passenger services between Dubai and all our UK points – Birmingham, Glasgow, London & Manchester have been suspended until further notice. For more info, please visit:https://t.co/Nt3dJcLgRD
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) January 29, 2021

Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad has also suspended all flights to the UK.

All Etihad Airways flights to the UK are suspended until further notice in line with guidance from the UK government. For the latest updates on flights to the UK, visit https://t.co/Ioxc4flmEd pic.twitter.com/OP0p8wTdvo
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) January 29, 2021

How long will the travel ban last?
No date has been given as to how long this travel ban will last and Emirates and Etihad have suspended their UK flights “until further notice”.
Dubai updates travel regulations
It was announced on Wednesday evening by the Dubai Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management via the Dubai Media Office that new travel regulations would come into effect on Sunday, January 31.
Firstly, all UAE citizens must do a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Dubai no matter which country they have travelled from.
Meanwhile, all UAE residents, GCC citizens and visitors will now be required to undergo a pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test regardless of where they are travelling from and the validity time of tests is now 72 hours, reduced from 96 hours.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
Sustainable practices and vegan product lines have enabled Kibsons to grow from strength to strength under the guidance of Halima Jumani, Director of Finance and Operations.
How does your morning routine set you up for success?
I love my sleep so much and can be a slow starter, but when I’m finally up, I’m ready for action.

Being passionate and dedicated to your mission is the key to staying positive and focused. Of course, it’s also about great time management skills to prioritize and achieve as many things as possible on the “to do” list. Ultimately, it’s about doing the right thing without compromising on ethics while trying to achieve your long-term goals, I believe integrity is a huge underlying element of success.

How has your role evolved at Kibsons over the last ten years?

In one word; organically. With my background at KPMG, I started my career in Kibsons as Head of Finance. After my MBA and a Six Sigma Certification at GE, I started managing and building the operations which worked well because leaner operational processes made the finance and numbers side look stronger. The next step was tech, working with a team of IT engineers to develop our new ERP systems purely with the intention of enhancing our operational processes along with developing our financial systems. Eventually, data-driven statistics led me to a corporate turnaround strategy and I soon became the founder and director of the Kibsons e-commerce division, which we all know as Kibsons home delivery.
What are the core values of Kibsons?
The core values are ethical, sustainable and responsible. After being born and raised in the heart of the fresh produce industry, Kibsons is truly passionate about ‘healthy eating’ while making it convenient and affordable for everyone.
Do you see any trends in ordering in terms of produce?
People are moving towards healthier, more organic and perhaps even more vegan choices than ever before. There is a growing trend of people being more cautious about the ingredients they bring home. For example, people want to understand and if possible, avoid the bad e-numbers when they select food items as part of the regular grocery shopping chores. There is a gradual yet steadily increasing demand for products with less sugar, low calories, low-fat content, low carbs, gluten-free, and even no additives and preservatives. At Kibsons, we are so pleased to be a part of these healthy lifestyle choices.
How do you approach scaling a business and client retention?
One step at a time – by truly understanding customer needs and expectation which is the first step. Then building the right infrastructure which is at the core of the business is so critical to protect those promises which we make to our customers. Once we have the right structure at the core, surrounded by the required skills and expertise that set us apart, that gives us the core competitive advantage. With the undying passion of a beautiful team, that not only dreams but also works hard to see those dreams come alive, we’ve got the fighting chance to aim and achieve the desired customer retention and ultimately customer loyalty.
Customer experience is paramount – how do you ensure this is consistently delivered to such a high standard?
We never take any business including customer orders for granted. Every online order is just as important to us as it was when we started the e-commerce segment four years ago. Every step in the process at Kibsons, whether its procurement, supply chain, operations or IT – is thoughtfully crafted and designed keeping the customer expectation and satisfaction in mind. Consumer empathy is key in how we set things up internally and how we practise honesty and transparency in all our forms of communication. It’s about developing a relationship with the customers so we can truly deliver peace of mind to all.

Which sources of positivity would you recommend?
It is important to recognize and appreciate the true hero’s in real life regardless of whether you find them in your own office, in your circle of family and friends or so many amazing SME’s in the city you live in. Personally, when I’m feeling low, I like to read Humans of Bombay, it’s a platform that shares some incredible stories of real-life survivors that make my problems look smaller and my blessings look bigger. That positive mind shift uplifts me and helps me move on with my mission to add positive value – however I can.
This is ‘The Positivity Issue’ – how do you stay positive?
A good night’s sleep solves the majority of my problems. My world is definitely more positive in the morning than at night. On the other hand, gratitude is one of the most powerful thoughts that keeps me positive. I am grateful that I have a family, and that they are beautiful, compassionate, healthy, happy and safe. It’s also not about blood family only, it’s the bigger family in spirit that has grown over the years, all around me, all over the planet – it’s all about perspective and how you choose to see things, isn’t it?
January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Amidst spiking coronavirus cases, Dubai has issued an announced regarding travel regulations for incoming passengers.
It was announced on Wednesday evening by the Dubai Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management via the Dubai Media Office that the new updates would come into effect on Sunday, January 31.

Firstly, all UAE citizens must do a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Dubai no matter which country they have travelled from.
Meanwhile, all UAE residents, GCC citizens and visitors will now be required to undergo a pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test regardless of where they are travelling from and the validity time of tests is now 72 hours, reduced from 96 hours.

It was also stated, “Arrivals from some countries (based on the COVID-19 situation there) may be required to undergo an additional test when landing in Dubai.”
For those who are departing Dubai, a rapid PCR or rapid antigen test will be available at the airport for passengers leaving the emirate.
On Wednesday the UAE reported 3,939 new COVID-19 cases, but recovery numbers well acceded that with a total 4,536 recoveries. To date, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the UAE is 289,086.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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If you’re an Abu Dhabi resident and you’re wanting to get away for a bit but aren’t keen on quarantining upon your return to the UAE, we have some good news for you.

Abu Dhabi residents can now enjoy quarantine-free travel to the Maldives.
The popular getaway spot has just been added to the UAE capital’s ‘green travel list’. The new guidelines for “green” countries were implemented in the UAE capital just before Christmas, stipulating that visitors from those identified countries will be allowed into Abu Dhabi with no quarantine time provided they have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.
READ: How Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad is ensuring safe travel for all in 2021
The complete ‘green list’
At present, there are 17 countries on the ‘green list’: Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, China, Falkland Islands, Greenland, Hong Kong (SAR), Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, St. Kitts and Nevis and Thailand.
In the current guidelines, it’s outlined that all tourists and travellers are required to take a PCR test “on day six of entry into Abu Dhabi for those staying for six consecutive days or more, and on day 12 for those staying for 12 consecutive days or more”.
For countries not on the green list, a period of self-isolation for 10 days is currently in place.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Kuramathi Resort Maldives More

We’re all aware of the royal effect when it comes to fashion. Whether it’s Queen Rania, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge or Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, anything they wear instantly sells out.
The same goes for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

During a public appearance on Sunday, the Crown Prince wore a gilet by UK-based brand Franck Namani.
According to Twitter, many flocked to the site to try and get their hands on the piece Mohammed bin Salman was wearing, but due to the super-exclusive nature of the site, many weren’t able to avail it.

However, per one Twitter user, the jacket, which costs Dhs24,000, has not sold out and the site has reportedly had to undergo maintenance due to high-demand.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s jacket, whose price is 24,000 Saudi riyals, has run out, and the site has been subject to maintenance due to pressure.حسابي مهتم بتعلم اللغه الانجليزية يسعدني متابعتك
— تعليم الانجليزية بأسهل العبارات (@English_Mshari) January 25, 2021

The Crown Prince had a similar effect two years ago when he was pictured wearing a piece by another British brand.
Attending the Formula E races in 2019, Mohammed bin Salman wore a Barbour jacket, which is very popular in the UK.
Almost instantly the Saudi royal was trending on social media with masses of people wanting to know details of the Crown Prince’s fashion choices.
As we said, the royal effect truly is a thing.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Twitter More

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s armed forces, has always been a beam of light as one of the key leaders of the UAE.
Consistently optimistic about the challenges faced in the nation, he also has a reputation for giving strangers a helping hand and is known for also giving back to the community.

With that, EW has curated a list of some of the most heartwarming moments with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
When he surprised an Afghani carpet merchant with a visit

An Abu Dhabi-based Afghani carpet merchant went viral in October 2017 after a video surfaced of him refusing Dhs100,000 to sell a portrait he had of Sheikh Zayed in his shop. Four months later in February 2018, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visited the merchant. In the heartwarming moment, His Highness gave the merchant a Year of Zayed badge and later shared the admiration he had for the Afghani man.

He carefully heard Martyrs’ children recite poems

While congratulating these little ones for their excellent performance at school, Sheikh Mohamed respectfully listened to Dana, the daughter of Waleed Al Thanhani, a fallen serviceman, who beautifully expressed her emotions in the poem to which he applauded for as shown in the video.
Honouring women on Emirati Women’s Day

With regard to the multiple roles a woman takes on in society, from educators, scientists, police, doctors, mothers and many more, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed shared a video on Instagram last year to mark Emirati Women’s Day. He celebrated the Emirati women who have shaped the future for the nation.
When he paid a visit to his former teacher and mentor

His mentor and former teacher Ahmed Ibrahim Mandi Al Tamimi, contributed to the country’s education system since the inception of the union. Back in 2017, in appreciation of his dedication and all his hard work, especially for leaving his mark on a number of generations, Sheikh Mohamed paid a visit to his home in Khalifa City as reported by the state news agency WAM.
Proud father moment with his son Sheikh Zayed

Sheikh Mohamed, along with Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the Crown Prince of Ajman attended the graduation of their sons last year – Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed, and Sheikh Humaid Bin Ammar Al Nuaimi – from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
Clearly proud of his son, in a video posted to the Emirates Royal Family Instagram account, Sheikh Mohamed is seen hurrying towards Sheikh Zayed to give him a congratulatory hug from an elated father.
Also read: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s proud father moment with his son Sheikh Zayed
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: WAM/Instagram More

As the nationwide UAE COVID-19 vaccine programme is well underway, some restaurants are now offering discounts to those who have had their jabs.
It was announced by Reform Social & Grill Dubai that they’d be offering deductions off bills for those who have had the COVID-19 vaccine encouraging people to “spread love, not ‘Rona”.

Turns out this campaign is being run across three other restaurants which are owned by the same group as Reform.
Gates Hospitality founder Naim Maadad confirmed to Emirates Woman the offer was available at Publique, Reform Social & Grill, Bistro des Arts and Ultra Brasserie.

Patrons who have had the COVID-19 vaccine will receive deductions off bills – 10 per cent off for the first dose and 20 per cent off for the second dose.
Maadad told EW it was the group’s “firm determination” to throw their support behind the Dubai Health Authority in their quest to best fight the pandemic.
“The goal is to encourage people to go in for the vaccination and incentivise those who volunteer for doing their bit in the fight to stop the spread of the dreaded virus,” he said. “It is certainly a move in the right direction as it is the only solution currently available to break the chain of rapid spread.
READ: Those with a COVID-19 vaccine don’t need to quarantine at this luxe destination
“All want to go back to their normal lives and enjoy the freedom to conduct business in a responsible manner. When maximum residents get their two doses then the herd immunity boost would bring a rapid end to the uncontrolled pandemic.”
As for what the reaction has been to the offer, Maadad says the venues have been “inundated with calls” and there’s been widespread interest in the campaign.
“Since the launch of the offer, we have been inundated with calls enquiring details on what they need to qualify for the offer,” he said.
“We have had local and global media houses querying both via calls and on social media – if this was true and the offer is real – there seems to be a lot of genuine traction felt and interest generated from multiple quarters.”
Ride-sharing app Uber also recently announced it would be offering discounts on rides to those who are seeking to be vaccinated.
Those intending to be vaccinated and use Uber to get to public vaccination centres across the UAE, they will receive 25 per cent off two rides up to Dhs20 each. This offer begins on January 25, 2020.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Four Seasons Seychelles More

As the UAE COVID-19 vaccination drive is well underway, big companies are throwing their support behind the initiative.
In line with this, ride-sharing giant Uber has just announced it will be offering discounts on rides to those who are seeking to be vaccinated.

Those intending to be vaccinated and use Uber to get to public vaccination centres across the UAE, they will receive 25 per cent off two rides up to Dhs20 each. This offer begins on January 25, 2020.
The move, according to Uber’s General Manager for the UAE, Rifad Mahasneh, is to do their part to support the government’s efforts to have 50 per cent of the population vaccinated by March.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve been looking at how we can support our communities, prioritise their health and safety, and ultimately keep cities moving at a time when mobility has been severely impacted,” he said. “The vaccination drive is part of the effort to leverage our technology to positively impact communities and support the government’s successful efforts in protecting the population against the virus.”
Residents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah can now book trips to and from 43 centres in the Uber app. Here’s how you can do it.
Tap the menu in the top left of the Uber app and select ‘Wallet’.
Select ‘Add Promo Code’ at the bottom.
Add the promo code SI2021UAE and get 25% off 2 Uber rides to/from vaccination centres up to 20AED each, valid until February 8th, 2021.
Navigate to the rides home screen and enter the pick-up/drop-off location for yourself or the person you are booking for. Remember, the trip must start or end at the vaccination centres listed below.
Confirm your trip.

Sinophram vaccine
There are currently two vaccines available in the UAE, the first being the Sinopharm vaccine.
The vaccine underwent clinical trials in Abu Dhabi during summer last year and it was confirmed by health authorities saying that the “analysis [from the trial of 31,000 people] shows no serious safety concerns”.
High-up government officials including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaab, the Minister of Culture and Youth and more have received the Sinopharm vaccine.
Pfizer vaccine
Then, at the end of December, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
The vaccine has already started to be rolled out, with some government ministers already receiving their first doses. As of today, this now includes Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Her Excellency Mona Al Marri.
However, doses for the Pfizer vaccine are currently on hold due to the shortage of the vaccine globally.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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