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    Saudi Arabia purchases 72 Boeing jetliners for new national airline Riyadh Air

    Lifestyle

    by Ruman Baig
    58 mins ago

    Riyadh Air, launched by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has struck a multi-billion dollar deal with The Boeing Company, placing an order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and options for further 33 additional airplanes.
    This agreement will be part of the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. In the United States alone, the deal is expected to support nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and more than 300 suppliers from across 38 states, including 145 U.S. small businesses. As for Saudi Arabia, the new airline is expected to add USD20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
    This power move is a part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. This initiative will also support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visits by 2030.

    Keeping Riyadh’s environmental goals in mind, the new airline aims to operate as one of the most sustainable airline fleets in the world, while intending to meet the most stringent noise regulations.
    “This is a momentous day for PIF and Riyadh Air. We look forward to fostering strong strategic relationships within the wider aviation ecosystem as we continue to shape the new airline to become one of the leading carriers around the world,” exclaimed His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan Governor of the PIF and Chairman of Riyadh Air.
    Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes also shared his thoughts on this new venture. “This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air’s commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, while supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across our supply chain. We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.”
    With cutting edge of technology that enables digital innovation, Riyadh Air will offer a unique guest experience, accentuated with authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Ramadan 2023: UAE declares reduced working hours for the private sector

    Lifestyle

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    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.
    After last week’s announcement about the pulic sector,  the authorities issued a circular on 13th March, where the ministry stated, “In accordance with the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during the days of Ramadan.”

    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

    The announcement is in accordance with the Clause 2 of Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, regarding the executive regulations of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labor Relations and its amendments. As per the UAE labour law, Private sector workers are required to work 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced by two. This does not include the time of commute time from place of residence to the workplace, unless the workers fall under specified categories mentioned in the  Executive Regulations of the Labour Law.
    For ministries and federal entities, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has released an exclusive circular mentioning the official working hours. Monday through Thursday it’s 9am to 2:30pm. On Fridays, working hours will be restricted to 3 hours from 9am to 12 noon.
    Ramadan 2023 is expected to commence from Thursday, March 23, 2023, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board of directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society. While  the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon, this has been the tentative announcement so far.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    In pics: Take a sneak peek inside the ultra-luxe Atlantis The Royal in Dubai

    News

    by Sarah Joseph
    54 mins ago

    Dubai is all about luxurious cityscapes and with that the highly anticipated Atlantis The Royal is gearing up for its public opening and VIP event this 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.

    The standard rooms start at a price of Dhs4,066 per night and a sky pool villa with a private infinity pool is priced at Dhs19,000 per night. Designed with vertical gardens, an expensive sky bridge and other dramatic features to promise the ultimate mega-resort experience.
    The extravagant property will unveil a host of must-visit restaurants and facilities including Estiatorio Milos, Jaleo, La Mar, Ling Ling, Nobu by the Beach and Cloud 22.
    Those keen to book can opt for the Three Bedroom Sky Terrace Suite complemented by 24-hour butler service, access to the Daily Royal Club, daily breakfast at all-day dining restaurants across Atlantis Dubai, complimentary entry to Atlantis Explorers Club, daily entry to Aquaventure Waterpark, Skyblaze Fountain, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, AWAKEN Fitness which includes thermal facilities and an outdoor lap pool at a starting price of Dhs17,417.
    With dates officially moved to February 10 onwards, the bookings have now been moved back a month from its initial launch of March 2023.
    The resort is set to host a grand invite-only weekend event open to special VIP guests this month from January 20 to January 22, 2023, with leading celebrities such as Beyoncé performing at an exclusive concert.
    Swipe to see a first-hand look inside the property:

    So, if you’re planning ahead for Valentine’s Day you know exactly where to book next month.
    For a chance to be one of the first to stay at Atlantis the Royal, book your stay for 2023 on atlantis.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @atlantistheroyal More

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    7 inspiring Kuwaiti women who are having a big impact on the world

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    9 hours ago

    We shine a light on Kuwaiti women making a big impact.
    Also read: 9 inspiring Saudi women who have made an impact on the world
    Her Highness Sheikha Intisar AlSabah

    A member of the royal family, Her Highness Sheikha Intisar Salem Al Ali AlSabah is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, author, film producer, columnist and more. She’s an inspiration to many while empowering Arab women who’s at the forefront of her decision-making. She’s also the founder of Alnowair which is a positivity initiative and a non-profit initiative considered to be her biggest contribution to date to her beloved country.
    Montaha Al-Ajeel

    The Kuwaiti fashion designer made her first break-through in Paris Fashion week leading her to international acclaim. Within a few years of creating high quality haute couture dresses, she’s won a number of prestigious awards in the Arab world and has become a role model in her own unique way.
    HRH Sheikha Bashayer Al Sabah-Arab

    Her Highness is a successful businesswoman and the honorary president of the Arab Fashion Council in Kuwait while also being passionate about charities of all kinds. Known for her entrepreneurial flair, she’s become a social media success and a lifestyle icon for many.
    Noor Al Qatami

    Having lived in the USA for a number of years, Noor Al-Qatami is the founder of Saveco which opened its first grand store in 2014, becoming a hit in the Kuwaiti market. With a high-quality mega-market that mimics grocery shopping experiences that she had in the USA, the concept was born. Over the years the concept has expanded across Kuwait.
    Rana Al-Nibari

    Rana Al-Nibari is the General Manager of The Scientific Center in Kuwait, an institution that aims to promote science and environmental education and foster increased understanding towards a more sustainable future for Kuwait. Rana has long worked towards empowering youth in Kuwait for a better tomorrow, previously serving as CEO of Injaz-Kuwait, a non-profit organization for education and training in workforce readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
    Sheikha Majda Al Sabah

    Born in Kuwait, Sheikha Majda Al Sabah was raised with the mindset to chase her dreams, work hard and achieve them. While establishing herself as a beauty entrepreneur and philanthropist in 2007, she also set up the ASAP initiative, which is a private campaign committed to increasing mental health awareness and to destigmatise mental health in the region.
    Noor Bin Eidan

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

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    9 questions you should ask yourself to check your own mental health

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    This World Mental Health Day we are encouraging people to check in on themselves as well as others.
    In the fast-paced world of technology and a hectic year of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, the conversation surrounding mental health has never been more prevalent than ever.
    While, of course, we want to ensure others are okay, you also need to check in on yourself from time to time to ensure your own mental health is okay.
    With that, here’s nine questions to ask to “check-in” on yourself and your mental health.

    How am I feeling today?
    What is my mood like every morning? Am I energetic, lazy, motivated or uninspired?
    How am I performing with my daily life activities?
    How is my appetite? Has it increased or decreased?
    How are my sleeping habits? Am I feeling rested? Do I wake up tired?
    What are my areas of interest?
    What are the things that keep me happy?
    How do I perceive life?
    What are the thoughts floating around in my mind?

    By asking these simple questions, it could help identify some mental health issues you may be going through and pinpoint whether you should seek further help or not.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Pexels More

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    Dubai seeking to add 20km to metro lines, adding 11 stations

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    4 hours ago

    A little over a decade after first opening, the emirate of Dubai appears to be seeking to significantly extend its metro network.
    According to The National, a project notice has been issued by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to contractors about widening the metro – which first launched in 2009 – network area in the emirate.
    Entitled ‘Project in Dubai for Dubai Metro Green Line Extension’, the proposed extension of the city’s green line would add more than 20km more track to the metro and would include 11 new stations, terminating the line at Academic City.
    Meanwhile, the metro’s red line also seems to have plans for an extension by 3.5km for the line to finish at Mirdif City Centre.
    With the updates of new visas and Dubai positioning itself as a global business hub, it’s a move that would greatly help residents and tourists alike.
    The current population of Dubai is estimated to be around 3.5 million, but is expected to nearly double in less than 20 years’ time.
    The city estimated earlier this week the population of Dubai will reach 5.8 million by 2040.
    Given the rising popularity of Dubai for business and tourism, a metro extension would be more than welcome by citizens, residents and visitors.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Getty More

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    Saudi Arabia to host Asian Winter Games in 2029

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 hour ago

    Saudi Arabia is set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.
    The Kingdom won the bid to host AWG at Neom’s manmade mountain resort Trojena – a project which is yet to be built.
    Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports for Saudi Arabia, announced the news via his official Twitter page.
    “With the unlimited support by the Saudi leadership and the Crown Prince to the sports sector, we are proud to announce we have won the bid to host AWG Trojena 2029 as the first country in western Asia, which will continue to place the kingdom as one of the leading countries in sport,” he said.

    With the unlimited support by the Saudi leadership & HRH Crown Prince to the sport sector we are proud to announce we have won the bid to host AWG TROJENA2029 as the first country in west Asia,  which will continue to place the kingdom as one of the leading countries in sport pic.twitter.com/GtV6OhxRhW
    — عبدالعزيز بن تركي الفيصل (@AbdulazizTF) October 4, 2022

    Saudi Arabia’s winning bid for the games comes after the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) submitted a letter of interest in August to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) about hosting the games.
    What is Trojena?
    While the games are set to take place at Trojena, the project is still yet to be completed.
    Located in the area of Neom, an area of major development in the Kingdom, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, announced the plans for the project back in March.
    The new tourist hub in Neom is set to open in 2026 and will entice keen skiers as well as adventure holidaymakers.
    Trojena will be a year-round destination for tourists which will include ski slopes, ski village, luxury resorts, restaurants, mountain activities, a man-made freshwater lake, hiking trails, watersports and much more.

    This is #TROJENA, the peak of innovation, technology, wellness and sustainable living. https://t.co/A7q4uyPyFQ pic.twitter.com/6deMqm07Tp
    — TROJENA (@NEOMTROJENA) September 9, 2022

    According to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who is also the Chairman of Neom, Trojena will “redefine mountain tourism” around the world.
    “Trojena will redefine mountain tourism for the world by creating a place based on the principles of ecotourism, highlighting our efforts to preserve nature and enhance the community’s quality of life, which is aligned with the goals of the kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he said of the new project.
    The entire project of Neom was first announced in 2017 and the first section is set to open in 2025. Located north of Tabuk, Neom covers a total area of 26,500 km2 and is set to be fully sustainable using solar power, will feature a new high-tech city and much more.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/NEOM More

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    UAE fuel prices drop in August after reaching highest rates in 2022 in July

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    31 mins ago

    The UAE has announced a drop in fuel prices for August 2022.
    This comes after prices reached an all-time high in July, crossing the Dhs4 per litre mark since the fuel price deregulation in August 2015.
    However, Emarat announced the petrol rates for August which has seen a drop of up to 62 fils per litre, with 95 special and 91 E-Plus falling back below Dhs4 per litre.
    ALSO READ: This is exactly how much petrol prices have increased since January
    Throughout August 98 Super is now Dhs4.03 per litre; 95 Special is now Dhs3.92 per litre; Diesel is now Dhs4.14 per litre; and 91 E-Plus is Dhs3.84 per litre.

    ⛽ Monthly Fuel Price Announcement:August 2022 fuel prices released by the #UAE Fuel Price Follow-up Committee pic.twitter.com/HhACWarUyz
    — Emarat (امارات) (@EmaratOfficial) July 31, 2022

    The price drop will undoubtedly be welcomed by many across the country following prices increasing for two months consecutively in June and July 2022.
    It was found petrol costs had increased by a whopping 74 per cent up until July 2022, since the beginning of the year.
    The knock-on effect
    The rising petrol prices are also having a knock-on effect on big businesses too.
    In June, ride-hailing company, Uber Technologies Inc. announced price increases, announcing customers would now be charged as much as 11 per cent more for certain trips.
    With global petrol and diesel prices continuing to reach soaring highs, many parts of the UAE including Sharjah have seen a hike in taxi fares.
    To keep the low-income citizens in mind, the new allowance will provide a monthly subsidy of 85 per cent of the fuel price increase over Dhs2.1 per litre, as reported by WAM.
    Per the latest fuel subsidy scheme, the head of these families will receive a subsidy of 300 litres, while working wives will receive a subsidy of 200 litres. The announcement came as part of the UAE president’s directive to restructure its social welfare programme for low-income Emiratis, doubling its size to Dhs28 billion.
    Despite the increase in prices, the UAE continues to be the third-biggest OPEC producer followed by Kuwait.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Emirates Woman  More