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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has shared his optimism following a groundbreaking meeting with fellow GCC leaders.
The Ruler of Dubai flew to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and was greeted by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

As well as Sheikh Mohammed, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister Fahad Al Said were all in attendance.

The leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sign the Final Communique and Al-Ula Declaration.#GulfSummitInAlUla #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/GvGtF91BCo
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) January 5, 2021

However, it was the attendance of the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that signified an optimistic future for the future of the GCC. It was the first time the Qatari ruler attended a summit since 2017.
Prior to the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit, Saudi Arabia opened its airways to Qatar and signifies what could come for the UAE and other GCC nations.
All of the leaders and heads of delegations of the GCC signed the Final Communique and Al-Ula Declaration, which is a “renewal of faith in the progress of countries of the GCC”, Sheikh Mohammed said.

محمد بن راشد: نجدد شكرنا للملكة العربية السعودية رعايتها هذه القمة الناجحة … ونجدد ثقتنا في مسيرة دول مجلس التعاون .. ونجدد تفاؤلنا بأن السنوات القادمة تحمل استقراراً وأمناً وأماناً وعملاً وإنجازاً سيخدم شعوبنا .. ويسهم في استقرار محيطنا. pic.twitter.com/HYfxNHk4Bw
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

Sheikh Mohammed added that there is a renewed “optimism that the coming years will bring stability and security and achievements that serve our people… and contributes to the stability of those around us”.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also reiterated a similar sentiment on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
“This affirms the importance of the solidarity and stability in the Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries and strengthens the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among our countries and peoples in order to serve their aspirations,” he said, as per the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s firm and continuous policy, future plans, and ambitious development vision (the Kingdom Vision 2030) prioritises a unified and solid Gulf Cooperation Council.”
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Feature image: Dubai Media Office More

From scaling major world summits to reaching for the stars quite literally, Saudi Arabia continues to champion female entrepreneurs and contributors who have made their mark already while inspiring future generations.
READ: 10 Saudi female content creators you need to be following
As these women continue to make strides in the Kingdom while making headlines globally, Emirates Woman has curated a list of inspirational women who’ve been breaking stereotypes for decades.
HRH Princess Lamia

Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia Bint Majid Al Saud has made it her life’s mission to help others, particularly advocating for women. Through her incredible philanthropic work, Her Royal Highness is changing the world, one incredible story at a time.

“If you are fortunate enough to have access to resources or a raised platform, it is your responsibility to support and empower those who are not as fortunate,” Princess Lamia told EW in an interview for ‘The Power Issue’.
Harnessing this desire to help others, Her Royal Highness began working with Alwaleed Philanthropies – an organisation founded by His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 40 years ago. Passionate about advocating for women’s empowerment both in Saudi Arabia and globally, in her role with Alwaleed Philanthropies, Princess Lamia has been able to lead and work on a whole host of impactful and fulfilling projects to help women and youth.
HRH Princess Reema

Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al-Saud is an iconic female figure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consistently advocating for women in the region and works tirelessly to expand opportunities for Saudi women.
Princess Reema has been a member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee since 2017 and of the IOC Women in Sports Commission since 2018. She then became president of the Mass Participation Federation in October 2018.
However, it was last year that she made history becoming the first female to be Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States. And just a few months ago, another history-making moment happened for Princess Reema – she became the first Saudi female ambassador to be officially elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Aseel Al-Hamad

From being the founder of IDegree Design, an integrated interior design agency to becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, Aseel has become a voice of female motorists in Saudi Arabia. With not much exposure to driving due to the legal restriction for women driving, Al-Hamad took full advantage of the opportunities that came her way and proved to be a success.
Noha Al-Yousef

After beginning her professional career while being in her second year of university, Noha Al-Yousef was appointed as the youngest Saudi CEO of a group of companies in the Kingdom during her final year of studies. She went on to found the Ithraa Consulting group in 2009,located in Jeddah, which is primarily used to provide consultancy services and studies in the field of developing Saudi female employment and projects.
Emon Shakoor

This tech entrepreneur launched Blossom, which is the first accelerator that aims to empower women and enable startups in the Kingdom. Emon Shakoor was also previously a neuroscience researcher at the University of California and has also overseen hundreds of Pfizer clinical drug trials across North America, while being a savvy businesswoman and seizing every opportunity.
Mishaal Ashemimry

Having had a fascination for space since she was young, Mishaal Ashemimry became the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC. Ashemimry is also the first Saudi woman to join NASA. She aims to continue to inspire Arab youths to encourage to overcome all challenges while using her social media as a source of inspiration as she reaches for the stars.
Raha Moharrak

Raha Moharrak became the first Saudi woman to scale Everest back in 2013. Throughout her career, this adventure-seeker has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Vinson, Mount Elbrus, Aconcagua, Kala Pattar, Pico de Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl.
Dina Al-Tayeb

Being the first Saudi woman to complete ironman, Dina Al-Tayeb is a practising dentist who has completed over 100 triathlons. She made history qualifying for The Ironman World Championship as it is considered one of the most difficult races in the world.
Mashael Alrajhi

Riyadh-born designer Mashael Alrajhi has created a strong presence in the world of fashion. While focusing on handmade artisan craftsmanship by adding a touch of minimalism to her collection. Alrajhi is at the crux of deviating from the trends of her contemporaries while creating a fashion emporium that represents its cultural origin.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram More

With two COVID-19 vaccines now being administered in the UAE, plans have been announced to have 50 per cent of the nation’s population vaccinated in the first quarter of 2021, which could be as early as March.
In a recent press briefing on COVID-19 in the UAE, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector outlined the plans for the COVID-19 vaccines in the UAE.

Dr. Al Hosani explained that around eight per cent of the population, to date, has been vaccinated.
“To date, 826,301 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, equivalent to 47,000 doses per day, and eight per cent of the country’s total population,” she said.

“We aim to reach more than 50 per cent of the country’s population during the first quarter of this year. This will help us reduce cases in general, reduce critical cases in particular, and control the disease better in the next phase.”
Sinophram vaccine
At present, there are two vaccines available in the UAE. The first one that was approved to be administered was 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, less than two weeks ago, 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.
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Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are reportedly separating after more than eight years together – six of which they have been married.
According to E! News, the pair – who first met back in 2002, but started dating in 2012 – are separating, but Kardashian hasn’t officially filed for divorce as of yet.

The beauty mogul and the rapper are effectively living separate lives and “haven’t spent time together as a married couple in months” and have only spent time together with their four children – North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, two, and 20-month-old Psalm.

“Kim knows the marriage is over,” a source told E!. “She’s known for a while.”
As to exactly why Kardashian hasn’t officially filed for divorce as of yet, she just wants to be sure she’s “making the right decision for the kids”, according to the publication.
And while the source added that she’ll “always care for Kanye… it’s over between them”.
The couple reportedly spent the festive period separately, with West residing in Wyoming on their ranch, while Kardashian was with her family and their children in Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe.
Difficulties in 2020
Last year was a particularly difficult year for West’s mental health. In the latter half of 2020, West began posting a series of erratic Twitter posts regarding personal matters, his family and more.
Following this, there were various reports that the couple’s marriage was strained but Kardashian was determined to make it work.

At the beginning of August, the reality star even took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.
“As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.
“Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some,” she said. “That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.
Kardashian and West are yet to make a public statement about their reported split.
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Images: Kim Kardashian West Instagram More

The Dubai Health Authority has announced a new quarantine timeline for some COVID-19 patients and those who have been in close contact.
In a series of posts made via the Dubai Media Office, it was announced that the isolation period has been reduced to 10 days for certain cases, four days less than the original 14-day quarantine guidelines.

The #Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced that the isolation period for certain COVID-19 patients and close contact cases has been reduced to 10 days from the initial 14-day period. https://t.co/oldZ4Ae7ea pic.twitter.com/bjueoEbrw9
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

In a statement issued by the DHA, it was stated that the “shortened isolation period is applicable to COVID-19 patients who did not develop any symptoms since testing positive”.
Similarly, these rules also apply to those COVID-19 patients who have fully recovered from their symptoms.
In more severe cases for those who were hospitalised, they will only be able to be discharged once they have tested negative in a PCR test two consecutive times that are 24 hours (or more) apart.

Individuals who have come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case but did not develop any symptoms should also abide by the new quarantine period of 10 days, starting from the day they were exposed to the confirmed case.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai
Less than two weeks ago, 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.
Who is eligible to have the vaccine?
At present, senior citizens of all nationalities with a valid residence visa over 60 years are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Similarly, people with chronic diseases which include, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, obesity and people with a BMI of 35 or more.
People with disabilities, often known as ‘people of determination’ in the emirates; frontline workers in the public and private sector, including medical staff, non-medical hospital workers, emergency services and employees in sensitive and vital positions, such as government employees working to tackle the pandemic are also eligible.
Whos is not eligible to have the Pfizer vaccine?
There are certain categories which aren’t yet eligible to get the vaccine as per the DHA including pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, people with immunodeficiency diseases and more.

At present, individuals receiving the vaccine require to have two doses spaced three weeks apart.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Less than two weeks ago, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
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.

Her Excellency and her mother received her first dose of the vaccine at Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) Zabeel Healthcare Centre.
Discussing the approval to administer the vaccine free of charge to both UAE citizens and residents, Her Excellency explained it’s a reflection of the leadership in the emirate whilst also sharing her gratitude to the DHA and those on the frontlines.

As per the Dubai Media Office, she explained that it shows “their keenness to ensure the highest level of safety for all members of the community”.

Mona Ghanem AlMarri, Director-General of the @DXBMediaOffice, and her mother receive the 1st shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine as part of #Dubai Health Authority’s (@DHA_Dubai) free vaccination drive against Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/XuXSCalAB1
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

Who is eligible to have the vaccine?
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.
At present, senior citizens of all nationalities with a valid residence visa over 60 years are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Similarly, people with chronic diseases which include, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, obesity and people with a BMI of 35 or more.
People with disabilities, often known as ‘people of determination’ in the emirates; frontline workers in the public and private sector, including medical staff, non-medical hospital workers, emergency services and employees in sensitive and vital positions, such as government employees working to tackle the pandemic are also eligible.
Whos is not eligible to have the Pfizer vaccine?
There are certain categories which aren’t yet eligible to get the vaccine as per the DHA including pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, people with immunodeficiency diseases and more.

At present, individuals receiving the vaccine require to have two doses spaced three weeks apart.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Dubai Media Office More

For over a decade, the Burj Khalifa has become the icon of Dubai.
This landmark began construction on January 6, 2004 to become an 828-metre skyscraper which went on to become the tallest building in the world. Serving as a key landmark for the country, which can even be seen from space, the iconic structure will continue to be a pride for the nation.

The almost one-kilometre tall building has stunning views of Dubai’s skyline with one of the largest fireworks display in the world on New Year’s Eve, also making it the 16th most Instagrammed location in the world.

After finally being inaugurated on January 4, 2010, a lavish ceremony with over 10,000 fireworks welcomed this popular structure. From displaying flags to being featured in documentaries, this landmark has visitors from around the world who specially come to visit the tallest building across the globe. In fact, it’s also referred to as a vertical city, which can hold around 10,000 people in it at a given point including both residents and guests.
The building’s lavish restaurant – the world’s highest – At.mosphere also features a critically acclaimed menu, located on the 122 level of Burj Khalifa, guests can also enjoy an array of gastronomical wonders with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: The Address Skyview More

The predicted dates for the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr have been announced.
As per UAE Barq, Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, who is a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, has estimated when the crescent will appear to mark the beginning of Ramadan.

Al-Jarwan expects the Ramadan crescent to be born on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 06:31pm UAE time. The holy month of Ramadan would then begin the next day on Tuesday, April 13.
ALSO READ: All the UAE public holidays coming up in 2021
However, these dates are only predictions at present and the firm dates will be announced by the UAE government.

Eid Al Fitr then falls on the last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to Shawwal 3. It’s been predicted that Eid al Fitr could fall on May 13, a Thursday, which would mean a potential three-day weekend.
Public holidays for 2021
At the end of last year, public holidays for 2021 and 2022 were announced by the UAE cabinet following a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
His Highness approved the holidays for the following two years for both public and private sector employees.
This decision, according to Sheikh Mohammed, is to streamline the work in both sectors, as well as being able to give UAE citizens and residents a longer lead time to plan holidays.

مجلس الوزراء برئاسة صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم يعتمد أجندة العطلات الرسمية للعاملين في القطاع الحكومي والخاص لعامي 2021 و 2022، وذلك في إطار تنظيم سير العمل في القطاعين وضمان استمراريته مع مختلف القطاعات. #حكومة_الإمارات pic.twitter.com/UaU7tOdL9v
— UAEGov (@uaegov) December 19, 2020

The holiday dates for 2021 and 2022 are as follows.
2021
January 1: New Year
29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal: Eid Al Fitr
9 Zul Hijjah: Arafah Day
10 to 12 Zul Hijjah: Eid Al Adha
August 12: Islamic New Year
October 21: Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday
December 1: Commemoration Day
December 2 and 3: National Day
2022
January 1: New Year
Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3: Eid Al Fitr
Zul Hijjah 9: Arafah Day
Zul Hijjah 10 to 12: Eid Al Adha
July 30: Islamic New Year
October 8: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
December 1: Commemoration Day
December 2 and 3: UAE National Day
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Feature Image: Abu Dhabi Tourism More