More stories

  • in

    Everything to know about the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday in the UAE

    With a long weekend in the pipeline following the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, here’s all the information you need to know regarding the potential dates for Eid Al Fitr this year.Eid Al Fitr – also referred to as the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’ – is a religious holiday in the UAE as it celebrates Muslims worldwide, as it marks the end of a month-long dawn to dusk sunset fasting during Ramadan. Depending on the sighting of the moon, the exact dates for this observation are always announced by the UAE government are announced closer to the date.As per the official government website, Eid Al Fitr is said to take place from 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal, making it a total of four days.
    #UAE announces holidays for public, private sector for 2021-2022.#UAE_BARQ_EN pic.twitter.com/vq7Aoy2RGQ
    — UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) December 19, 2020With the final placement of holidays yet to be confirmed, if Eid Al Fitr falls on Thursday, May 13, Thursday to Sunday would be granted off and if Eid occurs on Friday, May 14, 2021, holidays shall occur from then until Monday, May 17, 2021.All of the UAE public holidays in 2021Arafat Day and Eid Al AdhaA couple of months after Eid Al Fitr, there could be another long weekend on the cards for UAE residents. Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha will fall on 9-12 of Dhu Al-Hijjah, which is expected to be between Tuesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 22. While this hasn’t been confirmed as of yet, if these dates are confirmed a six-day break could be on the cards.Islamic New YearA couple of weeks later it’s the Hijri New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s projected to fall around August 9 or August 10.The Prophet’s BirthdayThe Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is projected to be around October 18.Commemoration Day and National DayTo close out 2021, those in the UAE will have another three-day break to look forward to with Commemoration Day,, December 1, and National Day, December 2, with a day off also on, December 3.The dates are subject to change as per the UAE authorities, for more information regarding the latest news visit u.ae/en for any further details.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @visitabudhabi More

  • in

    Sheikh Mohammed & Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s messages to mark start of Ramadan

    As Ramadan has officially begun, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, both shared messages to mark the start of the Holy Month.Both Their Highnesses congratulated Arab and Muslim people Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid as Ramadan begins, sharing public messages on Twitter.“We congratulate the people of the Emirates and Arab and Muslim peoples on the advent of Ramadan…the month of mercy, goodness and blessings,” the Dubai Ruler said. “We ask Allah the Almighty to bless humanity with safety, health and wellness.”
    نبارك لشعب الإمارات ولجميع الشعوب العربية والاسلامية قدوم شهر رمضان المبارك … شهر رحمة وخير وبركة بإذن الله .. ونسأل الله أن يديم عودته على البشرية وهي في أمن وأمان وسلامة وصحة وعافية ..
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 12, 2021Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated that the Holy Month was “welcomed with great joy”.“This is a time for patience, contemplation and compassion and we pray for God’s mercy and kindness,” he added.
    The Holy Month of Ramadan is now upon us and we welcome it with great joy. This is a time for patience, contemplation and compassion and we pray for God’s mercy and kindness.
    — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 12, 2021Ramadan Kareem to everyone for the month ahead.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: WAM More

  • in

    Soft Power – An exclusive interview with Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum

    April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Greg AdamskiProduction: Olivia MorrisFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephMakeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG ArtistsHer Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, founder of Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery, talks to Emirates Woman exclusively about gratitude, determination and the inspiration behind her debut collection.Born and raised in the UAE to a mother with a love for the arts and a caring and supportive father, Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum has a lot to be grateful for, especially her family, which is at the heart of her eponymous jewellery brand, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery.The down-to-earth Sheikha recently debuted the brand with the ‘My Treasure’ collection, using butterflies, a tribute and a symbol of her gratitude to her late grandmother, after whom she was named. Each piece honours the memory of the elder Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, one of Dubai’s most remarkable women, as it encourages women to embark on a journey to find their inner strength and purpose.“Butterflies are symbols of transformation and beauty and my grandmother grew up at a time when options were limited for women, but she didn’t let that stop her,” Sheikha Sana says. “She found a way to shine and to help others shine which is why I consider her a treasure.”Taking inspiration from her grandmother has taken the young Sana on her path to entrepreneurship and womanhood. Her Highness’ warm and gentle nature belies her fierce determination to stand on her own two feet and her keen awareness of the world around her. Understanding that her position in life awards her privilege, she aims to utilise her position to partner with education-related charities, with a focus on women and children.“I was blessed to be born in the UAE, a safe haven to people from various backgrounds, where women are respected and treated equally, but I know that there are many who are not as blessed,” she explains. “I hope to help change this by partnering with charities supporting the education of young children and women’s empowerment.”Being from the UAE is a blessing Sheikha Sana never forgets, particularly in challenging circumstances. “2020 was a difficult time for the world as a whole, but through it all, thanks to the leadership’s focus on putting people’s safety first, and the many frontline workers who worked diligently to ensure that we were cared for every step of the way, we have been edging closer to the light at the end of the tunnel,” Her Highness says, sharing her gratitude. “We all came together as a society and didn’t give up on our hopes and dreams as a nation – we even made it to Mars!”The UAE is a place with endless possibilities. Having grown up in Dubai, Sheikha Sana has always been inspired by the energy of the city and the infinite opportunities the emirate has. It’s something she attributes to the leadership of Dubai “The persistence to always move forward and improve in Dubai trickles down from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and flows through the veins of every resident of the city,” she says. “That mindset is infectious and helps me strive to do better every day.”It’s this mindset and determination that has led the young entrepreneur to create an already hugely successful fine jewellery brand, alongside an incredible team that she’s hugely thankful for, who have been working with her to build her brand and to deliver an end product that is not only beautiful but also reflects the ideals that have been carefully crafted into every piece. As a true believer in women’s empowerment, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery focuses on working with those who value kindness, gratitude, spirituality and honesty.For more on Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery visit sanaalmaktoum.com and follow @sanaalmaktoumofficial on InstagramApril’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

  • in

    Prince Harry arrives in the UK for Prince Philip’s funeral without Meghan

    Prince Harry has arrived back in the UK for the first time in over a year as he is set to attend the funeral of his late grandfather, Prince Philip, who passed away over the weekend.The Duke of Sussex touched down in the UK on Sunday, while his wife, Meghan Markle, and their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, stayed at their home in Montecito, California.The Duchess of Sussex was advised by her physician not to fly, which is understandable given that she is currently pregnant and the ongoing pandemic.Prince Harry will attend the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh which will take place on April 17 along with other members of the British royal family including the Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and more.
    The Sussexes’ office has also confirmed that the Duchess will not be coming to the UK with her husband. Meghan, we have been told, did not receive “medical clearance” from her doctor because of her pregnancy despite making “every effort” to travel with Harry pic.twitter.com/uejnVnW68M
    — Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) April 10, 2021As for the current COVID-19 restrictions and protocols in the UK. Prince Harry will have been required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to travel and then have to fill out a passenger declaration form, to give details where he will be staying.A 10-day quarantine is currently required for those arriving in the UK with passengers being required to take further COVID-19 tests on day two and day eight. However, those who are travelling to attend a funeral are allowed to leave their place of quarantine “in limited circumstances, including on compassionate grounds”. This will likely be the case for the Duke of Sussex.Prince Philip passes away aged 99Over the weekend, it was announced by Buckingham Palace that Queen Elizabeth II’s husband of 73 years, Prince Philip had passed away.“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement read.Following the announcement, tributes have flooded in for the Duke of Edinburgh and condolences have been sent to the Queen, including from members of the UAE royal family.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Chris Ship Twitter More

  • in

    Dubai’s Chef Izu Ani awarded UAE’s 10-year golden visa

    Beloved Dubai Chef Izu Ani has been granted the UAE’s 10-year golden visa for his dedication and contribution to the restaurant industry in the UAE.The golden visa was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in 2019.Chef Izu is the brains behind some of Dubai’s most popular restaurants including GAIA in partnership with Evgeny Kuzin, Carine, The Lighthouse, Izu Brasserie & Bakery and more.Upon the announcement of his golden visa, Chef Izu said, “I feel honoured and proud to have been recognised with the UAE Gold Card Visa. To me, Dubai is not a transient place, it is somewhere that we can call home, rather than just pass through. It is a destination that allows us to grow.”He added, “With hard work comes reward and recognition, and it is so inspiring to live in a place where we can achieve our goals. Dubai enables us to see the world with the eyes of a child, to explore and build our dreams into our realities, and for that, I will always be grateful.”Originally coming to Dubai to help launch LPM Restaurant & Bar – previously known as La Petit Maison – Chef Izu has gone on to curate his very own restaurant portfolio in Dubai, which are now staples amongst the F&B crowd.The standout establishments are his Emirates Golf Club restaurant Carine – named after his wife – and GAIA – a crowning jewel in the DIFC food scene – both of which have been visited by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.In a recent interview with Emirates Man, Chef Izu spoke of the honour it is to welcome the royals into his restaurants.“It is always so humbling and exciting to welcome members of the Royal Family of the UAE to our restaurants,” he said. “I am so thankful for their support and endorsement; it is inspiring and motivating for myself and the whole team.”

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

  • in

    This Ramadan Dubai restaurants can serve food without curtains or screens

    As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, restaurants in Dubai will be able to serve food without the need for curtains or screens.While in previous years curtains and screens were required, Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy) announced that this would no longer be the case.“Restaurants will be allowed to serve customers without putting in place curtains, dividers or facades as has been the mandatory practice previously,” the authority’s announcement stated.In addition, a permit is no longer required for restaurants to serve food during fasting hours during Ramadan.“The new circular replaces circulars issued in previous years that have required restaurants to block dining areas from the sight of those who are fasting,” the statement concluded.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

  • in

    Ramadan 2021: The UAE announces reduced working hours for the private sector

    With the Holy Month of Ramadan set to begin this week, reduced working hours have been announced for those working in the private sector in the UAE.It was announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation on Saturday that working hours would be reduced by two hours throughout Ramadan.“HE Nasser Bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources & Emiratisation, announces the reduction of two working hours for all employees working in the private sector during the holy month of Ramadan (1442 Hijri) as per federal law no. 8 for 1980, on regulating labour relations,” a statement read on the authority’s Twitter page.Last week, reduced working hours were also confirmed for public sector employees.It was announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), that during Ramadan working hours would be from 9am to 2pm.The only exception is for “those whose work nature requires otherwise”.
    FAHR: Working hours in #Federal_Government during #Ramadan from 9 am to 2 pm except for those whose work nature requires otherwise. pic.twitter.com/m6xo9xOZyr
    — FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) April 8, 2021When is Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr in the UAE?So, when exactly is the Holy Month set to begin?The predicted dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr were announced back in January, per UAE Barq. Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, who is a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, estimated when the crescent will appear to mark the beginning of Ramadan.ALSO READ: All the UAE public holidays coming up in 2021Al-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.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.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Unsplash More

  • in

    The UAE announces the first female Arab astronaut

    With the UAE continuing its mission to explore space further, a history-making announcement was made as a part of this journey – unveiling the first female Arab astronaut.Over the weekend, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced there were two new Emirati astronauts, one of which is female.“We announce the first Arab female astronaut, among two new astronauts, selected from over 4,000 candidates to be trained with NASA for future space exploration missions,” he said. “Congratulations Noura Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla.”Both Al Matrooshi and Al Mulla join the UAE Astronaut Programme with four astronauts in total now including Hazzaa Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi who were previously recruited.
    We announce the first Arab female astronaut, among two new astronauts, selected from over 4,000 candidates to be trained with NASA for future space exploration missions. Congratulations Noura Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla. pic.twitter.com/bfyquyzqAJ
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 10, 2021It’s a particularly poignant moment for Al Matrooshi as she becomes the first female not only in the UAE but in the Arab world to become an astronaut. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UAE University in 2015, she gained several years of experience in the field.Al Matrooshi has also previously represented the UAE at the United Nations Youth Conference in summer 2018 and winter 2019.As for Al Mulla, he’s also a record-breaker in his own right. At just the age of 19, he received his commercial pilot’s license Australian Civil Aviation Authority, becoming the youngest ever pilot in the Dubai Police. Nine years later he received his pilot trainer license from General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and became the youngest ever trainer at the age of 28.The recruitment of the two new astronauts comes after the UAE made history back in February becoming the first Arab-led mission to reach Mars’ orbit.

    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter More