News

The Dubai Health Authority has announced the price of COVID-19 tests has been reduced.
The decision was made on Sunday to decrease the cost of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, where a nasal swab is taken in order to detect any traces of coronavirus.

A reduction of more than Dhs100 has been implemented, making the cost of COVID-19 PCR tests now Dhs250 throughout Dubai in all licensed public and private healthcare establishments.
Similar steps were also recently taken in Abu Dhabi with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) also reducing PCR test costs.

To encourage pre-emptive medical examinations as a precautionary and preventive measure, we reduced the cost of #COVID19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests to AED250 in #Dubai pic.twitter.com/b63dCthfPB
— هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) September 13, 2020

Prior to this, COVID-19 PCR tests were priced at Dhs370 in both emirates.
Over the past month or so, the UAE’s COVID-19 numbers have begun to slowly increase with 930 new confirmed cases reported on Thursday, September 10. On Saturday, September 12, 1007 new cases were recorded.
READ: Coronavirus in the UAE: What you need to know
During the COVID-19 press briefing last Thursday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Health, outlined that anyone who comes into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate at home for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test.
“Anyone who comes in contact with a COVID-19 patient must self isolate,” she said. “A PCR test is not enough as the incubation period can reach up to 14 days. The PCR should be negative on the 14th day to step out.”
Remember to social distance, wear a mask and wash your hands regularly – and above all, stay safe.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

After nearly 14 years of being on our screens and changing what reality television is, it was announced last week that the Kardashian-Jenners would be hanging up their reality show hats.
In a statement posted to her Instagram and Twitter pages, Kim Kardashian said, “It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”

However, behind-the-scenes it’s been reported by The Sun momager Kris Jenner was the one who pulled the plug to end the series as both Kim and the youngest Kardashian-Jenner Kylie decided they were going to quit the show regardless.
“The family have been locked in an ongoing debate over the future of the show for months now,” a source told the outlet. “Kim has all the drama with Kanye West going on.

“He’s refusing to put anything personal on the show, and it’s increasingly difficult for Kim to find time to film the show.”

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Kylie was ready to leave the show as she’s making plenty of money through endorsements and her beauty brands Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin. In fact, she and older sister Kendall have reportedly “always struggled with fame and being in the spotlight”.
According to the report, it’s only Khloe Kardashian and Scott Disick who have been struggling with the announcement that the show would be ending.
In Kim’s statement announcing the end of the show, she confirmed that the last season of KUWTK would air early next year.
“Without Keeping Up with The Kardashians, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she added. “I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched and supported me and my family these past 14 incredible years.
“This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever.”
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: E! Entertainment More

Saudi Arabia has announced that travel restrictions will be lifted for citizens at the beginning of 2021.

Starting January 1, all international travel restrictions which have been implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced on Sunday.
Travel via the borders to and from the Kingdom includes via air, land and sea.
Meanwhile, as of this week on September 15, the Kingdom will partially ease restrictions on international flights in order to permit citizens and residents to travel who are in “exceptional circumstances”.
Back in March, Saudi’s borders were closed due to the pandemic and have remained closed since.
To date, the Kingdom has had 325,651 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 302,870 of which have fully recovered. There has been a total of 4,268 deaths.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Experience Al Ula Instagram More

It’s hard to believe we have all lived through over six months of a pandemic. Many countries, including the UAE, have gone through many different stages of lockdown, implemented social distancing measures and closed borders.
However, as of late, things have begun to return to a “new normal” with establishments such at retail outlets and restaurants reopening, but with strict measures in place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Following the implementation of a curfew and 24-hour lockdown, along with the national sterilisation programme, life in the UAE has slowly returned to normal with malls, restaurants, hotels and more having reopened. Dubai also reopened its borders to tourists back in July.
However, over the past month or so, numbers have begun to increase with 930 new confirmed cases reported on September 10 – the highest number in a single day since May.

There were several announcements made and other rules have been reiterated to ensure the public adheres to the precautionary measures in place to stop the further spread of the virus.
Self-quarantine even if you test negative
During the COVID-19 press briefing last Thursday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Health, outlined that anyone who comes into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate at home for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test.
“Anyone who comes in contact with a COVID-19 patient must self isolate,” she said. “A PCR test is not enough as the incubation period can reach up to 14 days. The PCR should be negative on the 14th day to step out.”
No public or private gatherings
This has been a rule in place since the beginning of the pandemic, and the UAE government has reiterated that people avoid gatherings. However, if they do take place they must be limited to a maximum of five people and social distancing measures must be adhered to.
Those who organise public or private gatherings which do not adhere to rules will be fined Dhs10,000. All participants in gatherings will be fined Dhs5,000 each.
Maximum three people in a car
This rule was implemented months ago and still applies – three people maximum are allowed in a car. If you do not adhere to the limit, it’s a Dhs3,000 fine.
Social distance and wear a mask
The best thing everyone can do right now is to continue to adhere to social distancing rules of two metres, where their masks when required, wash your hands regularly and follow the safety measures in place.

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

Gigi Hadid is due to give birth any day now and ahead of the birth of their first child together, the model’s boyfriend has broken his nearly two-month Instagram silence.
Normally quiet on the social media front compared to his girlfriend, Zayn Malik took to the social media platform to share a polaroid photo with his fans.

The singer didn’t allude to much, but wrote in the caption, “Got some stuff to show ya soon!”
As to what this is pertaining to could mean a variety of things. Firstly, of course, the arrival of his first child with 25-year-old Gigi. It could also allude to the former One Direction star releasing more music – his last solo album was released nearly two years ago.

It’s an exciting time for the singer, particularly with the impending arrival of his first child with Gigi which is rumoured to be days away after she gave fans a hint to her due date in her maternity shoot.
The couple is currently in New York City, where it’s been reported the supermodel will give birth.
It’s fair to assume the pair are staying in Gigi’s new $5.8 million (Dhs21.3 million) Manhattan apartment, which she gave fans a glimpse of last month.
According to a recent report from E! News, the pregnancy has been good for Gigi and Zayn’s relationship after the couple reunited at the end of last year.
“Zayn and Gigi are really excited and have been loving this experience together,” a source told E!. “They both are reading parenting books, have had fun planning the nursery and picking out items together. Things are going really smoothly, and they are closer as a couple more than ever.”
It’s been reported the couple are expecting a girl, but neither of them has officially confirmed the gender.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Getty More

In the latest briefing from the UAE government surrounding the pandemic, authorities have urged citizens and residents to be diligent when it comes to precautionary measures to stop the virus from spreading.
On Thursday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Health, announced there were 930 new cases – the highest number reported in four months. The total number of recorded cases is now 76,911.

She also announced there had been five new deaths. Meanwhile, there have been 536 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 67,945.
In the briefing, it’s now been confirmed that anyone who comes into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate at home for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test.

You must self-quarantine for the entire 14 days, and should then take a second test after two weeks to ensure you are clear of any potential COVID-19 infection.
According to Dr Al Hosani, 88 per cent of the new cases have resulted from weddings, work, funerals or other forms of social gatherings.
It was highlighted that the public must ensure they are wearing their masks and implementing social distancing measures of two metres.
While the numbers have increased, the highest number of COVID-19 recoveries in a single day were recorded earlier this week.
On Sunday, it was announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention that 2,443 COVID-19 cases have fully recovered.
So, this is a reminder to stay diligent, wear your mask and ensure you are social distancing.
 – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.

Feature Image: Unsplash More

As the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the majority of the world throughout the last six months, it has also had a drastic effect on the global economy and the job market.

In the UAE, many have had to take pay cuts due to the current economic climate and others have even lost their jobs.
If you are currently on the job hunt, things may seem overwhelming.  However, despite the difficult climate, there are still places hiring. We’ve rounded up 14 key places which will help you on your job hunt.
Federal Government job portal — Federal Authority for Government Human Resources
Tawteen Gate, Ministry of Human Resources snd Emiratisation (MOHRE) —  a service for UAE nationals only
Virtual Job Market by MOHRE
Emirates Job Bank — a service for UAE nationals who are wanting to apply for jobs offered by government entities and the private sector
Dubai Careers — the Dubai Government job portal
Abu Dhabi Government job portal
gulftalent.com
indeed.ae
naukrigulf.com
bayt.com
getthat.com
jobs.laimoon.com/uae
Facebook
While Facebook may seem an unconventional way to find jobs, it’s a good place to keep an eye on, particularly in groups. With many expatriates in the UAE joining groups to seek advice on moving to the country and meet like-minded people, there have also been many posting available jobs on groups – from receptionist roles, to account manager roles, sales roles, real estate roles and more.
LinkedIn
It may seem like an obvious one, but ensuring your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date is absolutely essential and it’s a key place to look for jobs. Not only that, you can change your settings to notify recruiters you are job seeking. It’s also a great way to build up your network and connect with recruiters and HR representatives to enquire about potential roles. Remember: some jobs aren’t always advertised, so sending a speculative message on LinkedIn or via email can put you on a company’s radar for a potential role.
While it’s a difficult time, do your best to stay positive. Good luck!
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Net-A-Porter Instagram More

If you’re a long-term Dubai resident, it may be hard to believe that the Dubai Metro is now over a decade old.
To mark the 11th anniversary since its inception, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired a meeting at Expo Metro Station.

Noting the success of the metro over the past 11 years was down to the leadership from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He added that the project was initiated to “cement Dubai as an international city and a hub for modern lifestyle”.

Today, I chaired a @TECofDubai meeting at the Expo Metro Station, to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Dubai Metro, a project that wouldn’t be accomplished without @HHShkMohd’s vision to unlock an advanced future and answer to its key requirements. pic.twitter.com/oYNwf0bW7A
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) September 9, 2020

“Eleven years ago, we launched the Dubai Metro, which has been a witness to the distinctive development journey of the city,” he added. “The Metro was the central piece of Dubai’s urban boom and made it a city on the move.
“It highlights Dubai’s strategy in facing challenges through proactive practical solutions.”
Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the launch of Route 2020 in Dubai, which is 15km extension of the metro’s redline. He explained that the extension will lead the emirate into a “new phase of its journey”.
“Our vision is clear and challenges won’t stop us from reaching our objectives,” he added.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Unsplash More