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Today, August 31, 2020, marks a milestone birthday for Her Majesty Queen Rania as she turns 50.
During her 50 – 27 years of which have been in the Jordanian royal family after marrying King Abdullah II of Jordan (who was then a prince) – has established herself as one of the most influential women in the world, continually advocating for education, health, cross-cultural dialogue, amongst other social injustices.

To mark the special occasion, the Royal Hashemite Court shared a new portrait of King Abdullah and Queen Rania.
“The Royal Hashemite Court wishes Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah many happy returns on the occasion of her birthday,” the captioned their post on the court’s official Instagram page.

Her Majesty also opened up about celebrating her birthday amidst the pandemic in In an interview with Hello! magazine. Queen Rania gave thanks to her country in their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, putting the people of Jordan’s “health and wellbeing first”.

Speaking on her family, the royal admitted she’s “always wished for more time” with her husband, King Abdullah, and their four children – Crown Prince Hussein, 26, Princess Iman, 23, Princess Salma, 19 and 15-year-old Prince Hashem. But given the current pandemic “time is all [she’s] had” with her family, which she’s incredibly thankful for.
“It has been such a blessing to have all my children around, particularly during the months when Jordan was under a strict lockdown,” she told the UK publication.
She also took the opportunity to lovingly pay tribute to her husband of 27 years saying he makes her “want to do more and be more… inspiring me in every moment of my life”.
Despite her gratitude of being able to spend time with her family, Queen Rania also admitted she was “heartbroken to see the pain and loss the virus has inflicted on so many around the world”.
In spite of the difficult times, EW wishes Queen Rania a very happy 50th birthday and hope she can continue to inspire many around the globe for years to come.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Royal Hashemite Court Instagram More

By decree from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, paid paternity leave has been granted for those working in the private sector.
This groundbreaking move makes the UAE the first Arab nation to make paid paternity leave a requirement in the private sector.

Under the new amendments to the federal law, five days of paid paternity leave must now be given to private sector employees. This leave can be taken from when the baby is born up until they are six months old.
According to state news agency WAM, the new law will reinforce the aim to achieve gender balance. It’s also to “achieve family stability and cohesion, and encourage young people to work in the private sector”.

#UAEPresident approves amendments to federal law on paternity leave #WamNews https://t.co/Cb1SKSNarL pic.twitter.com/XaOlZCeQtf
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 30, 2020

It’s a move that’s certainly welcomed in the region as the rules surrounding paternity leave in other countries are reportedly unclear.
Per The National, in Saudi Arabia it’s stated that paternity leave of three days should be given to men, but it’s not be made clear if this just for the public sector or if it pertains to the private sector too. Meanwhile, Lebanon also has three days paternity leave, but this is allegedly not often enforced.
As for other Arab nations including Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan and Syria, there is no paternity leave offered.
The new federal law in the UAE also puts the nation leaps and bounds ahead of the USA, as there is no paternity leave currently offered for new fathers. Similarly, there is no guaranteed maternity leave for new mothers either in the western nation.
In the UAE at present, women in the public sector are given 90 days of paid maternity leave, while those working in the private sector are given 45 days of paid maternity leave.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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It appears HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has escaped the final weeks of the sweltering heat in the UAE for the cooler weather in the United Kingdom.
The Crown Prince of Dubai recently shared photos with winning horses Ghaiyyath and Pinatubo on his Instagram account tagging Godolphin, the horse-racing company founded by his father HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. The Godolphin stables in the UK are located in Newmarket, Suffolk.

Other photos were also posted of Sheikh Hamdan playing paddle tennis at what appeared to be a country estate in the UK.

The Dubai royal family are no strangers to travelling the UK, particularly as Sheikh Mohammed owns a home in Surrey and he’s a big fan of horse racing.
Last year Sheikh Hamdan made a lengthy trip to Scotland in the UK and he’s since posted many photos from the holiday.
While it was never confirmed where His Highness was staying, Sheikh Mohammed also owns a Highland estate on the Isle of Skye – an island off the coast of the north of Scotland.

Back in June, the Crown Prince of Dubai showed off an Emirates first-class plane ticket heading to London Heathrow.
The ticket showed the date of the flight as Monday, June 1, along with the time of the flight, 7.45am, and his name – Al Maktoum/ShkHamdan.
However, the ticket was a teaser as Sheikh Hamdan was appearing at Dubai Airport to share how the emirate was “taking off again”.
On the same day, he posted the photo of the ticket, the Chairman of the Executive Council led a meeting of the council at Dubai airport Terminal 3, highlighting how the airport is the “beating heart of the world”.
“We have learnt from Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to defeat the impossible, and to turn the challenge into an opportunity to consolidate our achievements and benefit from our readiness and to rapidly adapt with the new reality,” he explained.
“This experience has provided us with a significant boost ahead to maintain our achievements so Dubai remains the best city in various vital sectors, and to start a new phase with strength and competitiveness.”
Since then Dubai’s borders have reopened, allowing tourists to once again enter the country. Of course, precautionary measures are in place with everyone entering the country required to have a negative COVID-19 test or they must self-isolate for 14 days.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram More

The school holidays have come to a close and life amidst the pandemic is returning to a “new normal” in the UAE, and for many students that means back to school – not just online, but physically in classrooms.
There’s been a long list of requirements for schools to follow to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff. In order to minimise gatherings, some schools have divided pupils into morning and afternoon shifts, while others will go into school on specific days. Others have a mixture of online and in-classroom learning.

However, some have questioned if this new model – or if parents decided to do continued distanced learning – will result in lower school fees in Dubai.
In the new interactive initiative with the Dubai government, the question was asked if school fees would be lowered.

Answering the question, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), stated, “The choice of distance learning does not impact the fees.

Q5: Can my child continue with distance learning in the new academic year? #AskDXBofficial @KHDA pic.twitter.com/QtjO4KLHk2
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 27, 2020

“But we understand that many schools are putting together different packages to support parents who have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.”
Last week, ahead of the school year officially beginning, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai wished pupils a “safe start” to the academic year.
“I heard from the Minister of Education about the latest preparations for the start of the next academic year,” His Highness wrote to his 10.3 million Twitter followers.
“We look forward to a safe start and in accordance with the best safety standards for more than a million students within the education system in the Emirates.”

اطلعت من وزراء التربية والتعليم على آخر الاستعدادات لانطلاق العام الدراسي القادم .. نتطلع لانطلاقة آمنة ووفق أفضل معايير السلامة لأكثر من مليون طالب وطالبة ضمن منظومة التعليم في الإمارات .. pic.twitter.com/ERlcn7LIzB
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 25, 2020

As pupils prepare to head back to school, there are regulations to be mindful of which differ from emirate to emirate.
It’s been clarified that pupils in Dubai do not need to get tested, but many teachers underwent COVID-19 tests last week.
“As we look forward to many students returning to school next week, we would like to confirm that Covid-19 PCR testing is not mandatory for students,” the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said in a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, students who are over 12 will need to be tested. However, under a staggered return plan high school students are not set to return to classrooms until the end of September. Like Dubai, all teachers in the UAE capital must be tested for COVID-19.
Across the UAE, it is mandatory for students to wear face masks throughout the school day.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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Kylie Jenner is currently holidaying in Paris, France and a familiar face has popped up in her Instagram photos – say hello to Fai Khadra.
Last month, the 23-year-old shared quite a few photos from a trip she took to the Utah desert, a couple of them being with the Palestinian model.

Now, exploring the sights of Paris, the makeup mogul shared another photo where she’s cosied up to Fai.

However, we can all be rest assured this pair are just friends. According to TMZ, Kylie and Fai are not dating and “they’re just very good friends and have been part of each other’s small social circle during the pandemic”.
So, who exactly is Fai? Well, he is of Arab roots. He was born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents, and even grew up here in Dubai.He’s been in the Kardashian-Jenner inner-circle for quite a number of years and has always been close to Kylie and Kendall and is also a close friend of Kourtney Kardashian.

Despite the city of Los Angeles’ – where Kylie resides with her two-year-old daughter Stormi – recent implementation of the safer-at-home policy given the state of California’s high number of COVID-19 cases, the billionaire has chosen to travel.
Kylie and Fai, along with a few other friends, were seen out and about in Paris over the weekend taking a trip to the city’s landmark music the Louvre.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Kylie Jenner Instagram  More

Today, August 28, 2020, marks the fifth annual Emirati Women’s Day which was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the mother of the nation in 2015.
Honouring women across the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai issued a message.

Posting a video to his 10.3 million Twitter followers which paid tribute to Emirati women, he expressed his pride towards every female from the UAE.
“To the Emirati women, you worked hard, you accomplished and prove to the world who you are,” he said. “[We are] proud of you, proud of your partnership in the development process, we raise our heads with your achievements. Every year you are better and more beautiful.”

إلى المرأة الإماراتية في يومها.. اجتهدتِ.. فأنجزتِ.. وأثبتِ للعالم من أنتِ.. فخورون بك.. معتزون بشراكتك في مسيرة التنمية…. نرفع رؤوسنا بإنجازاتك.. كل عام وأنت أفضل وأجمل.. pic.twitter.com/mVxW9nzZfI
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 27, 2020

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also shared a message of “gratitude” towards women on Emirati Women’s Day.
“On Emirati Women’s Day, we extend our gratitude to all mothers, sisters and daughters for their contributions to our nation, and their instrumental role in the frontline response to COVID-19,” he said. “We congratulate and honour you, and we remain committed to the empowerment of all women.”

On Emirati Women’s Day, we extend our gratitude to all mothers, sisters & daughters for their contributions to our nation, & their instrumental role in the frontline response to COVID-19. We congratulate & honour you, & we remain committed to the empowerment of all women. pic.twitter.com/WXdSKWXdrp
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 27, 2020

This year the theme of the day celebrating UAE women is “Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation”, as announced by the Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima, back in May.
This mantra is in line with the nationwide goals of the UAE, after it was announced at the end of 2019 that 2020 would be a year that marks a year of preparation. This is to ready the nation for the UAE’s Golden Jubilee next year.
To mark this incredible day, Emirates Woman spoke to 11 influential women about their pride to be Emirati, how they believe things have changed for women through the years and how they have been supported by other women.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter More

There’s not many women that can say they’re paving the way in a male-dominated field, but this rings true for Dr Nadia Bastaki – the first Emirati woman to be registered as a specialist in Aviation Aerospace medicine.
As the Vice President of Medical Services at Etihad, she is not only leading the way in the field for women, but has also been on the frontlines to ensure the health and safety of travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, Dr Bastaki’s role has been “magnified and multiplied enormously”, as she describes to Emirates Woman.
|I was leading the entire Etihad Aviation Group to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff across our entire operation,” she explains. “A heavy part of our focus was to also ensure safe and secure passenger travel.”

This has also included the launch of a new programme ‘Etihad Wellness’, which is a part of the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s new health and hygiene programme, to ensure we applied all the necessary precautionary measures for our guests.
The last six months has made Dr Bastaki make some serious sacrifices for the greater good of the nation and the safety of others.

“It has been a very long six months where I’ve had to prioritise the current situation by working late hour working hours – including weekends – and multiple sacrifices including being separated from family,” she admits.
However, she notes how the nation has “come a long way” and things with the pandemic have “drastically improved”. Despite this, she highlights that “we don’t drop the ball”.
“We need to continue understanding, learning and analysing the best way forward,” she says.
This Emirati Women’s Day, Dr Bastaki discusses with EW how she paving the way in her field of expertise, what makes her proud to be an Emirati woman and what she believes the future of travel holds for everyone.
Paving the way in a male-dominated field…
It feels great – it’s a big achievement. While it was important to be the first, it was more important to excel in what you do and be recognised as a leader and expert in my field. Also, I was the first woman to be promoted to the executive level within Etihad which was a big milestone in my career. Most importantly, it’s what difference you can make and how you as a woman can contribute to the success of the UAE.
What makes her proud to be an Emirati woman…
The sense of pride comes when you realise you have leaders that believe in women empowerment. We are blessed as a nation to have their support in making our dreams come true.
What this year’s theme of Emirati Women’s Day ‘Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation’ means to her…
We are an important pillar of this nation and our success is the nation’s success. We are an important player and we need to ensure we play our role right in achieving our country’s vision, whether we are entrepreneurs, working women or stay-at-home mums, we all have an equal role to play in delivering, achieving, inspiring and motivating each other and the younger generation. Our focus should be making our nation number one.
The opportunities she is grateful for…
The Emirates has grown dramatically in the last couple of years but their values have always remained the same. It was late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s vision to empower and educate women to ensure they have a role in society. We are grateful for their vision which has given us the freedom to dream big and to achieve the unachievable.
How women can best support one another…
Listen, comfort, understand, encourage and promote each other. This is the way support should be. My support network has always been my mum, my sisters and women I cross paths with who inspire me on a daily bases. Their achievements have given me the motivation to do more.
How the pandemic impacted the world of travel…
The travel and tourism industry has been highly impacted due to border closures and travel restrictions. The aviation industry is facing major challenges but the overall economic impact of COVID-19 will be far greater.
What the future of aviation holds…
Well, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. In the aviation industry, we constantly face multiple challenges and we have been able to successfully navigate around them. This time, it’s different. The impact is bigger, but we will need to start thinking differently and remodel our thinking process to deliver a product and service that will differentiate us in the market.
The advice she would give to others…
Be patient and never give up on your dreams. If you can dream it, you can do it.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More