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From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai’s prerogative has included mass testing and conducting immediate research to tackle the virus.
Now, under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a new medical research centre has opened in Dubai which will not only study COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases.

His Highness toured the new Dhs300 million centre on Tuesday, August 11, which will aim to study an array of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and more.
In a statement issued by Dubai Media Office, Sheikh Mohammed stressed how medical research is of the utmost importance, particularly now.

.@HHShkMohd: We have launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research at a total value of AED 300 million. The Centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country, in addition to research on COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/vh3VfPUWiZ
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020

“Medical research is an important part of our society’s health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country,” he said. “It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history.”

.@HHShkMohd: Medical research is an important part of our society’s health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country. It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history. pic.twitter.com/snBYWobYgz
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020

Just last month it was announced by UAE authorities that research was being conducted for two potential vaccines for COVID-19 to be developed. Per Gulf News, human trials are reportedly set to be conducted.
“We have more than 15,000 volunteers to conduct trials, and the best scientific standards for medical studies will be followed and guaranteed,” Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection stated during the briefing. “If the safety and efficacy of the vaccine are proven during this phase, the test will be considered successful.”
If either strain of the vaccines tested in the UAE are proven to be both safe and effective in combatting COVID-19, they would move to manufacture them.
To date, the UAE has had 62,704 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – 56,766 of those have recovered and there have been 357 deaths.

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Feature Image: Dubai Media Office Twitter More

If you were worried about your visit visa, we have some good news. The Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship in the UAE announced that all permits that expired after March 1 will get an additional one-month extension.
The extended grace period was confirmed yesterday, the original deadline for UAE visit permit holders.

“The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship extends the grace period for holders of expiring entry permits, starting from 11 / 8 / 2020 for a period of one month, with the aim of enabling them to leave the country with exemption from all fines during this period,” reads the Tweet.

“الهيئة الاتحادية للهوية والجنسية” تمدد مهلة حاملي أذونات الدخول للدولة المنتهية اعتباراً من 11 / 8 / 2020 ولمدة شهر، بهدف تمكينهم من المغادرة مع الإعفاء من كافة الغرامات المترتبة خلال هذه الفترة. #وام pic.twitter.com/RHPvpiFarm
— وكالة أنباء الإمارات (@wamnews) August 10, 2020

If your visit visa expired before March 1, you are still required to leave by August 18 to avoid overstay fines which are Dh200 for the first day and then Dh100 for subsequent days.
At the end of March, it was announced that residency visas that expired from March 1 will be automatically renewed for three months for free, the same goes for Emirates IDs that expired from March 1.
The three-month extension also applies to government services – including documents, permits, licenses and commercial registers.
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Just last week, Valerie Abou Chacra and her new husband Lebanese businessman Ziad Ammar were saying “I do” in front of their friends and family.
Seven days later, the newlyweds have been spotted helping their community in Beirut, Lebanon following the catastrophic blast that took place on Tuesday, August 4.

In posts that have been circulating on a series of fan pages for the former Miss Lebanon, Chacra and Ammar are seen carrying food to those who have been most affected by the blast.
The 28-year-old has also been seen participating in efforts to help clean up the rubble that still lies across the Lebanese capital city.

The catastrophic blast in Beirut has killed at least 135 people and left an estimated 6,000 people injured. According to the Governor of Beirut, 300,000 people have been left homeless and that up to 85 per cent of grain stocks in Lebanon have been destroyed.
If you’re looking to ways, find out more here.
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HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made a surprise visit to a mall in Dubai on Sunday.
In videos and photos that have been posted on social media, His Highness was seen out and about at Ibn Battuta Mall accompanied by a large entourage of other officials.

According to Gulf News, the Ruler of Dubai was briefed on the precautionary measures in place in the mall, which will be in line with guidelines issued by UAE and Dubai authorities, in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Similarly, His Highness was also reportedly informed about the current promotions that are taking place, which is perfect timing given the 23rd annual instalment of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is currently taking place at malls and restaurants throughout Dubai.

Just recently, Sheikh Mohammed’s son, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, also made a public outing at a Dubai mall – namely Dubai Festival Mall – where he shared a sweet encounter with three young fans.
Similarly, both Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan have made appearances at popular Downtown Dubai restaurant Gaia on separate occasions.
Of course, leading by example, their highnesses have been seen wearing masks in accordance with guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Instagram More

Maraya, a multi-purpose concert and entertainment venue in AlUla, North West Saudi Arabia, has been named a winner in one of the world’s biggest architecture awards.
The impressive mirrored structure, that played backdrop to Mônot campaign starring Kate Moss and Jourdan Dunn, has come away with an international Architizer A+award in the Architecture + Glass category.

“Maraya has been conceived and designed as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 and in line with RCU’s core values to develop AlUla using a sensitive and responsible approach,” said Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer at Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).

The structure has previously been awarded a Guiness World Record for the largest mirror-clad building in the world. An architectural marvel, the exterior walls of the cube-shaped structure is covered in 9740 square metres of mirrors that reflect the dramatic landscape that surround it. Designed by Florian Boje of Gio Forma, it also featured a giant retractable window.

Meaning mirrors in Arabic, Maraya has already played host to a number of concerts from the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Lionel Richie and Yanni. The next step for the unique space is to increase it’s capacity, create a dedicated conference floo as well as a  ground floor restaurant and a rooftop terrace.
It is due to reopen for business events, conferences as well as weddings and other events later this year.
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Images: Instagram, supplied More

Kylie Jenner changes her hair like we change our T-shirts, but we’re always here to see a new transformation from the makeup mogul.
For the majority of quarantine, the reality star has been sporting super long brown locks, with a few subtle blonde highlights.

However, Jenner has gone through a bit of a post-lockdown hair rejig which she showed off at some early birthday celebrations with her best friends.
Posting on her Instagram story, Jenner showcased her new short bob – a hairstyle which she has rocked many times before – which is a drastic change from the long hair she had up until recently.

It’s clear that ahead of her 23rd birthday – which is today, August 10 – Jenner felt like it was time for a change, but it wouldn’t surprise us ahead of her official birthday bash she shows off another transformation.
And yes, it looks like the soon-to-be 23-year-old is set to throw a stellar party at her new Dhs136 million mansion in Los Angeles, which she moved into during lockdown.
Giving her fans a sneak peek, Jenner showed off a big “Happy Birthday Kylie” sign, which we’re guessing will just be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to decorations.

We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled on Instagram to get any sneak peek of the action we can.
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Images: Kylie Jenner Instagram  More

In the wake of the devastation left by the explosion in Beirut, many countries have come to Lebanon’s aid in a time of crisis.
This includes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which sent out urgent humanitarian aid to the country per orders from King Salman, according to the country’s state news agency the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The catastrophic blast in the Lebanese capital has killed at least 135 people and left around 4,000 people injured. According to Governor of Beirut, 300,000 people have been left homeless and that up to 85 per cent of grain stocks in Lebanon have been destroyed.
So far, three planes filled with supplies have been sent to Lebanon from Saudi Arabia.

According to SPA, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) has loaded planes with ventilators, hospital equipment, medicine, food, mattresses, blankets, tents and more. This equates to an estimated 200 tonnes of aid from the Kingdom.
Following the blast, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement stating their “sincerest condolences” to those affected by the blast.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is watching with grave concern the aftermath of the explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut today, which resulted in deaths and injuries,” the Ministry’s statement said. “We express our sincerest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and the injured.
“We ask God to have mercy on those who died in this tragic event, to grant those injured a speedy recovery, and to protect Lebanon from all harm. We affirm the Kingdom’s full support and solidarity with the brotherly people of Lebanon.”
If you’re looking to ways, find out more here.
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Feature Image: King Salman Instagram More

As many activities and establishments continue to open in Dubai, we are all regularly reminded there are precautionary measures in place to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Shisha cafes were recently permitted to begin to open again, but during checks conducted over the weekend, some have been fined and even shut down due to flouting the rules which are in place.
According to the Khaleej Times, the Dubai Municipality conducted over 1,200 checks, of which 88 per cent were in compliance with rules.
However, some 133 shisha cafes in the emirate were found to be violating precautionary measures which resulted in fines and shutdowns.
Violations included lack of social distancing, sharing of shisha between customers and continuing to use multiple-use pipes and not single-use ones.
A little over three weeks ago, shisha cafes across Dubai were permitted to open after being closed since March 12 due to the pandemic.
With anything that has recently reopened, there have been stringent rules in place to ensure the virus is kept at bay, and there are fines and other repercussions in place for those found not following guidelines.
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Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram  More