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Following the devastating explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday night, hospitals have been left overwhelmed, quickly reaching capacity with pleas for blood supplies.
With the death toll reportedly rising above 100 and more than 4,000 people left wounded, there’s many needing to be treated in the country’s capital.

However, according to CNN, in a press conference on Wednesday morning, Lebanon’s Health Minister Hamad Hassan said that four hospitals in Beirut have been left out of service due to damages from the blast.
Videos have been circulating news channels as well as social media and show fire and smoke coming from the port area before the blast, which is followed by a mushroom cloud. The blast was said to be heard 240km away on the island of Cyprus. Authorities have blamed a supply of reactive chemical ammonium nitrate for the explosion.

In order to help those who have been affected by the blast, here’s some ways you can help.
Donate money to the Lebanese Red Cross
Many fundraisers have been launched since the devastating blast, but the Lebanese Red Cross has issued a statement saying that any third party fundraisers set up in their name are not authorised and are not legal. To donate directly to the Lebanese Red Cross you can do so by their official website or app, or by sending a cheque or wire transfer.

Donate blood
An “urgent” plea for blood donations has been issued by the Lebanese Red Cross. If you’re based in the Beirut area and are safe, well and healthy there are open blood centres for people to donate in: Tripoli, Jounieh, Spears, Antelias, Zahle, Saida and Nabatieh.

We will continue to update this as we hear more on ways to help.
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Kim Kardashian West is reportedly trying to “save” her marriage to Kanye West.
Following West’s very public erratic behaviour with Kardashian having to make a statement about his bipolar disorder, the makeup mogul flew to Cody, Wyoming in the USA where the pair own a ranch together.

According to People, the 39-year-old was ready to tell her husband “their marriage is over and to say goodbye”, but the publication reports that Kardashian has had a change of heart and is willing to give things a second go.
“She feels like she did reach him on some levels during that trip,” a source told the magazine. “Before the trip, she was ready to end her marriage, but Kanye has been listening to her concerns.”

As a result of listening to his wife, West has apparently “made some promises to her”. This prompted the 43-year-old rapper to reportedly suggest going on a family trip, with Kardashian “wanting to do everything she can to save her marriage”.

However, there’s some “complicated” aspects the pair need to work through, including the rapper getting “proper help”.
“Kim is just taking things day by day right now,” the source said. “She isn’t sure if their marriage can be saved, but she is willing to keep trying for their kids.”
A couple of weeks ago, Kardashian 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.

“He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an artist and a Black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bipolar disorder,” she said. “Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times [sic] do not align with his intentions.
“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. 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.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Kim Kardashian Instagram More

It’s now been four months since Dubai experienced a citywide 24-hour lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then the emirate, along with the rest of the UAE, has come along leaps and bounds in the fight against the virus.
Borders have begun to open, flight numbers are increasing and slowly but surely life is returning to somewhat normal for many.

In terms of COVID-19 numbers for the UAE, four incredibly positive things have happened in the last 24 hours.
Firstly, for the first time since April, the number of daily cases dipped below 200. Secondly, there have been zero deaths from the virus reported in the last three days.

In the latest press briefing by the UAE government for COVID-19, a spokesperson outlined how the strategy to increase testing across the nation has proven to be successful, with over five million tests having been carried out thus far – a figure which is one of the highest in the world.
In a final bit of positive news for the fight against COVID-19 in the UAE, it’s been confirmed that 90 per cent of cases in the country have now recovered.

Al Owais: Early detection and treatment of Covid-19 cases has been a key in raising recovery rate. Today, 90% of Covid-19 cases in the country already recovered. Such a recovery rate puts the UAE among the top countries in recovery. #UAEGov
— UAEGov (@uaegov) August 3, 2020

So while to date, there have been 61,163 confirmed cases, 54,863 of those have recovered. Meanwhile, there have been 351 deaths.
However, despite the successes, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, an official spokesperson for the UAE government, stressed during the briefing masks should still be worn at all times and for the public to adhere to social distancing rules, as well as to avoid gatherings.

Dr. Al Hammadi: It is important to continue to wear face mask as it is effective in preventing the infection. However, we should also keep a social distance and avoid gatherings and crowded places. Such preventive measures are more effective when done together. #UAEGov
— UAEGov (@uaegov) August 3, 2020

“Such preventive measures are more effective when done together,” he said.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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In another history-making move for Saudi Arabia, three female cultural attaches have been appointed, which is a first for the nation.
The appointment was made by the Education Minister for the Kingdom, Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, who determined the new positions of the three Saudi women, all of whom are educators, according to the nation’s state news agency.

Fahda bint Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh has been appointed as cultural attache in Ireland; Dr. Amal bint Jameel Fatani has been appointed cultural attache in the UK; and Dr. Yusra bint Hussain Al-Jazairi has been appointed as acting cultural attache in Morocco.

#وزير_التعليم يصدر قرارات تكليف عدد من الملحقين الثقافيين في دول خليجية وعربية وصديقة من بينهم ثلاث سيدات؛ يتقلدن هذا المنصب للمرة الأولى، وذلك تمكيناً للمرأة السعودية لخدمة وطنها وقيادتها.https://t.co/CoFDoNU8HJ pic.twitter.com/scGn1VQSGZ
— وزارة التعليم – جامعي (@mohe_sa) August 2, 2020

Three other appointments for cultural attaches were also made – Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Al-Furaih for Egypt; Dr. Issa bin Fahd Al-Rumaih for Jordan; and Dr. Saad bin Mohammed Al-Shabana for Kuwait.
READ: ‘Historical’ court ruling in Saudi Arabia will benefit equality for women
This latest appointment of the three female cultural attaches is just one of the many things have changed for women in the last few years in the Kingdom, since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in 2017.
Under his Vision 2030 initiative, an ambitious post-oil economic plan, there has been a major focus on women’s rights in the Kingdom.
Just three months after he stepped into the role in 2017, the Crown Prince revealed in a royal decree, women would be able to secure driving licenses from June 2018.
Then, in March 2018, it was announced by the Ministry of Justice that women who are divorced in the country would be able to instantly retain custody of their children.
Under his plans, women are now also able to attend sports events in stadiums in three cities, female students in the Kingdom are now allowed to carry their phones while on campus and as of August 2019, women aged over 21 are now allowed to travel independently.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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Air travel has significantly changed in the last few months, and since August 1 passengers coming into Dubai have to obtain a negative PCR test before flying.
Luckily, Emirates has continued to make it as easy as possible for Dubai bound travellers and has now added more approved testing centres from around the world to its original list where a PCR nasal swab can be done.

It’s a significant increase, making the whole process a lot smoother. Note that your negative test has to be obtained 96 hours before flying to Dubai.
According to the release, passengers travelling from the UK can use any NHS clinic or laboratory “but the PCR test has to be approved by the Public Health authority e.g. Public Health England, Wales or Scotland”.

Those flying in from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh can get their negative test certificate from a facility approved by Pure Health.

Test requirement is applied to anyone flying into Dubai, whether as a tourist, resident, or connecting passenger, and you can check out the full list here.
Those coming from these 29 countries will need to have an additional test done upon landing in Dubai and self-isolate until they receive their results.
Emirates can also assist residence visa holders with acquiring the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) before booking their flight back.
Children under the age of 12 or with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from PCR testing.
Keep an eye on the Emirates website for more helpful information, including a recent announcement that the airline is now offering free cover for COVID-19 medical costs.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid recently celebrated a milestone in their relationship, their one year anniversary, and now the couple have just reached another milestone – adopting a new “tiny best friend”.
The pair took to Instagram to share they had adopted a rescue puppy named Dexter, posting some adorable photos of their new addition to their family.

“Our tiny best friend Dexter!!!” the singer said. “Thank you @thelabellefoundation HE’S PERFECT.”

Posting some more photos on his Instagram, Hadid referred to their new puppy as “our spirit companion”, adding that “some things are just meant [to] be”.

The couple began dating in June last year but didn’t go public with their relationship until about a month later.
Hadid, 20, and Lipa, 24, were previously self-isolating together in the singer’s hometown of London due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it appears the couple are now in the USA as they have been seen with Hadid’s siblings Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, who were quarantining together in Pennsylvania.
Speaking on her time in quarantine with her boyfriend, British-Albanian singer Lipa told Good Morning Britain she and Hadid were “used to making anywhere a home”.
“We travel a lot, so this is fine,” she explained. “It’s been really, really good. We’re good at doing our things, then coming together when we want to watch a movie or play a game or do some painting or go on our daily walk.”
Well, their daily walks will be even better now they have a loyal pooch to join them.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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Twitter was overwhelmed with emotional reactions to Elissa’s latest, and possibly last, album.
The Lebanese singer dropped the 18-track compilation on August 1 titled Sahbit Raey– translates to ‘Opinion Giver’.

Met with widespread love for the artist, many have shared their thoughts on social media, including TV personality Zaven who wrote:
“So much story telling. So much emotions. So much love. So modern. So sweet and so bitter. It’s not a farewell as it might sound. It is a story of a woman who is starting over. #صاحبة_رأي #اليسا love it. Alf mabrouk. @elissakh”

Beirut… it all goes back to you ❤️I am very happy with the feedback I am getting on the album, and it makes me so happy to show that Lebanese people have the power to overcome everything to live in peace and happiness. To my lovely country Lebanon 🇱🇧
— Elissa (@elissakh) August 1, 2020

Sahbit Raey is available through Rotana Music’s YouTube channel and streaming platform Deezer, and follows the release of its lead single ‘Sahbit Raey’ a week ago.
Elissa was quick to respond to her fans on Twitter, writing: “I am very happy with the feedback I am getting on the album, and it makes me so happy to show that Lebanese people have the power to overcome everything to live in peace and happiness. To my lovely country Lebanon.”
This album release is something that the fans have been waiting for, especially after she announced last year that this could be her last album, saying:
“I am preparing this new album with a lot of love and passion. The reason is that it will be the last one in my career.”

I am preparing this new album with a lot of love and passion. The reason is that it will be the last one in my career. I am announcing this with a heavy heart but with a lot of conviction because I can’t work in a field that is similar to mafias. I can’t be productive anymore
— Elissa (@elissakh) August 19, 2019

She then went on to explain that she can’t continue to work in an industry that in her eyes is like the ‘mafia’.
Officially the most popular Arabic singer after reaching 10 million Twitter followers, she has sold over 30 million albums, and received the World Music Award for Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist on three occasions.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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As coronavirus continues to affect everyone across the world, Gigi and Bella Hadid’s father, Mohamed Hadid, is sending an important message to everyone: wear a mask.
Ensuring he’s also looking stylish, the Palestinian-American property tycoon wore a mask designed by Palestinian designer Noor Subeh.

“Stay safe for others to keep yourself safe from others,” the 71-year-old captioned the photo, wearing one of Subeh’s mask designs.
The fashion designer, who is based in Los Angeles, runs her own brand called Noor Alla Moda, which is still relatively unknown. So much so, Suleh describes herself as a “fashion designer in the making”.

However, receiving a shout out from the father of two of the world’s top models will certainly help her on her journey.

As Hadid was born in Palestine, his children have continually vocalised how proud they are to be part-Palestinian.
Just recently, his youngest daughter Bella called out Instagram for a deleting a post she made to her story of Hadid’s, passport stating his birthplace as Palestine.
The supermodel revealed the social media platform took down her Instagram story, sharing a screenshot stating the post had violated their community guidelines.
Along with the screengrab the 23-year-old said, “Instagram removed my story that only said ‘My baba and his birthplace of Palestine’ with a photograph of his American passport.”
“Are we not allowed to be Palestinian on Instagram?” she continued. “This, to me, is bullying. You can’t erase history by silencing people. It doesn’t work like that.”
Hadid has previously opened up about her father’s heritage in an interview with Porter magazine in 2017.
“My dad was a refugee when he first came to America, so it’s actually very close to home for my sister and brother and me,” she said. “He was always religious, and he always prayed with us. I am proud to be a Muslim.”
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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