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    Last few days to catch Reel Palestine at Cinema Akil

    by

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    34 seconds ago

    Palestinian cinema rises: Stories of resilience and hope at Reel Palestine 2025, at Cinema Akil.
    The 11th Reel Palestine Film Festival promises an extraordinary cinematic journey, transforming Cinema Akil into a powerful platform for Palestinian storytelling from January 24th to February 2nd, 2025.

    Opening Night and Feature Films
    The festival opens with Mehdi Fleifel’s “To A Land Unknown”, a Cannes Film Festival selection that follows two young men risking everything for a brighter future. This powerful narrative sets the tone for a festival dedicated to illuminating Palestinian experiences.

    Featured Films Include:
    “A State of Passion” by Carol Mansour
    A harrowing documentary following Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah’s experiences in Gaza’s emergency rooms. Screening with a Q&A featuring the director and producer Muna Khalidi.
    “Life Is Beautiful” by Mohamed Jabaly
    A poignant reflection on family and perseverance amid war. Includes a special Q&A with the director.
    “Passing Dreams” by Rashid Masharawi
    A gripping narrative about a 12-year-old boy’s journey to find his missing bird. Virtual Q&A with the director available.
    “From Ground Zero”
    An extraordinary anthology of 22 short films captured over 11 months. Palestine’s official Oscars submission for 2025, already shortlisted.
    “Thank You for Banking with Us” by Laila Abbas
    A humorous and sharp critique of Sharia law inheritance practices. Making its Gulf Premiere.
    “Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958–1989” directed by Göran Hugo Olsson
    A unique documentary using archival footage to chronicle life in the region.
    “Voyage à Gaza” by Piero Usberti
    A reflective journey into young Palestinians’ lives through a foreign traveler’s perspective.

    Short Film Programs
    The festival features two diverse short film programs exploring themes of identity, resilience, and imagination:
    Program 1 Highlights:

    “Palestine Islands” – A refugee’s hopeful journey
    “Mar Mara” – A girl’s escape into imagination
    “An Orange From Yaffa” – A fraught journey through Israeli checkpoints (Academy Awards shortlisted)

    Program 2 Highlights:

    “In the Waiting Room” – Navigating identity in occupied Palestine
    “A Short Film About Kids” – A dreamlike refugee journey
    “Khaled and Nema” – A boy and his goat saving their village

    The Reel Palestine Souk
    Beyond films, the festival hosts a vibrant marketplace featuring:

    Nearly 60 local businesses
    18 businesses directly from Palestine
    Food, crafts, apparel, art, and books
    Located in Alserkal Avenue’s dynamic spaces

    Festival Details

    Dates: January 24th to February 2nd, 2025
    Venue: Cinema Akil
    Ticket Price: AED 52.50 (excluding VAT)
    Tickets available at www.cinemaakil.com

    The festival honors Hani Jawhareih, the founding father of Palestinian cinema, by showcasing films that amplify individual stories and celebrate resilience through artistic expression.
    As festival organizers emphasize, this is more than a film festival – it’s a powerful platform for connection, understanding, and celebrating the complexity of Palestinian identity through the transformative power of cinema.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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      Reel Palestine Film Festival at Cinema Akil begins: Everything to know

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      47 seconds ago

      Palestinian cinema rises: Stories of resilience and hope at Reel Palestine 2025, at Cinema Akil.
      The 11th Reel Palestine Film Festival promises an extraordinary cinematic journey, transforming Cinema Akil into a powerful platform for Palestinian storytelling from January 24th to February 2nd, 2025.

      Opening Night and Feature Films
      The festival opens with Mehdi Fleifel’s “To A Land Unknown”, a Cannes Film Festival selection that follows two young men risking everything for a brighter future. This powerful narrative sets the tone for a festival dedicated to illuminating Palestinian experiences.

      Featured Films Include:
      “A State of Passion” by Carol Mansour
      A harrowing documentary following Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah’s experiences in Gaza’s emergency rooms. Screening with a Q&A featuring the director and producer Muna Khalidi.
      “Life Is Beautiful” by Mohamed Jabaly
      A poignant reflection on family and perseverance amid war. Includes a special Q&A with the director.
      “Passing Dreams” by Rashid Masharawi
      A gripping narrative about a 12-year-old boy’s journey to find his missing bird. Virtual Q&A with the director available.
      “From Ground Zero”
      An extraordinary anthology of 22 short films captured over 11 months. Palestine’s official Oscars submission for 2025, already shortlisted.
      “Thank You for Banking with Us” by Laila Abbas
      A humorous and sharp critique of Sharia law inheritance practices. Making its Gulf Premiere.
      “Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958–1989” directed by Göran Hugo Olsson
      A unique documentary using archival footage to chronicle life in the region.
      “Voyage à Gaza” by Piero Usberti
      A reflective journey into young Palestinians’ lives through a foreign traveler’s perspective.

      Short Film Programs
      The festival features two diverse short film programs exploring themes of identity, resilience, and imagination:
      Program 1 Highlights:

      “Palestine Islands” – A refugee’s hopeful journey
      “Mar Mara” – A girl’s escape into imagination
      “An Orange From Yaffa” – A fraught journey through Israeli checkpoints (Academy Awards shortlisted)

      Program 2 Highlights:

      “In the Waiting Room” – Navigating identity in occupied Palestine
      “A Short Film About Kids” – A dreamlike refugee journey
      “Khaled and Nema” – A boy and his goat saving their village

      The Reel Palestine Souk
      Beyond films, the festival hosts a vibrant marketplace featuring:

      Nearly 60 local businesses
      18 businesses directly from Palestine
      Food, crafts, apparel, art, and books
      Located in Alserkal Avenue’s dynamic spaces

      Festival Details

      Dates: January 24th to February 2nd, 2025
      Venue: Cinema Akil
      Ticket Price: AED 52.50 (excluding VAT)
      Tickets available at www.cinemaakil.com

      The festival honors Hani Jawhareih, the founding father of Palestinian cinema, by showcasing films that amplify individual stories and celebrate resilience through artistic expression.
      As festival organizers emphasize, this is more than a film festival – it’s a powerful platform for connection, understanding, and celebrating the complexity of Palestinian identity through the transformative power of cinema.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Reel Palestine Film Festival at Cinema Akil begins today: Everything to know

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      50 seconds ago

      Palestinian cinema rises: Stories of resilience and hope at Reel Palestine 2025, at Cinema Akil.
      The 11th Reel Palestine Film Festival promises an extraordinary cinematic journey, transforming Cinema Akil into a powerful platform for Palestinian storytelling from January 24th to February 2nd, 2025.

      Opening Night and Feature Films
      The festival opens with Mehdi Fleifel’s “To A Land Unknown”, a Cannes Film Festival selection that follows two young men risking everything for a brighter future. This powerful narrative sets the tone for a festival dedicated to illuminating Palestinian experiences.

      Featured Films Include:
      “A State of Passion” by Carol Mansour
      A harrowing documentary following Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah’s experiences in Gaza’s emergency rooms. Screening with a Q&A featuring the director and producer Muna Khalidi.
      “Life Is Beautiful” by Mohamed Jabaly
      A poignant reflection on family and perseverance amid war. Includes a special Q&A with the director.
      “Passing Dreams” by Rashid Masharawi
      A gripping narrative about a 12-year-old boy’s journey to find his missing bird. Virtual Q&A with the director available.
      “From Ground Zero”
      An extraordinary anthology of 22 short films captured over 11 months. Palestine’s official Oscars submission for 2025, already shortlisted.
      “Thank You for Banking with Us” by Laila Abbas
      A humorous and sharp critique of Sharia law inheritance practices. Making its Gulf Premiere.
      “Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958–1989” directed by Göran Hugo Olsson
      A unique documentary using archival footage to chronicle life in the region.
      “Voyage à Gaza” by Piero Usberti
      A reflective journey into young Palestinians’ lives through a foreign traveler’s perspective.

      Short Film Programs
      The festival features two diverse short film programs exploring themes of identity, resilience, and imagination:
      Program 1 Highlights:

      “Palestine Islands” – A refugee’s hopeful journey
      “Mar Mara” – A girl’s escape into imagination
      “An Orange From Yaffa” – A fraught journey through Israeli checkpoints (Academy Awards shortlisted)

      Program 2 Highlights:

      “In the Waiting Room” – Navigating identity in occupied Palestine
      “A Short Film About Kids” – A dreamlike refugee journey
      “Khaled and Nema” – A boy and his goat saving their village

      The Reel Palestine Souk
      Beyond films, the festival hosts a vibrant marketplace featuring:

      Nearly 60 local businesses
      18 businesses directly from Palestine
      Food, crafts, apparel, art, and books
      Located in Alserkal Avenue’s dynamic spaces

      Festival Details

      Dates: January 24th to February 2nd, 2025
      Venue: Cinema Akil
      Ticket Price: AED 52.50 (excluding VAT)
      Tickets available at www.cinemaakil.com

      The festival honors Hani Jawhareih, the founding father of Palestinian cinema, by showcasing films that amplify individual stories and celebrate resilience through artistic expression.
      As festival organizers emphasize, this is more than a film festival – it’s a powerful platform for connection, understanding, and celebrating the complexity of Palestinian identity through the transformative power of cinema.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Happy birthday Bella Hadid: 5 reasons why we love the woman that you are

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      Bella Hadid, the younger Hadid sister, has quickly become one of the most sought-after supermodels in the world. With her striking features, captivating runway presence, and unwavering commitment to her passions, it’s no surprise that she has amassed a massive following. Today, as she celebrates her birthday, let’s delve into five reasons why we adore this incredible supermodel.

      Memorable Runway Moments

      One of Bella’s most memorable runway moments was at the Coperni show, for Paris Fashion Week in 2022. The technologically advanced dress was sprayed on to the supermodel and Bella played the perfect muse for the spectacular presentation. Besides this, her twinning moment with Kendall Jenner, when she opened the Off-White show in Paris is also remembered as one of her finest.

      A Voice for Palestinian Rights

      Fondly referred to as the Princess of Nazareth by her father Mohammed Hadid, Bella has always proudly acknowledged her heritage and the land she comes from. Beyond her modeling career, Bella is a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. As a proud Palestinian-American, she uses her platform to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle faced by Palestinians and to call for justice and equality. Her unwavering support for the Palestinian resistance has earned her admiration and respect from countless individuals around the world.

      A Passion for Equestrianism

      In addition to her modeling and activism, Bella is also a passionate equestrian rider. She has spent countless hours on her family’s farm, honing her skills and developing a deep connection with her horses. Equestrianism serves as a source of relaxation and tranquility for Bella, allowing her to escape the pressures of the fashion industry and reconnect with nature.

      Overcoming Challenges

      Bella has been open about her struggles with mental and physical health, including her battle with Lyme disease. Her candidness about her experiences has inspired others to seek help and to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. By sharing her story, Bella has become a role model for resilience and perseverance.

      Entrepreneurial Ventures

      Bella’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond her modeling career. She has launched her own perfume brand, Orabella, which reflects her personal style and aesthetic. The fragrance line is a testament to her creativity and business acumen, further showcasing her multifaceted talents.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @bellahadid More

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      Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo and other celebrities wear ceasefire pin at the 2024 Oscars

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      Life by Ruman Baig 28 mins ago Celebrities shine spotlight on humanitarian crisis in Palestine at 2024 Oscars. As the world tuned in to watch the glitz and glamour of the 96th Academy Awards, Hollywood’s biggest stars seized the spotlight to advocate for a cause close to their hearts: the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Amidst the dazzling array of designer gowns and tailored tuxedos on the red carpet, a different kind of statement emerged. Celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, and Ramy Youssef boldly sported red lapel pins adorned with an outstretched hand and a black heart, symbolizing their support for Artists for Ceasefire, a campaign aimed at demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. Billie Eilish & Finneas Outside the iconic Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars ceremony took place, a sizable crowd gathered in solidarity with Palestine, causing a stir and drawing attention to the ongoing conflict. Despite the glitz and glamour of the event, the message was clear: the plight of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire cannot be ignored. Mark Ruffalo During acceptance speeches, winners took the opportunity to amplify the call for peace. Jonathan Glazer, upon receiving the Oscar for Best International Feature, delivered a powerful message connecting his film’s themes to the present reality in Palestine. He urged viewers to reflect on the consequences of dehumanization and called for resistance against injustice. Over 400 members of the entertainment industry lent their voices to the cause by signing a letter addressed to US President Joe Biden. Ramy Youssef & Riz Ahmed As the cameras flashed and the world watched, Hollywood’s brightest stars used their platform not just to celebrate cinematic achievements but to shine a light on a pressing humanitarian issue. In a world often dominated by glitz and glamour, their voices rang out loud and clear: it’s time to end the violence and work towards a brighter future for all. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Featured Image: Getty Images & Instagram  More

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      All the Dubai-based businesses donating proceeds towards Gaza

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      3 hours ago

      Amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza, there’s a growing incentive to rally behind our local community.
      In an effort to support Palestinian victims, businesses based in Dubai are making significant contributions by dedicating their profits to aid causes in Palestine. Discover 5 homegrown enterprises actively donating their revenue to support Palestine.
      1. Maiz Dxb

      100% oftheir profits for a week has been redirected towards the Emiates Red Crescent Tarahum for Gaza.
      2. Pistachoux

      Until the end of October, Pistachoux will donate 100% profits to the Palestinian Children Releif Fund.
      3. One Life

      All revenue generated from their d3 branch last weekend (Oct 21-22) will be donated via miates Red Crescent for Gaza relief.
      4. Yava Dubai

      YAVA Dubai donated 100% of their profits to Tarahum – Emirates Red Crescent, collected over the last weekend.
      5. The Farm Restaurant

      If you dine at the The Farm from the 23rd – 27th October, 100% of our revenue will be donated to Tarahum – For Gaza through Emirates Red Cresent for those impacted.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram: @yavadubai More

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      Bella Hadid visits Palestine exhibition while in Qatar with her father

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      2 hours ago

      Many of the who’s who in fashion have touched down in Doha for the Qatar Creates October Edition, led under the patronage of Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, including supermodel Bella Hadid.
      As one of her first activities after touching down in Doha, the 26-year-old visited a new exhibition dedicated to Palestine with her father, Mohamed Hadid.
      Entitled ‘Labour of Love’, the exhibition explores the journey of tatreez embroidery, a key part of Palestine’s heritage and is “woven into the social, economic, and political fabric of Palestinian society, through different historical periods”.

      “This show brought tears to my eyes and even more pride for my beautiful Palestinian roots and people,” the model said. “I love you Qatar and I love you Palestine!”
      Hadid regularly pays tribute to Palestine, where her father is from. He’s previously shared how he doesn’t have “a single picture of me [as] when I was a baby I was just about 9 days old when I and my family were refugees to the refugee camps in Syria from Palestine”.
      Supermodels reunite
      Later on in the evening, Hadid was reunited with fellow supermodel Naomi Campbell for the opening night of Qatar Creates, where the pair were given a tour of the Museum of Islamic Art.

      Oozing style and glamour, Hadid wore a midi black dress featuring a series of gold buttons down the middle, paired with a black headscarf. Meanwhile, Campbell wore a black and white patterned jumpsuit.

      This Friday, Campbell will host a spectacular charity event to announce a new global initiative EMERGE in partnership with Qatar Creates. Over 1000 VIP guests from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, arts and business are set to attend.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Bella Hadid Instagram More

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      Bella Hadid pays a heartfelt tribute to her Palestinian roots

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      Bella Hadid never shies away from celebrating her Arab heritage and marking her birthday was no different.
      The supermodel turned 26 over the weekend and she made sure to pay tribute to her Palestinian roots.
      Indulging in some traditional cuisine, a Palestinian baker made a special kunafa cake just for Hadid in celebration of her birthday.

      Shadin Hamdan, the founder of Kanafa Cups, created a bespoke signature heart-shaped kunafa cake with a topper that read “Happy Birthday Bella”. Created with the bakery’s signature bright orange-hued phyllo dough, crushed pistachios and rose petals, Hadid was clearly overjoyed with the final outcome in images shared by the bakery founder.
      “This has been a dream of mine and I’m so excited!” Hamdan said. “This journey with Kanafa Cups really started as a dessert I was good at making for friends and family and turned into a business that made it all the way to Bella Hadid!
      “I never thought I would be writing this. Work hard and it will all pay off in the end.”
      This special dessert was gifted to the supermodel by the Palestinian makeup artist, Nadia Tayeh who plays a key role in creating Hadid’s red carpet looks.

      In a group celebration with her friends including Hadid, the birthday girl received another cake baked by her sister. The simple white cake highlighted symbols close to her heart such as the Palestinian flat, a pizza, a burger, and a butterfly logo for her brand Kin Euphorics’ making it a memorable birthday.
      With a close affinity to her culture, the model never misses an opportunity to pay homage to her culture and she is always vocal about her support for Palestine.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image & Feature Image: Instagram @kanafacups More

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      ‘It made me sad’: Bella Hadid’s regret at not growing up in a Muslim culture

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      3 hours ago

      Bella Hadid proudly embraces her Arab heritage any chance she gets, however, the supermodel has shared her regrets about not growing up in Muslim culture.
      In a recent interview with GQ discussing her debut acting role on the HBO series Ramy, the 25-year-old about her formative years and the difficulties she faced being “the only Arab girl in her class”.
      Born in Washington D.C. to her Palestinian father Mohamed Hadid and Dutch mother Yolanda Hadid, Hadid relocated to California when she was just four years old with her siblings, Gigi and Anwar, and their mother after her parents divorced.

      The model admits that a lot of her Palestinian side of the family lived in Washington DC, where she was born, but she was “extracted” from that when she moved to the west coast of the USA.
      “I would have loved to grow up and be with my dad every day and studying and really being able to practice, just in general being able to live in a Muslim culture,” she admitted in the interview. “But I wasn’t given that.”
      In fact, growing up just outside of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara, she felt like a part of her “was missing”.
      “I was never able to see myself in anything else, so I tried to just sit back,” she said. “For so long I was missing that part of me, and it made me really, really sad and lonely.”

      Despite not growing up surrounded by the influence of her father’s side of the family, Hadid proudly champions her Arab heritage and consistently advocates for the rights of Palestine.
      “I speak about [this stuff] for the elderly that are still living there that have never been able to see Palestine free, and for the children that can still grow up and have a beautiful life,” she told GQ.
      Hadid’s father himself is a refugee from Palestine. He’s previously shared how he doesn’t have “a single picture of me [as] when I was a baby I was just about 9 days old when I and my family were refugees to the refugee camps in Syria from Palestine”. After receiving Jordanian citizenship, the property tycoon relocated to the US where he has resided for a number of years.
      Back in 2020, the model paid tribute to her heritage by getting two tattoos in Arabic script which acknowledge her Palestinian background from her father’s side of the family.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Bella Hadid Instagram More