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    Lionel Messi’s historic FIFA World Cup jerseys to be auctioned at Sotheby’s

    Emirates Man

    by Ruman Baig
    1 hour ago

    In an exciting move in the world of sports memorabilia, Sotheby’s is set to auction a remarkable collection of six match-worn shirts donned by football legend Lionel Messi during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
    Expected to become the most valuable sports memorabilia collection ever sold, these jerseys, worn in the Final, Semi-final, Quarter-final, Round of 16, and key Group Stage matches, provide fans and collectors a tangible link to Messi’s triumphant journey.
    The auction, orchestrated by US-based tech startup AC Momento, showcases Sotheby’s role in the thriving sports memorabilia market. Attracting a new wave of collectors, more than 50% of bidders and buyers are newcomers to Sotheby’s, with half under the age of 40.
    The auction house, known for setting benchmarks with memorabilia from icons like Michael Jordan, Diego Maradona, Kobe Bryant, and Tom Brady, recently earned the title of The Official Game Worn Source of the NBA.

    This momentous event marks the one-year anniversary of Messi’s historic World Cup victory. After captivating the world with a stellar performance, Messi and Argentina triumphed over defending champions France in what is widely regarded as the greatest football match of all time. The shirts, meticulously preserved by AC Momento, are now estimated to fetch over $10 million in the upcoming auction.
    Beyond the excitement of the auction, there’s a philanthropic touch. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the UNICAS Project, a collaboration between Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital and the Leo Messi Foundation. This initiative aims to support children suffering from rare diseases, building on the foundation’s existing work with the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cancer Center.
    From November 30 to December 14, the public will have the opportunity to view this extraordinary collection at Sotheby’s New York in a free exhibition. The shirts, steeped in the history of Messi’s monumental achievement, serve not only as coveted collector’s items but also contribute to a noble cause.
    As the auction unfolds, all eyes are on whether Messi’s jerseys will surpass the current sports memorabilia records. Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey holds the top spot at $10.1 million, followed closely by Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt, which sold for $9.3 million. Sotheby’s, a trailblazer in the realm of sports memorabilia, is once again poised to make history with this iconic collection from the world’s greatest football player.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @lionelmessi More

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    Major milestone: Official approval granted for common GCC tourism visa

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 hour ago

    In a groundbreaking move, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have given the green light to a revolutionary GCC tourism visa, reminiscent of the Schengen model.
    This momentous decision was announced by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during a gathering of regional interior ministers at the GCC summit in Muscat, Oman, on November 8.
    Emphasizing the significance of this new visa, the Secretary General hailed it as a remarkable achievement for the region. He also stressed the need for the timely implementation of the GCC tourist visa within a specific timeframe.
    A recent statement by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, indicated that the unified tourism visa could become a reality by 2025. The minister explained that the rollout would be contingent upon the development of specific regulations and legislation. If all internal systems of the participating countries are prepared, the launch is anticipated between 2024 and 2025.

    | “أقرَّ أصحاب المعالي والسمو مواضيع هامة أبرزها:١- التأشيرة السياحية الخليجية الموحدة.٢- ربط المخالفات المرورية إلكترونيًا بين دول المجلس.٣- إعداد استراتيجية شاملة لمكافحة المخدرات.”
    |بيان الأمين العام معالي جاسم البديوي عقب الاجتماع الـ40 لأصحاب السمو والمعالي وزراء… pic.twitter.com/zo8OFXAs03
    — Hala FM | هلا أف أم (@Halafmradio) November 8, 2023

    The introduction of a GCC common tourism visa is set to revolutionize travel in the region. Once operational, visitors can utilize a single tourism visa to explore all six GCC states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
    This visionary initiative aligns with the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, aiming to boost the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP by fostering increased inter-GCC travel and raising hotel occupancy rates. The ultimate goal is to position the GCC as a premier global destination for both regional and international tourists, as articulated by the UAE Minister.
    The UAE’s Minister of Economy highlighted that this tourism visa is not only a simplification of travel logistics but also a catalyst for an upsurge in tourism across the region.
    This strategic move is poised to make regional travel more accessible and attractive within the next two years.
    For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: Feature Image: @visitdubai More

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    GCC nations set to unveil unified tourist visa by 2024-25

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    In a significant development for tourism in the GCC region, the UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri, has disclosed plans to introduce a unified Gulf tourist visa within the next two years. This visa will grant travelers access to all six GCC countries.
    The decision to launch this unified visa was unanimously agreed upon during the seventh meeting of GCC tourism ministers, which took place in Oman earlier this month. While the specifics and legislation for this initiative are yet to be finalized, the expected implementation timeframe is set between 2024 and 2025, contingent on the readiness of each GCC member state’s internal systems.
    Minister Al-Marri has also revealed that the UAE is gearing up to welcome international tourists in the wake of the unified visa’s introduction. Simultaneously, the UAE is diligently crafting a tourism route connecting its seven emirates.

    #GCC unified tourist visa to be introduced between 2024 and 2025: Al Marri tells WAM #WamNews https://t.co/K43AJqU080 pic.twitter.com/BYeSCKX3je
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) October 23, 2023

    Emphasizing the broader vision, Minister Al-Marri told Emirates News Agency (WAM), “This initiative is an integral component of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, aimed at increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP by fostering inter-GCC travel and bolstering hotel occupancy rates, thereby positioning the GCC as a premier global destination for both regional and international tourists.”
    Currently, the tourism sector contributes 14 percent to the UAE’s GDP, and the goal is to elevate this figure to 18 percent, aligning with the nation’s strategic tourism objectives.
    Furthermore, the GCC countries’ joint tourism strategy for the period 2023-2030 targets an annual increase of 7 percent in inbound travel to the region. Notably, the number of visitors to GCC countries surged to 39.8 million in the previous year, marking a remarkable 136.6 percent increase over 2021.
    With a single visa, tourists will gain the opportunity to explore the six-member Gulf bloc, which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. According to Minister Al-Marri, the visa is on track for implementation in 2024 or 2025, pending the finalization of regulations and procedures.
    This forward-looking step mirrors the aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s 2030 strategy, which seeks to heighten the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: Feature Image: @visitdubai More

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    7 of the best restaurants in Qatar’s capital city Doha

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    43 mins ago

    From sensational interiors to an array of unforgettable dishes, Doha boasts a flourishing restaurant scene.
    For all the must-try fine dining havens, Emirates Woman has created a guide of all the places to embark on in Qatar’s bustling capital.
    Hakkasan

    This globally renowned restaurant brand opened in Qatar’s capital back in 2013. Located in the opulent St Regis Hotel, Hakkasan Doha has two private dining rooms, an elegant main dining room, an outdoor terrace and a bar and lounge. It’s open from Monday to Sunday, 6pm to 11:30pm and on Fridays and Saturdays for brunch and lunch respectively from 12pm to 4pm.
    For more information visit hakkasan.com
    Morimoto

    Drawing inspiration from both Japanese tradition and Western culinary techniques, Morimoto offers hidden layers of flavour through every dish. With a luxurious dining experience in a 16-seat sushi bar or the main dining area, guests can enjoy the sophisticated area for exclusive dinners and business meetings as it’s open daily from 6pm till 11pm. Located at West Bay Lagoon in Doha, Morimoto offers the best in the fine-dining world.
    For more information visit sbe.com
    IZU

    With another of Chef Izu’s delightful creations, IZU explores the gastronomic world of culinary as each dish is inspired by the chef’s varied works and travels. Promising a memorable dining experience, it uses the finest produce as the restaurant comprises of three seating areas overlooking the Barahat Msheireb. Open all day from 9am to 11pm, it’s located at the Mandarin Oriental hotel.
    For more information visit mandarinoriental.com
    Nobu

    Perched right above the Arabian Gulf, is Chef Nobuyuki’s signature haven with new-style Japanese cuisine at the world’s largest Nobu restaurant in Doha. From the famous black cod to the Nobu style wagyu beef, guests have an array of dishes to choose from. Located at the Four Seasons, it’s open from Monday to Saturday 6pm to 11pm and for brunch on Friday from 1pm to 4pm.
    For more information visit noburestaurants.com
    Three Sixty Restaurant

    This unique restaurant is located on the 47th floor of the torch in Doha, making it the only revolving haven in the city. Making it a must-visit for any visitor, it offers Mediterranean cuisine and breathtaking panoramic views of the Doha skyline. It’s open on weekdays from 6pm to 10:30pm and weekends from 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 10:30pm.
    For more information visit thetorchdoha.com.qa
    Mosaic

    Serving classic dishes from around the world, Mosaic takes center stage with a lively ambience and an authentic dining experience as it offers a mesmerizing backdrop of the city. Influenced by local materials and shapes, the restaurant’s interiors are inspired by the country’s pearling heritage. From an Arabic grill to the traditional bread oven, the dishes are designed for a culinary journey inspired by the famed Silk Route. Located at the Mandarin Oriental, it’s open daily from 11am to 11pm.
    For more information visit mandarinoriental.com
    Spice Market

    With the best of southeast Asian street food served on a plate, Spice Market is a luxe dining space with handcrafted screens created for intimate moments which are sure to illuminate your night. The delicious dishes are curated by Chef Vongerichten and the restaurant also offers picturesque views of the city’s skyline. Spice Market is open daily except for Friday from 12pm to 4pm and dinner from 7pm to 11:30pm and Thursday & Friday until 12am. The restaurant is located at W Doha Hotel & Residences, West Bay.
    For more information visit spicemarketdoha.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature image: Instagram @hakkasan More

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    New Schengen-style visa for GCC countries will ease travel across the region

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    31 mins ago

    The Schengen-style approach will allow travellers to roam across all GCC countries in a hassle-free manner.
    Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. After this change is implemented, tourists from across the globe can plan a trip to all these countries without worrying about multiple visas.

    The important announcement came under light at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Bahrain said,”We see that happening very soon because we see people flying from abroad to Europe usually spending their time in several countries rather than in one country. We really saw the value this can bring not to each country but all of us.”
    Pointing to last year’s FIFA World Cup as a successful “test pilot” in terms of GCC collaboration, she further added, “We have huge opportunity, the effort is in how to unify all the countries in the GCC. We had 9.9 million visitors in 2022. How? There was one key initiative that year, we started to co-promote Bahrain as a unified destination with the GCC.

    With tourism becoming a major money-making arm across GCC, this initiative will further accelerate the revenue that travellers bring in.
    While there is yet to be an announcement about the offical implementation and the timeline, but so far, this unified effort feels like a step in the right direction.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    The Ned Doha redefines elevated luxury

    Lifestyle

    by Amy Sessions
    1 hour ago

    Founded in 2017, The Ned originated in London in the former Midland Bank headquarters, designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens in 1924, and opened its second location, The Ned NoMad, in the renowned 1903 Johnston building in New York City in 2022.
    This third Ned location is set over five floors in the former site of the Ministry of Interior, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Doha’s skyline, and features 90 bedrooms and suites, seven public restaurants, a pool and club lounge, a health club with spa, salon, and fitness centre, and a new 775sqm (8,350sq ft) event space for large-scale conferences, events, and receptions.
    “Five years after launching The Ned in London, we are excited to open in Doha. We are really excited to occupy one of the city’s most architecturally significant buildings, comprising of a hotel, multiple restaurants and its own private members’ club” said Gareth Banner, Group Managing Director, The Ned. “We look forward to providing our guests and members with a distinct experience, welcoming them to stay, connect, eat and have a good time.”
    The Stay
    Originally designed in the 1960s by Lebanese architect William Sednaoui, the unique brutalist style building has been redesigned by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin with interiors by Soho House Design. Since the property is one of the most historically important in the destination, all renovations and design touch points were implemented in line with Qatar’s noble mission to preserve, modernise, and repurpose its significant buildings.
    The Dining
    The Ned Doha offers seven restaurants open to all. Situated in the centre of the hotel, Cecconi’s serves Northern Italian classics from hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas to Venetian-inspired seafood dishes, with an open kitchen, and a centered, walk-aroundbar with high-back seating serving cocktailsand an international wine selection. Kaia serves Pan-Asian cuisine, with signature dishes from Southeast Asia and Hawaii including sushi, poke bowls, and mains slowcooked on a robata grill, served in a space with a marble-topped counter, jade-green cushioned seating, and bulbous chandeliers.
    The Wellness
    Situated on the top floor with panoramic views of the city is Ned’s Club Spa, offering members and hotel guests a menu of treatments using skincare brands such as Cowshed, as well as sauna, steam room, and traditional Hammam. The health club is also home to Ned’s Club Gym, a fitness and studio space with state-of-the-art equipment, a wide range of classes ranging from Zumba to kickboxing, and a separate, private gym space for women.

    April’s – The Elevate Issue – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Qatar eases entry rules for GCC residents and citizens

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    Looking to travel to Qatar soon? Well, there’s some good news for non-ticket holders for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
    Starting from today, December 6, GCC residents and citizens as per the Ministry of Interiors can enter through all access points at the airports without tickets to the World Cup or a Hayya card.

    #Ministry_of_Interior announces that citizens and residents of #GCC countries will be allowed to enter the country through its various ports without #Hayya_card for non-ticket holders as of today, Tuesday, December 6, 2022. #QNA pic.twitter.com/gXKTm0CReM
    — Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 6, 2022

    The rule also extends to motorists who wish to enter the country through land borders from Thursday, December 8, 2022. However, an entry permit will need to be applied for 12 hours in advance through the ministry’s portal with no additional fee.
    For those who wish to attend the World Cup matches will still need to register in the Hayya online application in order to enter the stadiums. Overall, the card serves as a fan ID and grants ticket holders free access to the metro and bus services on games days.
    With the tournament set to run until December 18, 2022, GCC residents and citizens can seamlessly enter the country hassle-free without any additional requirements.
    If you’re looking to pay a visit soon and are in need of an itinerary of fine-dining havens to visit in Doha, Emirates woman has curated a guide of restaurants with sensational interiors and unforgettable dishes to try.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @seefromthesky More

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    Bella Hadid visits Palestine exhibition while in Qatar with her father

    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