More stories

  • in

    Video: Sheikha Hissa Al Maktoum celebrates major victory at UK racing event

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    The Dubai royal family is known for their affinity and passion for horses, some of which has largely been shaped by the late His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the former Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
    The late sheikh was also the founder of Shadwell Racing, a global racing and breeding enterprise involving both Thoroughbred and Arabian horses, which has seen success worldwide.
    His Highness’ legacy lived on at the recent Sussex Stakes in the UK, where stallion Baaeed was victorious and is regarded as perhaps one of the best racehorses in the world.

    The late sheikh’s daughter, Her Highness Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was at the race reverently watching on as Baaeed triumphantly crossed the finish line in Group 1.
    “For me and my family he means the world,” Sheikha Hissa told Racing TV following Baaeed’s victory, adding that it was a special moment to see the racehorse’s triumph, particularly as he’s from the lineage her later father bred.
    “It’s good to see one of our best horses coming from that lineage that my father worked hard on,” she said.

    Celebrating the victory of four-year-old Baaeed with Sheikh Hissa was jockey Jim Crowley and trainer William Haggas.
    Also close to Sheikha Hissa was her father, whom she paid tribute to with a badge of his photo on her pale pink abaya.
    We’re sure her father would be incredibly proud of his daughter as she continues to champion his legacy.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images/Media: Instagram More

  • in

    Watch: Sheikh Mohammed praised for being a ‘humble leader’ in viral TikTok video

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is known for being very much in touch with the people of the UAE and a new viral video has proven exactly why.
    In a video posted to social media platform TikTok, footage was captured of the Dubai Ruler on a recent outing in Motor City. His Highness, in the company of a few others, is seen walking towards his car, which is emblazoned with the well-known number one number plate, opening the door and getting in.
    While the action in itself is very simple, it speaks volumes, as many users noted in the comments of the video, which has now been viewed over one million times.

    @rajanoman888 #king👑of dubai #shaikh zayed in moter city✌️💫💫@DXB 🇦🇪 life ♬ Habibi (Albanian Remix) – Ricky Rich & Dardan

    Sheikh Mohammed has been lauded as a “humble”  and “great” leader by viewers.
    “Because people love him, he doesn’t need much security,” one user commented.
    “You see the [difference] no 50 security members and cameras everywhere [because] he made sure the country is a safe place for everyone,” another said.
    Another also added, “What a great leader, which is [a] lesson to [the] world.”
    The safest place in the world
    The safety of UAE citizens and residents has continually been reflected in the leadership of the country.
    Last year in November in an official report by Gallup, it was found the UAE is the safest place to walk alone, with 95 per cent of the country’s residents feel safe, especially when walking alone at night.
    Sheikh Mohammed himself shared his pride in the ranking, noting how safe the UAE was for women and how they can walk home, be it day or night, “without fear”.
    “Security is a blessing and safety is tranquillity,” he said. “If a woman wanders alone at any hour of the day or night without fear, she knows that she is in the Emirates.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Media: TikTok, Feature Image: Dubai Media Office More

  • in

    In pics: Oman’s Sultan and wife attend Crown Prince’s military graduation

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, and his wife Sayyida Ahad bint Abdulla bin Hamad Al Busaidiyah proudly watched on as their son, Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, the Crown Prince of Oman, graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK over the weekend.
    As a guest of honour at the ceremony, Sultan Haitham inspected the line of graduates, which included his son and also his nephew.

    In official photographs shared on the Oman Royal Family Instagram account, the Crown Prince had a huge smile on his face as his father passed by him in the line-up.
    Other portraits were also shared of Sultan Haitham, Sayyida Ahad bint Abdulla, Crown Prince Theyazin and his brother, Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said who was also in attendance.
    For the ceremony, Sayyida Ahad bint Abdulla wore a stunning blue abaya and shayla set by Omani designer Amal Al Raisi.

    The Crown Prince of Oman was one of 103 graduates from Sandhurst and was one of nine international cadets who underwent the rigorous eight-week training course.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Oman Royal Family Instagram  More

  • in

    This video proves Sheikh Hamdan is the most down-to-earth crown prince

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    15 minutes ago

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has just shown he is a truly down-to-earth royal.
    The Crown Prince of Dubai is currently in London, where he regularly spends time, and was stopped by two Dubai residents in the UK’s capital.
    In a video captured by Sheikh Hamdan’s friend Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi, the royal is seen interacting with the two fans.
    Sheikh Hamdan, affectionately known as Fazza, was in his car driving in the city when he was stopped for some photos by the two individuals.

    Not ever one to say no to a photo, Dubai’s Crown Prince enthusiastically posed with the fans, even helping them to get the right shot.
    At one point in the video, the male fan says “Sorry to bother you” but Fazza responded saying, “No, it’s okay”, also shaking his hand.
    The video has gone somewhat viral on Instagram, having garnered nearly 300,000 views in 24 hours and nearly 20,000 likes.
    Regular visitor
    His Highness is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom, as are many other members of the Dubai royal family.
    Most recently, Sheikh Hamdan was photographed at Royal Ascot in June where the Crown Prince of Dubai was seen in the company of British royals, Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

    It was a day of celebration for the royal as Godolphin – the Dubai royal family’s private Thoroughbred horseracing stable – was victorious at the St James’s Palace Stakes Group 1 flat horse race. Godolphin’s horse Coroebus, ridden by jockey William Buick, came first in the race.
    With a known passion for horses, His Highness is ensuring he passes his passion down to his children, twins Rashid and Sheikha. Last year, on another trip to the UK, the doting father took the twins to Godolphin stables, located in the English countryside, to visit the stallions.
    The Crown Prince of Dubai shared two photos of himself holding baby Rashid, who was dressed in blue, and with horse Adayar.

    “Training and education should start early on,” Sheikh Hamdan captioned the post.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images/ Media: Instagram More

  • in

    Mabrook! Sheikh Mohammed welcomes a new grandchild on his birthday

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, celebrated his 73rd birthday last week.
    It turns out it was an extra special day for the Dubai Ruler as he welcomed a new addition to the family, a grandson.
    Sheikh Mohammed’s son, His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his wife Hessa Beljafla welcomed their fifth child together on Friday, July 15.
    As reported by Arabian Royal Agency, the couple named the newborn Maktoum.
    Sheikh Majid and his wife wed back in 2014 and welcomed twins Mohammed and Dubai the following year in July 2015.

    The couple then had another daughter Maitha in May 2017 and another son Rashid in February 2019.
    To mark the birth of his new son, Sheikh Majid shared a photo of himself with his five children on Instagram. The newborn Maktoum was being held by his eldest brother Mohammed.
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is known for being a family man, particularly when it comes to his grandchildren.
    During Eid Al Fitr celebrations back in May, His Highness was seen with 23 of his grandchildren in a photograph posted by his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

  • in

    In pics: 10 incredible Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid moments throughout the years

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has always been a source of inspiration for many in the UAE and across the globe throughout the years.
    As the Dubai Ruler marks his 73rd birthday today, July 15, we look back on some of His Highness’ special moments over the years.
    Family man at heart
    While Sheikh Mohammed is one of the key figureheads of this nation, he’s also a family man at heart, particularly when it comes to spending time with his grandchildren. His Highness is regularly seen doting on his grandchildren.
    To mark the end of Ramadan, during Eid Al Fitr, this year, the Dubai Ruler was at a family gathering with 23 of his grandchildren in a photo posted by his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

    True people person

    Time and time again the Dubai Ruler has proven he’s very in touch with his people. A perfect example of this was when he surprised a group of students at Expo 2020 Dubai earlier this year.
    In a video shared on Instagram, the group of schoolchildren were lined up posing for a photo, but what they were unaware of was that His Highness was standing right behind them. The footage, shared by Khalifa Saeed on Instagram, showed the children being treated to a royal surprise. His Highness then took the time to have a chat with the students.
    Changing lives

    Being the compassionate individual he is, the Dubai Ruler is always ensuring he helps those who are less fortunate.
    In February 2021, Sheikh Mohammed pledged Dhs8 million to Massar Mundharr and her daughter who was suffering from a degenerative disease and needed urgent treatment. The little girl was diagnosed with type 2 spinal muscle atrophy which leads to the motor neuron nerve cells in the brain which enable the body to speak, walk, breathe, talk and more. Mundar and her husband were told by doctors at Al Jalila Hosptial that His Highness had agreed to cover Laveen’s medical costs.
    When he met his biggest fan

    Four years ago, in January 2017, the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award ceremony was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented policewoman Halima Al Matroushi the award for Best Administrative Employee. However, chose not to receive the award herself. Instead, she let her mother take her place up on stage.
    Al Matroushi’s mother has always dreamt of meeting Sheikh Mohammed, so when her daughter realised it was a possibility, she gave her the opportunity.
    Advocating young talent
    Sheikh Mohammed has consistently championed young talent in the region.
    In 2020, His Highness sent a heartfelt message to an Emirati student who has graduated from university.
    The Ruler of Dubai first met student Fatima Ahmad Bin Bakhit Al Nuaimi four years ago, posted the sweet message on Twitter.

    قبلة على رأس ابنتي في ٢٠١٦ لأنها حازت المركز الأول على مستوى الدولة في تحدي القراءة .. تخرجت أمس من جامعة نيويورك بأبوظبي بتفوق .. مبروك لابنتي فاطمة النعيمي.. الوطن يُزهر بكم .. الوطن ينمو بالقراءة ..الوطن يعلو بالعلم .. pic.twitter.com/Y52AUgH3EI
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 28, 2020

    “I had laid a kiss on my daughter’s head in 2016 as she ranked first at the state level in the reading challenge,” His Highness said. “Yesterday, my daughter Fatima Al Nuaimi graduated from Abu Dhabi New York University with distinction.
    “Congratulations. The country flourishes with you, thrives in reading and rises with knowledge.”
    Along with the message, Sheikh Mohammed shared two photos – one of their first meeting in 2016 and one of Al Nuaimi’s recent remote graduation.
    Looking to space
    At the start of December 2017, he put the call out for young people who were keen to be the first Emiratis in space.
    “The people of the UAE will break new barriers; nothing can stand in the way of those who believe nothing is impossible,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Instagram. “Our ambitious goals are fuelled by dedicated people, who support us until, without hesitation or scepticism, we succeed.”
    His Highness has gone on to spearhead the UAE making a mark in space, in particular with the Emirates Mars Mission where the Hope Probe entered the planet’s orbit in February 2021.
    Royal friends

    Back in 2017, Sheikh Mohammed met with the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Windsor Endurance Race, and from the looks of things, they had a great time together. At the time, the Dubai Media Office said the pair of royals discussed “historic ties, friendship, and cooperation between the UAE and the United Kingdom”.
    A helping hand
    Throughout the years, Sheikh Mohammed has ensured offering humanitarian aid is a big priority for the UAE.
    In 2020, after the catastrophic explosion in Lebanon leaving around 300,000 people homeless and many injured, His Highness ordered 30 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to be sent immediately on his personal aircraft in response to the devastating blast.

    Looking to the future
    In August 2020, the Ruler of Dubai opened a new medical research centre has opened in Dubai that not only studies COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases. The Dhs300 million centre aims to study an array of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and more.

    .@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

    Praising the women of the nation
    Honouring women across the UAE, the Ruler of Dubai issued a message in August 2020.
    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
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    Princess Iman of Jordan announces engagement to Jameel Alexander Thermiotis

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Congratulations are in order for the Jordanian royal family.
    Princess Iman, the eldest daughter of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, has announced her engagement to Jameel Alexander Thermiotis.
    The joyous news was announced in a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court.
    A portrait of the happy couple on the court’s official Instagram page.

    Queen Rania also shared the photo on her own Instagram page, congratulating her “dearest Iman” and her husband-to-be.
    “Congratulations my dearest Iman; your smile has always been a gift of love that I’ve cherished since the day you were born,” she said. “I wish you and Jameel a life filled with love and laughter!”
    What we know so far
    Little is known about Princess Iman’s fiancé, nor have any wedding details. What has been revealed by the Royal Hashemite Court is that the announcement was made in the presence of the 25-year-old’s parents, King Abdullah and Queen Rania, as well as her siblings, Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, and Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, in addition to members of Thermiotis’ family.
    The official portrait released also subtly showcased Princess Iman’s engagement ring, which appears to be a classic princess cut diamond. In the photograph, Princess Iman kept it classic, wearing a flowing ivory dress which complemented her fiancé’s navy blue suit which he paired with a white shirt.
    Congratulations to the happy couple!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    In pics: Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum spends time with elder members of the community

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum is continuing to give back to the local community.
    In her latest public outing, Sheikha Sana joined the ‘Discussions Across Generations’ event with the Ministry of Community Development.
    Her Highness was seen at Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates, where she spent time with elder members of the Dubai community.
    A series of photos were posted on the UAE royal’s official Instagram account, where she shared her “happiness and gratitude” to be able to attend the event.
    “I really enjoyed learning and interacting with the elder members of our community at Ski Dubai with the penguins as well as listening to their perspectives on technology and how it can enhance their lives for the better,” she said.

    Her Highness also praised the work of Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development; Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary of Social Development; and Alia Al Joker, Director of Family Development Department, for their efforts “towards building a better community for us all and for their contributions to these wonderful initiatives”.
    Just last month, Her Highness hosted a group of orphans and underprivileged children on a special outing in Dubai.
    In collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent, Sheikha Sana visited The Green Planet, the only indoor rainforest in the emirate, where she accompanied the children on this unique experience.
    Sheikha Sana previously shared with Emirates Woman, during our April 2021 cover shoot with Her Highness, her desire to give back to those less fortunate.
    “I was blessed to be born in the UAE, a safe haven to people from various backgrounds, where women are respected and treated equally, but I know that there are many who are not as blessed,” she said. “I hope to help change this by partnering with charities supporting the education of young children and women’s empowerment.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum Instagram  More