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    Anoud Al-Asmari becomes Saudi Arabia’s first international female referee

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    Saudi women are continuing to break barriers globally, especially in the world of sports.
    By making the nation proud, Anoud Al-Asmari has become the first Saudi international female football referee to receive the international badge from the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) according to the list announced by The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) published on Thursday on Twitter.

    الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم يعتمد قائمة الحكام السعوديين الدوليين لعام 2023 🔽 pic.twitter.com/MSnlsM5Gom
    — الاتحاد السعودي لكرة القدم (@saudiFF) January 5, 2023

    The list of Saudi international referees for 2023 released titles for eight arena referees, nine assistant referees and six video referees with a futsal referee, making Al-Asmari the only woman on the list.
    This announcement came one year after the KSA’s women’s football team won its first-ever international match, making history. The Greens Team witness a victorious moment as they won their first international game with Seychelles in February 2022.

    As one for the books, this historical moment also received an official congratulations from the renowned football player Péle on his personal Twitter account.
    By hoping to see more Saudi women compete in sports and reach professional levels globally, the leaders are taking all the necessary steps to ensure, women receive adequate representation and are change agents for future generations and bring about new reforms in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 vision.
    Saudi’s first women’s football league
    In November 2020, The Kingdom officially launched its first women’s football league after a lengthy postponement due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. With a total of 24 teams with over 600 players in different cities in the country, including Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh.
    Per the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), the league aims “to empower women to encourage them to become active and to participate in sports at the community level.”
    A big kudos to Saudi Arabia’s first female referee for paving the way for women in the future!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Saudi Arabia officially bans the abaya in exam halls

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    Saudi Arabia has seen numerous changes in the last few years, from opening cinemas to women being granted the right to drive.
    All female students will now need to abide by school uniform regulations during the examination period, by still adhering to the decency regulations for clothing.
    As per the latest announcement by the Saudi Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) along with the Ministry of Education, female students will no longer be allowed to wear the abaya in exam halls.
    This government organization is responsible for the planning, evaluation, assessment and accreditation of educational and training systems in the Kingdom.

    Previously in 2018, an announcement pertaining to the abaya no longer being legally enforced for women in the country, however, they have still continued to wear them until now.
    The reformation comes to keep in line with the nation’s 2030 vision that promotes women as an important part of the Kingdom’s strength. It aims to develop their talents, invest their energies, and provide them with the right opportunities to build their futures, contributing to the development of society.
    Other changes
    In recent times, more Saudi females have been appointed to top jobs, women are allowed to use government services without a male guardian’s consent, permits for the go-ahead of women’s gyms have been granted and women are able to secure driving licenses the news of which has been celebrated globally.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Pexels @thirdman More

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    Watch: Lebanese dance group Mayyas stun crowds in Saudi Arabia’s capital

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    Lebanese dance group Mayyas is continuing to wow crowds across the Middle East.
    Following their sensational performance in Dubai at the end of last month, the troupe made their way to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
    In footage obtained by Arab News, the Americas Got Talent winners stunned the audience during a performance in Riyadh which featured theatrics, acrobatics and more.

    #Lebanese dance troupe and @AGT winners @mayyasofficial put on an electrifying show in #SaudiArabia this week at @RiyadhSeason https://t.co/2M7tF6sMuE pic.twitter.com/XL3OBhVP2b
    — Arab News (@arabnews) November 23, 2022

    The dance group’s performance was part of the Riyadh Season zone, Boulevard World.
    How did it all begin?
    The Lebanese dance group won the most recent season of Americas Got Talent after showcasing a series of seamless dance performances, including their finale performance, where the team of 30 women “danced as one” in the words of the actress and judge, Sophia Vergara.
    The female-led dance group took home a $1 million (Dhs3.7 million) grand prize, with a host of congratulatory messages being shared on social media from the likes of celebrities such as Lebanese singer Maya Diab, Egyptian superstar Sherihan and more.
    The performance ended on a joyous note with the audience holding up the Lebanese flag as they cheered for the crew.
    After months of hard work, the group is now known globally with the group now making its mark in the Middle East.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram/Twitter  More

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    This luxe concept store is a must-visit in Riyadh and the UAE

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Imagine a place where you can dine, shop and host events all under one roof.
    Enter Wabi Sabi, a concept store which first opened in Saudi Arabia’s capital in 2019. Since then, the Kingdom’s first vegan dining haven has expanded into a conscious community with a venue now in the UAE. By adopting a holistic approach, the concept draws inspiration from its name which translates into beauty in imperfection.
    To ensure wellness remains at the forefront, the Japanese concept caters to the health-loving community of the region. With a focus on luxury clothing items, art and essential oils, the experts have taken a 360-degree approach to create an all-rounded creative space.

    A host of ethical brands across fashion, beauty, health and more are available which reflect the space’s eco-initiatives. This includes IAmBetter which offers health and beauty products that believe in the power of plants, technology, and human empathy. Through natural supplements, oils, balms, tonics and elixirs, the products take care of everything from hair, skin, nails, immunity and gut health.
    For energy healing, Piedras brings a range of healing stones that focus on vibration, energy, and handmade ready-to-wear pieces handmade in Venezuela. For contemporary and genderless upcycled pieces, Salad offers a host of upcycled timeless keepsakes that stand the true test of time.
    As a wellness sanctuary for events, the team of chefs and experts can create a bespoke experience according to the requirements of each brand. For like-minded individuals to grow, the space ensures each visitor connects with the other in the retail and well-being arena.

    By thinking beyond the Kingdom, the concept eventually opened in Al Quoz in Dubai in 2021 and in Mirdif and Sharjah with further plans for expansion.
    For customers to embrace a new era of healthy living, Wabi Sabi has something for everyone who enters.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Instagram  More

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    Andy Warhol’s ‘vibrant and iconic works’ to be showcased in Saudi Arabia

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    2 hours ago

    Some of the most iconic artworks by legendary artist Andy Warhol are to be showcased in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of 2023.
    Arts AlUla is set to present a new exhibition, ‘FAME: Andy Warhol’, starting February 17, 2023.
    Some of Warhol’s most profound pieces will be on display in a specially curated exhibition for Maraya, the stunning and unique mirrored building located in the desert canyon of the Ashar Valley in AlUla.
    Paintings and prints by Warhol, who is known to have a personal fascination with fame and celebrity, that are set to be showcased will include Hollywood stars, sporting legends and musicians such as Elizabeth Taylor, Muhammad Ali and Dolly Parton among others.

    Nora Aldabal, Executive Director, Arts and Creative Industries for Arts AlUla has described the exhibition as a “homage to a heritage built by diverse cultural perspectives”.
    “We aim to drive a new era of cultural exchange, including exhibitions that feature the most important regional and international artists from the mid 20th century to the present day,” she added.
    Meanwhile, Patrick Moore, director of The Andy Warhol Museums shared his excitement at having Warhol’s |vibrant and iconic works to this monumental landscape”.
    “FAME is intended to be an introduction to the aspect of Warhol that I believe is most fascinating to many young people, including Saudi youth, as Andy Warhol’s journey, which started as a child staring at the movie screen and collecting publicity stills, is becoming more common through the rise of social media,” he added.
    FAME: Andy Warhol will be on display at Maraya from February 17 until May 16, 2023. For more information visit experiencealula.com. 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Watch: Saudi dentist becomes the first Arab woman to swim across the Red Sea

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    Dr Mariam Saleh bin Laden has become the first Arab woman to swim across the Red Sea from Saudi Arabia to Egypt.
    The Saudi Arabian dentist and certified endurance swimmer completed the journey within four hours crossing nine kilometres of the open sea making history in the region.

    Humanitarian, dentist and pioneer of open water swimming, @MariamBinladen’s #CoralSwim to protect the #RedSea’s precious coral is nothing short of inspirational 🌊 @LewisPugh pic.twitter.com/6lIBiYsUEu
    — Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) October 18, 2022

    Ahead of the COP27 meeting, the endurance swimmer wanted to highlight the vulnerability of coral reefs. By overcoming the harsh realities of the water including the strong winds and sharks, she came out stronger after embarking on this heroic mission to protect the Red Sea.
    The journey started from the Kingdom’s Tiran Island and ended for her at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt along with her advocate and endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh who continues on his 160km expedition.

    “I am very grateful to be the first Saudi, the first Arab and the first woman to swim from Saudi Arabia to Egypt,” she said on Instagram after completing her journey. “I never thought I would do this without a shark cage. But putting ourselves out of our comfort zones is what makes us stronger,” she conveyed.
    Dr Mariam is no stranger to breaking records. She became the first Arab woman to complete the 4.5km Hellespont Swim in Turkey from Europe to Asia and the first woman ever to swim the 162 km length of River Thames in England in 10 days later in June 2016.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @mariamsalehbinladen More

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    Saudi Arabia to host Asian Winter Games in 2029

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 hour ago

    Saudi Arabia is set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.
    The Kingdom won the bid to host AWG at Neom’s manmade mountain resort Trojena – a project which is yet to be built.
    Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports for Saudi Arabia, announced the news via his official Twitter page.
    “With the unlimited support by the Saudi leadership and the Crown Prince to the sports sector, we are proud to announce we have won the bid to host AWG Trojena 2029 as the first country in western Asia, which will continue to place the kingdom as one of the leading countries in sport,” he said.

    With the unlimited support by the Saudi leadership & HRH Crown Prince to the sport sector we are proud to announce we have won the bid to host AWG TROJENA2029 as the first country in west Asia,  which will continue to place the kingdom as one of the leading countries in sport pic.twitter.com/GtV6OhxRhW
    — عبدالعزيز بن تركي الفيصل (@AbdulazizTF) October 4, 2022

    Saudi Arabia’s winning bid for the games comes after the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) submitted a letter of interest in August to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) about hosting the games.
    What is Trojena?
    While the games are set to take place at Trojena, the project is still yet to be completed.
    Located in the area of Neom, an area of major development in the Kingdom, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, announced the plans for the project back in March.
    The new tourist hub in Neom is set to open in 2026 and will entice keen skiers as well as adventure holidaymakers.
    Trojena will be a year-round destination for tourists which will include ski slopes, ski village, luxury resorts, restaurants, mountain activities, a man-made freshwater lake, hiking trails, watersports and much more.

    This is #TROJENA, the peak of innovation, technology, wellness and sustainable living. https://t.co/A7q4uyPyFQ pic.twitter.com/6deMqm07Tp
    — TROJENA (@NEOMTROJENA) September 9, 2022

    According to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who is also the Chairman of Neom, Trojena will “redefine mountain tourism” around the world.
    “Trojena will redefine mountain tourism for the world by creating a place based on the principles of ecotourism, highlighting our efforts to preserve nature and enhance the community’s quality of life, which is aligned with the goals of the kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he said of the new project.
    The entire project of Neom was first announced in 2017 and the first section is set to open in 2025. Located north of Tabuk, Neom covers a total area of 26,500 km2 and is set to be fully sustainable using solar power, will feature a new high-tech city and much more.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/NEOM More

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    UAE leaders pay tribute to the Kingdom on Saudi National Day

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    3 hours ago

    As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marks its 92nd Saudi National Day, the leaders of the UAE have paid tribute to the country affirming unilateral ties between the two nations.
    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, shared a congratulatory message to the leaders of the Kingdom to mark the occasion alongside a series of photos which included some from the archives.

    #MohamedBinZayed: Congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, my brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people on the occasion of Saudi National Day. May God bless the Kingdom with continued progress and prosperity. pic.twitter.com/2aoewoTEsK
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) September 23, 2022

    “Congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, my brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people on the occasion of Saudi National Day,” the UAE’s President said. “May God bless the Kingdom with continued progress and prosperity.”
    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also posted a message of congratulations to the people of Saudi Arabia as well as a video showing the unified relationship between the Kingdom and the UAE.

    في اليوم الوطني السعودي أهنئ المملكة.. وأهنئ الملك سلمان بن عبدالعزيز وولي عهده.. وأدعو الله أن يديم عليهم الخير.. للمملكة وشعبها مشاعر حب في قلوبنا.. هم أهلنا وأخوتنا.. ونفخر بتلاحمنا.. فخيرنا معا.. وعزّنا معا.. وحاضرنا ومستقبلنا معاً أبداً بإذن الله.. pic.twitter.com/EGLLrrTYVC
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 22, 2022

    “On Saudi National Day, I congratulate the Kingdom. I congratulate King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince,” he said. “I pray to God to perpetuate goodness for them. We have feelings of love in our hearts for the kingdom and its people.
    “They are our family and our brothers. We are proud of our cohesion. Our present and our future together.”
    UAE marks Saudi National Day

    #UAE to celebrate #SaudiNationalDay#WamNews https://t.co/nuTLVvQ8Al pic.twitter.com/qm36vwYohu
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) September 22, 2022

    Over the course of this weekend, the UAE is set to celebrate Saudi National Day by lighting up iconic Dubai landmarks, fireworks, entertainment, retail promotions and more.
    Under the theme of ‘Together Forever KSA-UAE’, affirming the strong bond between the two GCC nations, the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai, Museum of the Future and More will light up in green, representing Saudi Arabia, and will also be emblazoned with the Saudi flag.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/WAM More