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      Saudi Arabia announces major visa update for GCC residents

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      Lifestyle

      by Varun Godinho
      2 hours ago

      With tourism increasing in Saudi Arabia, the latest regulations allow GCC residents to travel with ease into the country.
      Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced a new visa scheme that will be applicable to residents of GCC states, the US, the EU and the UK.
      The new visas which include single, as well as multiple-entry options will be valid for both tourism and performing Umrah within Makkah. The visa price starts at SAR300 (Dhs293), with an additional component payable for health insurance.
      As per the latest regulations, the ministry added that residents of the UK, us and EU shall be able to apply for a visa on arrival in the Kingdom.
      UK, US and EU residents who hold a passport with at least six months of validity can get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa online.
      “The facilitation of a tourist visa for millions of GCC residents and the visa on arrival extension supports our ambition to welcome 100 million visitors a year by 2030, to the world’s biggest new leisure tourism destination. This is not just an announcement, it is an invitation and we are making it easier than ever for visitors to explore thousands of years of history and culture, unmatched natural landscapes, and a thriving entertainment sector,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority.
      The ministry said that residents of GCC states, there are five other GCC member countries apart from Saudi which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE that can now apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) to enter Saudi.

      In another significant development with regard to its visa offerings, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced the introduction of a new multi-entry visit visa to the kingdom for all those who possess a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya card. Holders of the Hayya card can apply for the new Saudi visa online. Visas will allow for a 60-day stay in Saudi beginning 10 days before the tournament kicks off.
      Additionally, Saudi tourism eVisas are available to citizens of 49 countries. To read the full list and apply for the visa online go to visitsaudi.com
      This article was originally published on Business Traveller Middle East and has been repurposed here with permission.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Emirates Woman March Cover Shoot 2022  with Neom More

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      Who is Rajwa Al Saif? Everything we know about Crown Prince Hussein’s fiancée

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      by Team Emirates Woman
      3 mins ago

      The Jordanian royals are celebrating the second engagement in the family this year.
      Crown Prince Hussein announced the joyous news of his engagement to Rajwa Al Saif on Wednesday, just five weeks after his sister, Princess Iman became engaged to New York financier Jameel Alexander Thermiotis.
      While congratulations are undoubtedly flowing in for the newly engaged couple, little is actually known about Crown Prince Hussein’s bride-to-be.
      With that, Emirates Woman explores what we know, so far, about the future wife of the Jordanian Crown Prince.

      Who is Rajwa Al Saif?
      According to Jordanian news outlet Roya News, Rajwa Al Saif was born in Riyadh on April 28, 1994 and is currently 28 years old.
      The bride-to-be is the youngest of four children, including Faisal, Naif, Dana and Rajwa, born to parents Khalif bin Musaed Al Saif and Azza Al Sudairi.
      The Al Saif family’s heritage dates back to the Subai tribe in the town of  Al-Attar in Sudair, Najd, Saudi Arabia, where ancestors are known to have been the sheikhs of the town.
      Rajwa’s father, who resides in Riyadh, has established himself as a well-reputed businessman over the years.
      Life & career
      Rajwa was born and raised in Saudi Arabia where she completed her secondary education.
      She then moved to New York to attend university at the College of Architecture at Syracuse University. However, little is known about her career after graduating from the university.
      The engagement
      The announcement was made via a Twitter post by the Royal Hashemite Court on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. The post congratulated the couple and showcased a series of images of the family together to mark the special occasion.

      The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, and extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion pic.twitter.com/LRIq61PtRB
      — RHC (@RHCJO) August 17, 2022

      The statement said, “The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms. Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, on Wednesday, 17 August 2022, in the presence of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah.”
      Queen Rania also shared a personal congratulations to her son and his bride-to-be following the announcement.
      “I didn’t this it was possible to hold so much joy in my heart! Congratulations to my eldest Prince Hussein and his beautiful bride-to-be, Rajwa,” she said on Instagram, also sharing photos from the engagement.
      The family posed with wide smiles in several portrait shots as the royal couple stood with their future daughter-in-law after the ceremony.
      With not just one but two engagements in the family this year, Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bin Abdullah II announced her engagement to Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in early July.
      More details about both the impending nuptials are yet to be announced.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      Major changes to rules in Saudi Arabia for influencers

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      With an increase in Saudi Arabia’s tourism, content creators in the country are bound to grow.
      As numerous profiles are finding ways to benefit through social media, a new licensing system has been put in place to oversee this industry.
      From October 2022, all Saudi and non-Saudi influencers generating any revenue through advertising on social media must apply for a formal permit from the General Authority for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) The cost of the license starts from SAR 15,000 (Dhs14,672) and is valid for a tenure of three years.
      Per the GCAM, all Saudi and non-Saudi content creators after obtaining the permit can work with as many private organisations as they like and promote their products and services on their platform as long as no laws or values of the Kingdom are violated, per Arab News,
      “The influencer license does not allow censorship or blocking,” said GCAM CEO Esra Assery. “It’s more of a permit to enable the maturity of the sector. We want to help individuals grow professionally so they can make a career out of it.”
      For any non-Saudi residents, permission will first be required from the Ministry of Investment to work in the country, before applying for the license. Additionally, specific advertising agencies must also represent these individuals before applying for the permit.
      For those who don’t follow protocols, fines of up to SAR 5 million (Dhs4.89 million) or a five-year prison sentence could be imposed on them as per the GCAM.
      For more information visit my.gov.sa
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Emirates Woman February cover shoot More

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      Everything we know about Saudi Arabia’s 170km-long mirrored skyscraper

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      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      Think big and go even bigger appears the be the mantra Saudi Arabia is following at the moment.
      The Kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud unveiled plans for one of the most ambitious architectural projects on record – a 170km-long skyscraper.
      Set to be known as ‘The Line’, the project will be built in the region of Neom, an area of major development in the Kingdom spearheaded by the Saudi royal.
      Described as a “civilizational revolution” by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the infrastructure is set to be 200 metres wide, 500 metres above sea level and over 170km long and will have a mirrored exterior.

      Aiming to eventually accommodate over nine million residents, The Line will “first based on a radical change in urban planning”.
      “The designs revealed today for the city’s vertically layered communities will challenge the traditional flat, horizontal cities and create a model for nature preservation and enhanced human livability,” Saudi’s Crown Prince said.
      “We cannot ignore the livability and environmental crises facing our world’s cities, and NEOM is at the forefront of delivering new and imaginative solutions to address these issues,” he added. “Neom is leading a team of the brightest minds in architecture, engineering and construction to make the idea of building upwards a reality.”
      The mega-city will be emission-free, road-free and car-free, with a new approach to urban design giving residents the ability to move seamlessly in three dimensions – up, down or across. The concept as a whole was described by the Crown Prince as ‘Zero Gravity Urbanism’.
      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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      An insight into the rise of cinemas in Saudi Arabia

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      Since the 1980s, cinemas had been banned in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the better part of four decades.
      However, this all changed in 2018. It was announced by the General Commission for Audio-visual Media that the ban would be lifted on cinemas in Saudi Arabia and since then the country has embarked on a new mission to promote culture and entertainment.
      Now, four years on, it appears cinema has become a focal entertainment point in the Kingdom. In a recent report published by the Saudi Press Agency, there have been over 30 million ticket sales in cinemas in the last four years, with around 1,144 films shown, including 22 Saudi films across 56 theatres.
      With the news came a larger scope of employment in the country, giving 4,439 young Saudi men and women the opportunity to work in the media market.
      Regarded as “a billion-dollar opportunity”, the 35-year ban uplift came with several perks such as forecasting the Kingdom’s cinema box office market to be USD 950 million in 2030, per PWC.
      The rule change came to be in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 vision: “A strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism.”

      As cinemas continue to be an important sector for increasing investment and improving expansion, the country has already established itself as an emerging market to watch. To support the growing industry, the second edition of The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) is set to run from December 1 to 10, 2022 in Jeddah.
      “At Expo 2020 Dubai, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion also celebrated several cultural sectors of the Kingdom. Visitors had an opportunity to watch a number of Saudi films under the cultural program ’16 Windows’ that reflected the country’s creativity and talent in a completely new light,” as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
      With the film industry now booming in the Kingdom, more cinemas are set to open to enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the global map.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @tima-miroshnichenko More

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      The first Saudi all-female run Starbucks has officially opened its doors

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      The first-ever all-female-operated Starbucks has officially opened its doors in Saudi Arabia.
      Located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, the female-run Drive-Thru store represents the changing work dynamic for women across the nation.
      Under the Saudi Vision 2030, a key aim is to improve the lives and rights of women in the Kingdom and its initiatives like this which directly support this goal.
      The newly opened Starbucks Drive-Thru only store is managed by a team of all Saudi female partners who are responsible for the day-to-day store operations, customer service, day-to-day administration and brewing coffee for customers.
      Per Andy Holmes, President of Starbucks MENA at Alshaya Group, it’s an “exciting time” marking the “first all-female driven operation in the country [for the group]”.

      “Our first all-female Saudi partners operated Drive-Thru store in KSA is a significant step towards creating more opportunities for women as we continue to build on the local female talent and empowering them in the workplace,” he added.
      “As we continue to see a spike in more Saudi women joining the workforce in various sectors, we demonstrate active support to the Kingdom’s focus on empowering Saudi youth and highlighting the role of women by offering access to wider employment and career opportunities.”
      At present, women currently make up 20 per cent of Starbucks KSA’s workforce. The group is gaming to increase this to 30 per cent by the end of the year and plans to expand its network further with more and more Saudi female partners.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      6 Saudi princesses paving the way for future generations

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      Whether establishing NGOs or pursuing charity work, Saudi royals have played a huge role in empowering women.
      Be it in the world of sports or curbing a social stigma against women in authority, no task is a difficult feat for them.
      As they continue to pave the way for many, Emirates Woman takes a look at some of their achievements over time.
      Her Royal Highness Princess Haifa Al-Faisal Al Saud

      As the assistant minister for Tourism at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, she plays a key role in establishing effective regulations and policies in the local industry. With an outspoken attitude and mission to raise awareness on issues relating to women’s health, she ensures that such a crucial cause is given significant importance. Princess Haifa founded the Zahra Breast Cancer Association for early detection, prevention and treatment.
      Additionally, she sits on the board of directors at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Qiddiya, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and the Tourism Development Council (TDC), balancing multiple roles in her career.
      Her Royal Highness Princess Adela bint Abdullah Al Saud

      By redefining the boundaries of a Saudi woman, her reputable role has taken a vocal stance for women’s empowerment on a series of occasions. By speaking out on issues such as ending domestic violence and introducing sports for girls in schools, she has had an effective role in reshaping society for women in the country.
      She’s the founding member and chairman of Sanad Charitable Society to Support Children with Cancer and president of the National Charitable Foundation for Home Health Care in Jeddah to curb any health care issue. For her contribution to society, she also received an accolade for being the first Arab lady in supporting women’s issues and humanitarian action.
      Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud

      With her life’s mission to help others, Princess Lamia has been a strong advocate for women in all spheres. Through Alwaleed Philanthropies, she has been able to host impactful projects that help women achieve their goals while supporting local artisans and talent. In an interview with Emirates Woman she said, “If you are fortunate enough to have access to resources or a raised platform, it is your responsibility to support and empower those who are not as fortunate. ”
      Her Royal Highness Princess Moudi bint Khalid Al Saud

      With over 30 years of active charitable contributions to the community, Princess Moudi has spearheaded several noteworthy initiatives such as her role as the secretary-general of the Down Syndrome Guardian Association, the secretary-general of the King Khaled Charitable Foundation and the Al-Nadha Women’s Charitable Society. Her key aim is to empower women and give them a platform to voice their opinions.
      Her Royal Highness Princess Adwa bint Fahad Al Saud

      As an ambassador of Global Peace and Goodwill, Princess Adwa is an active pioneer of community work in the Arab world. By being a cultural trailblazer and humanitarian, she’s considered the ‘Princess of Humanity’ for her efforts in executing the rights of the disabled, orphans and elderly.
      During her career, Her Royal Highness has received multiple accolades including a lifetime membership by The Federal Organization of Friends of the United Nations and an honorary doctorate from the College of British Studies.
      Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud

      When it comes to raising breast cancer awareness in the Kingdom, this princess has played a pivotal role. By keeping in line with Saudi’s 2030 vision, she tirelessly continues to expand work opportunities for women in the region. In 2020, she gained the title to become the first female to be Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States. As an active part of the sports community, she has been a member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee since 2017 and International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2018.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Instagram post of a Saudi man allegedly offering to marry Amber Heard goes viral

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      3 hours ago

      In the wake of Johnny Depp’s court victory against ex-wife Amber Heard, an Instagram post has gone viral of a Saudi man allegedly offering to marry the actress.
      The post was made by an Arab pop culture Instagram account with over two million followers with the username @q8_xp.
      The alleged voice note by a man from Saudi Arabia appears to have been leaked. The man is heard saying in Arabic he would marry her, also referring to her ex-husband Depp as “that old man”.
      “Amber… since all doors are closing on you, you have no one except me to take care of you,” he says in the apparent voice note. “I’ve noticed that some people hate and bully you, therefore, I decided to marry you.”
      He continues: “You are a blessing but people don’t appreciate that. I am better than that old man.”

      Since being posted by the account, the message has gone viral with over 240,000 views. However, it’s unclear how the post was leaked and if it’s even 100 per cent real. Regardless, it’s certainly given many some entertainment in the wake of the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial.
      The Verdict
      After a seven-week court battle between Depp and heard, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, the jury found Heard guilty of all three counts of defamation following the publishing of her Washington Post article.
      The judge ordered Heard to pay her ex-husband a total of $15 million in damages – $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
      Meanwhile, Depp was found guilty of one count of defamation and has been ordered to pay $2 million in compensatory damages to his ex-wife.
      Depp sued Heard, his ex-wife, for $50 million over an op-ed she wrote back in 2018 for the Washington Post claiming she was a domestic abuse victim. The article did not directly name Depp as the individual, but it was implied given the timing of the story following the couple’s divorce. Depp claimed this cost him a number of high-profile roles in moves, thus affecting his income. Heard countersued her ex-husband, whom she was married to from 2015 to 2017, for $100 million for accusing her of making false allegations.
      Following the verdict, Depp issued a statement saying he was keen to start the next chapter of his life, also adding that the “truth never perishes”.
      Meanwhile, following the verdict, Heard shared her “disappointment” over the ruling saying she was “heartbroken”.
      According to the BBC, Heard plans to appeal the decision.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Getty More