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    UAE Residents travel to Europe: Schengen visa applications surge 20%

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    6 seconds ago

    A significant uptick in Schengen visa applications from UAE residents has been reported by The Visa Services, a leading Dubai-based visa processing expert. 
    The company’s data reveals a 20% year-over-year increase in Schengen visa requests during the second quarter of 2024, underscoring Europe as a top travel destination for UAE nationals and expatriates.

    Europe Reigns Supreme as Travel Destination

    Europe captured a dominant 65% share of all travel requests processed by The Visa Services in Q2 2024, with the United States and Asia-Pacific regions following at 25% and 15% respectively. This surge in European travel coincides with a peak tourist season marked by favorable weather conditions and high-profile events such as EURO 2024, the Paris Olympics, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

    Diverse Applicant Base and Changing Visa Trends

    The Visa Services caters to a diverse clientele, with Russians constituting the largest group of applicants at 35%, followed by Indians at 23%. Filipinos, Egyptians, Jordanians, and South Africans also represent significant segments of the applicant pool. Notably, families account for a substantial 58% of visa inquiries.

    While the processing time for most Schengen visas is within 15 days, certain countries may extend this period to 45 days.The company reported a 22.44% rejection rate for Schengen visa applications from UAE residents in 2023, with a corresponding 77.56% approval rate.

    A notable shift in visa trends has emerged in 2024. While single-entry visas dominated in 2023, this year has witnessed a growing preference for longer validity periods. Currently, 45% of visas issued are valid for 3-6 months, while 30% extend beyond a year. Travel remains the primary purpose for visa acquisition, accounting for 70% of applications, followed by business, study, and medical reasons.

    The Visa Services

    The company’s impressive growth, marked by a tripling of completed applications in the past year, aligns with the broader expansion of outbound tourism from the GCC region. The Visa Services’ success is attributed to its reliability, expertise,and ability to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

    As the GCC travel and tourism market is projected to reach $75.64 billion by the end of 2024 and $181.48 billion by 2036, The Visa Services is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for visa services in the region.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: @spain, @germanytourism, @swedense More

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    RAKxa Integrative Wellness: A holistic approach to healing in Bangkok

    Life

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 mins ago

    Seeking a transformative wellness experience that goes beyond a simple massage? Look no further than RAKxa Integrative Wellness, a beacon for holistic healing nestled in the heart of Bangkok. This luxurious retreat seamlessly blends cutting-edge integrative medicine with Eastern and Western healing traditions, all within a serene sanctuary designed to cultivate lasting wellbeing. From personalized meal plans to award-winning wellness experiences featuring everything from cryotherapy to Ayurveda, RAKxa offers a personalized path to true rejuvenation.
    The Stay

    RAKxa Integrative Wellness takes wellbeing to new levels. It seamlessly combines integrative medicine, holistic health, and personal transformation for life-changing results. Located amidst the lushness of Bang Krachao, a protected island dubbed the Green Lung of Bangkok, its 70 luxurious suites are carefully designed to provide a serene sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Contemporary elegance meets traditional Thai charm with ergonomic design, including hypoallergenic finishings and natural materials used throughout.
    The Dining

    Nutrition is a key component at RAKxa, where the team champions food for its healing properties. The chefs, nutritionists, doctors, and traditional medicine experts work hand in hand to curate personalised meal plans. They are not just based on general guidelines but are supported by advanced lab diagnostics to cater to individual needs.
    Served at its restaurant Unam, these menus support gut health, reduce inflammation, and restore balance. The ingredients are sourced from their organic farm and local suppliers. The team draws inspiration from Thai and Western cuisines, ensuring every dish is bursting with flavour and nutrients. Think green curry quinoa bowls, spicy papaya salads and homemade kombucha.
    The Wellness

    At the heart of RAKxa lies its award-winning wellness centre. Integrative diagnostics pinpoint underlying imbalances, laying the groundwork for your personalised treatment plan. It is crafted around four key pillars— therapy, nutrition, rest, and lifestyle. You will then embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal that draws from Eastern and Western healing traditions.
    RAKxa’s transformative holistic approach offers signature treatments like IV Immune Meyer Infusion, Cryotherapy, and Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy, alongside Physical and Sports Therapy such as Pilates and Thai Stretching. With a comprehensive array of Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese, and Thai Medicine treatments, energy healing and therapeutic spa offerings, you will experience a strategic combination of therapies. These not only enhance healing benefits during your stay at RAKxa but also continue to positively impact your wellness journey beyond.
    The Experience

    RAKxa is known for hosting globally acclaimed figures in healing and wellbeing. Recently, Dr. Deepak Chopra led a transformative five-day Life & Soul Longevity retreat featuring enlightening talks, intention setting, and advanced spiritual meditation sessions. Keep an eye out for their upcoming events, where you might find yourself meditating next to esteemed personalities ranging from high-flying business executives to Hollywood actresses like Pom Klementieff, iconic models such as Kate Moss and Jourdan Dunn, and regional tastemakers like Hala Kazim and Mthayel Al Ali.
    What To Pack

    Words: Alexandra Venison
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Supplied  More

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    13 hotspots to check out for a chic summer escape

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    8 seconds ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 13 IMAGES
    Summer is high season to give you a chance to explore the hotspots far and away.
    Don’t know where to go? If you’ve been out of the loop and this question fills you with dread, you don’t have to fret. Emirates Woman have curated a tasteful edit of the latest and greatest must-see and must-do for all the different kinds of wanderlust that are worth making time for in your hard-earned annual leave.
    From places with a focus on gastronomy to those filled with character, here’s how and where to stay, dine, and spend all your summer days.
    Tap the gallery above to discover the edit.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with MAISWIM – Download Now More