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    GCC residents can now enter Oman visa-free

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    For those thinking of hassle-free escape, Oman’s visa rules have now been updated for all GCC residents.
    Per an official announcement by Oman’s airport authority, all GCC residents have the right to enter the Sultanate for commercial professions without a visa.
    GCC residents in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can pay for visas on arrival for a more seamless travel experience.

    The circular issued by the Directorate General of Passports and Residence regarding the visa of residents stated.

    All residents of the GCC countries have the right to enter the Sultanate of Oman for all commercial professions.
    It is not required for people to come from the country of residence. For example, a resident of any GCC country is not required to arrive directly from that GCC country to avail of this facility.
    It is permitted at any time and from any destination they arrive from.
    For the application of what is stated in items 1 and 2 above, it is required that the residence visa be valid in the GCC for a period of no less than three months.
    The procedures mentioned above referred to are applied, taking into account the importance of following the policy of granting visas to restricted nationalities.

    Known for its bustling hotspots, the country attracts tourists all year round to visit some of its most fascinating sites including Musandam, Wahiba sands, Jebel Akhdar and more.
    Implemented to boost tourism in Oman, the new visa scheme will now allow enhanced corporation between states in the region marking a new era of travel.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @visitoman  More

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    Etihad Airways unveils luxury new partnership

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    Etihad Airways has announced an exciting luxury new partnership.
    The Abu Dhabi-based airline unveiled its new collaboration with Armani/Casa on a collection that has been designed by Giorgio Armani.
    Starting in December 2022, the products from the new Etihad and Armani/Casa collaboration known as ‘The Constellation Collection’ and inspired by the stars will debut across select aircraft from the UAE national carrier’s fleet.
    It’s a collection which, showcases the “Emirati heritage” of the carrier, but will also showcase ” a clear vision for our future”, according to Tony Douglas, Etihad’s group chief executive officer.
    “Today we unveil a completely new and elevated way to fly with Etihad Airways – an experience defined by our Emirati heritage yet shaped by a clear vision for our future,” he said. “Known globally for its Italian luxury and elegance, Armani/Casa is the ideal brand partner to create an unparalleled level of bespoke service and refinement for our guests.”

    The Constellation Collection includes a new dining service that features ceramics, glassware, cutlery and serving ware, as well as premium textiles for a revamped inflight experience in its business class cabins.
    The dining service features objects made with mixed materials and embossed patterns. The airline said that the colour palette of the collection “reflects the surroundings of Abu Dhabi”.
    The dark green hues in the collection represent the region’s date palm trees, while the aquamarine colours represent the mangroves. Finally, the slate shades in the collection highlight the “modernity of the iconic Abu Dhabi skyline”.
    Sustainability is also a major factor in the new collection, something the Abu Dhabi carrier has been championing in 2022. According to Etihad, the material used has reduced equipment weight by up to 10 per cent, which results in less fuel burn and fewer emissions by its aircraft.
    The premium textiles range includes a matching pillowcase and duvet set that will be available to business-class guests and will feature Armani/Casa signature designs.
    Guests on longer flights can also avail of the new memory foam mattress which can be rolled out on the fully-flat bed in business class.
    For more information on this exclusive partnership visit etihad.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  More

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    UAE nationals can now obtain passports online in 30 minutes

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    42 mins ago

    Emirati travellers now have a solution for the expiry, loss and damage of passports.
    To curb this issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) has launched its e-document service for UAE travellers returning from abroad.
    With this new electronic service, the government ensures a seamless service to speed up the issuance of emergency passports without any charges or the need to visit an embassy or consulate to receive the travel documents.
    Abdulaziz Al Hebsi, Director of the UAE Nationals Affairs Department at the Ministry, said the ministry’s Service Development Team has worked relentlessly to simplify and facilitate relevant procedures, adding that the service was enhanced in response to customer feedback.
    Thus, UAE nationals can obtain the travel document at any time and from any place to receive it via e-mail without any added hassle.

    Introduced to keep in line with the UAE’s visionary leadership, the ministry is working towards providing outstanding digital services and offerings as per the highest quality standards.
    To apply for the service, Emirati travellers can simply opt for the service on the ministry’s website at mofaic.gov.ae or log on to the smart application UAE MOFAIC available on both iOS and Android stores.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Unsplash @corinne-kutz More

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    Marina Home’s latest collection infuses a sense of wanderlust into your home

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    Travel is transient, however, your home doesn’t need to be.
    By incorporating a myriad of memories reminiscent of everyone’s post-pandemic travels, Marina Home has launched an exclusive collection, LES VOYAGEURS which takes inspiration from the world in the form of every shape and texture this season.

    Fuelled by a world of discovery, the aesthetics will add a touch of elegance to your home. By celebrating freedom once again, the collection depicts how furniture can enrich your space with an acute representation of our dream destinations.
    Designed to echo the harmony of nature, the furniture and décor in the collection embraces natural earthy tones adding a touch of warmth to your most important rooms.
    The theme of the collection was born to champion the traveller who’s free to explore the world once again through each exotic element.

    So, whether it’s a tour of Brazil or a visit to the Moroccan mountains that inspired you this year, it’s a time to bring those memories to life through these nostalgic-driven interiors.
    From an avant-garde New York loft-style inspired sofa to a minimal Scandinavian crafted reclaimed bench, the varying interior design styles embody the charm of every decorator’s notion allowing them to make a house a home.
    [embedded content]
    Our editor-approved guide allows you to explore the world with travel-inspired décor and accessories from the comfort of your home.
    The Hero Buys

    The latest collection is available across all markets in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Egypt and KSA in stores and online on marinahomeinteriors.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Emirates unveils its enhanced flight network with ‘historic agreement’

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    18 mins ago

    Dubai carrier Emirates has unveiled an enhanced flight network after signing a “historical commercial agreement” with US-based airline United.
    In a statement released via the Dubai Media Office, the two airlines announced a codeshare and interline agreement to enhance each airline’s network.
    “Emirates and United announced a historic commercial agreement today that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations within the United States and around the world,” the statement read.
    From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston – three of the biggest business hubs in the U.S – will be able to easily connect to United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket.
    From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston will be able to connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket, a statement said. At other US airports served by Emirates, namely Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.

    Meanwhile, United will launch a new direct flight between Newark and Dubai, starting March 2023. From Dubai, passengers will be able to travel on Emirates or flydubai to more than 100 cities.
    The airlines said that tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale. However, codeshare activities and United’s new flight to the emirate are subject to government approvals.
    Customers of both airlines will soon be able to book connecting flights on a single ticket, easing check-in and luggage transfer. The agreement will also grant loyalty programme members of both airlines additional reward opportunities.
    Emirates Skywards members can soon earn miles when they travel on United-operated flights, and United Mileage Plus members flying on United’s New York/Newark to Dubai flight will be able to earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai, the statement added. Eligible customers travelling on codeshare flights will also be able to enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges.
    Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, said: “Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It’s a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefits and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer.
    “We welcome United’s return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai.”
    “This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies,” added Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines. “United’s new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties.”
    Both airlines have recently announced significant investments to enhance their fleet and bolster customer service. Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a $2bn overhaul.
    The Dubai-based carrier also announced recently that is investing over $350m to equip its 50-strong fleet of A350s with next-generation inflight entertainment solutions.
    Meanwhile, United will add 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet with a focus on a new signature interior, the carrier added.
    This article was originally published on Gulf Business and has been repurposed here with permission.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More

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    Dubai’s Emirates to introduce premium economy to five more cities in December

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    Dubai carrier Emirates has announced plans to debut the retrofitted A380s featuring its premium economy cabins to New York JFK, San Francisco, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore from December.
    The carrier will operate EK203 and EK204 to New York JFK, starting from December 1. To Auckland, Emirates will debut its premium economy cabin on EK448 and EK449, starting January 15, 2023.
    Meanwhile, from February 1, 2023, Melbourne will become the second Australian destination to be served with premium economy on EK406 and EK407. San Francisco will become the second US destination to be served by A380 on EK 225 and EK 226, starting on February 15, 2023. To Singapore, Emirates’ will fly its A380 with premium economy for the first time on March 1, 2023, operating as EK354 and EK355.
    Emirates will also update its schedule to London Heathrow, which will receive its third daily service with premium economy on EK005 and EK006 from January 1, 2023. From March 15, 2023, Emirates will operate its second A380 with premium economy to New York JFK on EK201 and EK202.
    From December 15, 2022, Sydney will become the first city in the Emirates network to offer premium economy seats on all flights, with the introduction of the airline’s retrofitted aircraft on EK414 and EK415. The carrier will also start A380 services with a premium economy debut to Christchurch from March 26, 2023, as an extension of the Dubai to Sydney service, operating with EK412 and EK413.

    The airline launched its premium economy bookings from June 1, 2022. On a four-class Emirates A380, the premium economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. The airline has said that it will ramp up its A380 services to 42 destinations by the end of March 2023. Tickets can be booked on the carrier’s website and app or via both online and offline travel agents.
    It is also enhancing its existing schedules to over 400 A380 departures from Dubai, offering 460,000 weekly seats by March 2023, including 81,000 seats across its premium cabins. By year-end, the airline will be serving close to a third of its network with its flagship on 85 A.
    Emirates recently announced plans to kick-off its fleet retrofit programme, consisting of a multi-billion dollar investment to ensure customers continue to have the best experience in the sky.
    This article was originally published on Gulf Business 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: Instagram @emirates  More

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    In pics: 5 of Sheikh Hamdan’s best summer 2022 moments in the UK

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 5 IMAGES
    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince is never short of wanderlust inspiration.
    Despite being one of the most high-profile royals in the UAE, Sheikh Hamdan managed to enjoy his trip to the UK, similar to any other tourist.
    Fazza is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom, as are many other members of the Dubai royal family and made another long trip this summer. From taking a stroll in the park to using the London tube, he went about his daily activities, some of which were documented on social media.
    After an activity-fuelled summer, Emirates Woman looks back at all the best moments from this royal’s summer.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @faz3 More

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    This Zuma venue is defining the ‘next 20 years’ of the renowned restaurant brand

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    6 hours ago

    For those who have been gallivanting around Europe this summer (and we’re sure that’s many of you), you may have happened to stumble across the Zuma name more than once.
    The globally renowned luxury restaurant brand debuted three new venues this summer in key holiday destinations: Ibiza, Sardinia and Mykonos.
    It marks a milestone in the 20-year history of the restaurant when it first opened its doors in London two decades ago. In fact, according to Zuma’s Creator and Co-Founder Rainer Becker, the new Mykonos venue is a marker for what the next 20 years hold for the brand.
    “This is a momentous summer for Zuma, with three new venues opening across Europe, including our brand-new Mykonos lifestyle hub,” he explained. “We opened the first Zuma in London 20 years ago and look forward to embarking on our next 20 years as we launch this new venue concept internationally.”
    The opening of the Mykonos venue is a first-of-its-kind for Zuma, encompassing a multi-purpose destination including a restaurant, lounge and bar, as well as a sleek infinity pool, day beds and resident DJ.
    The new venue offers the same exquisite cuisine many Dubai residents will know and love but on a different level. Visitors can indulge in the beloved staple dishes during the day as they soak up the Mediterranean sun as they chill out poolside. Then, when the sun sets, the space transforms into the ultimate night-time hotspot with a DJ playing chilled house into the early hours.
    Go inside the chic new European hotspot below.

    If this is a marker for what’s set to come for the Zuma brand globally, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More