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    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

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    18 celebrities awarded the UAE’s golden visa

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 18 IMAGES
    The UAE has been honouring some of the world’s most outstanding talents with the coveted golden visa. The programme, which first appeared in 2019, allows the recipient to live in the UAE for up to 10 years, which is renewable every decade.
    The aim of the programme is to encourage the world’s most innovative and brilliant talents across all fields to become residents in the UAE.
    To champion some of these talented individuals, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of some of the celebrities who have been granted a golden visa.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    This German luxury brand is making its mark in the Middle East

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    German luxury kitchen appliances brand Gaggenau is making its mark in the Middle East but, at the hands of brand expert Patricia Anglade, it has transformed into a high-end creative lifestyle brand.
    How do you take a leading luxury brand for professional-grade home appliances, and transform it into a high-end creative lifestyle brand? One individual is a master in this field.
    Patricia Anglade, an expert in branding and brand manager of German luxury kitchen appliances brand Gaggenau, found the right strategy and execution to transform the label.
    As you can imagine it takes time to establish a brand in a new market and to understand the nuanced nature of the new lands a brand is venturing into. However, that’s not the case of Gaggenau. The growth and reach of the brand has been exponential, and this is largely in part due to Anglade and her exceptional brand team. They have understood the market (and the assignment) and they have delivered.

    First established in 1683, Gaggenau is a brand with an extensive history and a remarkable legacy. Taking this rich heritage, the team have repositioned this as a high-end creative lifestyle brand for the region. Recognized for its elegant design and robust craftsmanship, the team tapped into these aspects of the brand’s essence and are brandishing Gaggenau’s artistic flair.
    This was exemplified at Gaggenau’s recent Blank Canvas Dining experience in Dubai. Anglade and her team orchestrated what was a masterpiece in itself, in which they collaborated with renowned figures, chef Hadrien Villeudieu and artist Kaveh Ahangar, to reinforce this new brand position.
    Villeudieu and Ahangar put on a delectable display that saw art tantalise taste buds, as well as ignite awe in the guests’ eyes. Aptly titled ‘An Exploration of Inspiration’, the enchanting evening was masterfully choreographed. With each course came a complementary piece of art from the big picture, so that with each new bite, a bite-sized piece of art was revealed.

    This unique event served as a statement of the brand’s outstanding culinary capabilities as a high-end appliance, and its new artistic and creative direction.
    This type of unexpected, innovative approach to brand building is a key component to the success of any brand. What Anglade has done, and is doing, is future-proofing the heritage brand with style – her journey is inspiring and is also definitely one to watch.
    For more information visit gaggenau.com/ae.
    July/August’s – ‘The Summer Escape Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    In pics: The most spectacular photos of the biggest supermoon of 2022 in the UAE

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    A spectacular supermoon lit up the skies across the UAE, and the globe, on the night of July 13.
    Known as the ‘Buck Moon’, this supermoon is the biggest and brightest of 2022, being approximately just 357,000km from Earth during its orbit. That’s 200,000km closer than the last supermoon in June, the Strawberry Moon.
    If you didn’t manage to catch the supermoon in the skies last night, not to worry. Many residents across the UAE captured some spectacular photographs of the moon illuminating the sky, appearing much larger and brighter than can usually be seen to the naked eye.
    Here’s some of the best photos captured of the Buck Moon in the UAE.
    Peeking through
    Image: Getty
    Picture perfect

    The #supermoon of #Dubai…. What’s your favorite song for moon ? pic.twitter.com/e2A8pTINEQ
    — Varun (@Ambarseriya) July 13, 2022

    Red hue

    Illumination

    Shining bright

    If you weren’t lucky enough to witness this supermoon, the next one set to light up the skies isn’t far off. The next supermoon, known as the ‘Sturgeon Moon’, is slated to appear around August 12, 2022, according to NASA, so mark your calendars.
    For those who are keen astrologers, the recent full moon was also known as the ‘Full Moon in Capricorn’, which may have pointed to a big decision that needed to be made. Read all about it here.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Getty More

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    UAE ranks in the top 10 places to live for expats

    Lifestyle

    by Hermione Edwards
    1 minute ago

    For years, the UAE has welcomed a whole host of people from different cultures, many of whom have called the nation their home for decades.
    As the country continues to be a hugely popular place for expats, a recent survey has reaffirmed the UAE’s livability appeal.
    Global expat network InterNations recently published its 2022 rankings for the best (and worst) places for to live, of which the UAE placed in the top 10.
    For the InterNations’ Expat Insider 2022 survey, a total of 12,000 people living in 181 different countries were surveyed.

    The rankings were then calculated based upon their answers across a series of categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Participants were questioned about their thoughts on quality of life; ease of settling into life in the respective country; working abroad; personal finance; and more.
    Overall, out of the 181 countries, the UAE ranked number six. Mexico was at the top of the list, followed by Indonesia in the number two spot, while Qatar was the only other GCC country to rank in the top 10.
    The top 10 best places for expats to live

    Mexico
    Indonesia
    Taiwan
    Portugal
    Spain
    UAE
    Vietnam
    Thailand
    Australia
    Singapore

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    Watch: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed’s empowering address to the nation

    On Wednesday evening, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, addressed the entire nation in a live television and radio broadcast.
    In the speech, His Highness laid out his vision for the future of the UAE, whilst also paying tribute to “leader and father”, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former President of the UAE, as well as the late Sheikh Zayed, the father of the UAE.
    Sheikh Mohamed shared his pride in the nation and its continued “deep connection” with its people. He went on to outline the top priority for the country would be to empower the citizens and residents of the UAE, which has always been the top priority.
    Throughout his address, the UAE’s President touched upon key points including a continued vision to support peace in the region and around the globe; the thriving economy of the UAE and its continued success; the development of science and technology;  support with humanitarian aid to countries around the world; and the “wealth of young manpower” who will drive success for the UAE in the future.
    Read and watch Sheikh Mohamed’s full speech below.

    #MohamedbinZayed:UAE’s policy will continue to champion peace and stability in our region and the wider world, supporting others and advocating for wisdom and cooperation for the good of mankind.#WamNewspic.twitter.com/ZnbSl94PTw
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) July 13, 2022

    “Peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you all.
    “Dear brothers and sisters, A few weeks ago, we lost our leader, our father, a wise and valued teacher who was loved by everyone. Yet we accept fate and this loss with patience and faith in God’s will. May God bless his soul.
    “Sheikh Khalifa, may his soul rest in peace, walked alongside the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, God rest his soul, throughout the UAE’s development, and bore the nation’s trust after his father’s passing with sincerity and wisdom. He fulfilled his mission for his people, leaving an enduring legacy of generosity through his deeds in the region and around the world.
    “Today, we see our nation ranked among the most advanced nations globally, as well as being one of the best places to live and work. This was the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed and our founding fathers, and we thank God for this blessing. We will continue to follow their wise approach, drawing inspiration from their unfaltering leadership. Our history, identity, and cultural heritage will form an essential part of our plans for the future.
    “I thank my brothers, the Members of the Federal Supreme Council, who have vested in me a great responsibility. I pray to Almighty God to help me carry it out.
    “The deep connection that exists between us and our people, an unbreakable fellowship, and the rallying of our people around us will be, as it has always been, the source of our strength and the pride of our nation.
    “I extend my gratitude to the leaders of countries around the world who expressed their condolences and sincere sympathies towards the UAE and its people at our time of loss.
    “The people of the UAE, and striving to empower them, has always been and continues to be our nation’s top priority. Ensuring our people have everything they need to live fulfilled, comfortable, and happy lives, remains the basis of all our future plans.
    “Dear brothers, we are fortunate to have a nation of such people, who, before and after the union, and even through difficult times, have proven their spirit and determination to overcome the toughest challenges. Our pride in our people is infinite. Equally, we deeply appreciate the valued role of our residents who consider this country their second home, and their continued contributions in building and developing the UAE since its union.
    “The sovereignty and security of the UAE will remain a foundational principle that we will abide with, and we will not tolerate anything that could affect it. We extend the hand of friendship to all countries that share our values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, to achieve progress and prosperity.
    “Brothers and sisters, thanks to Almighty God and to the great leadership of my brother Khalifa, may God rest his soul, as well as that of the union’s founder, Sheikh Zayed, today the UAE has an advanced, sustainable and integrated ecosystem that has become an inspiration for people in the region around the world. We will ensure it continues to develop, thanks the efforts of our people, and those who have chosen to call the UAE home.
    “Today, the UAE economy is thriving and continues to grow at an impressive rate. We are blessed with many resources, especially our high skilled human capital, as the UAE possesses a distinguished wealth of young manpower. In addition, more than 200 nationalities are actively participating in the growth and development of our economy.
    “Brothers and sisters, further diversifying our economy is a key strategic focus of our future plans. It is therefore necessary to accelerate economic development efforts to continue building a leading global economy, to enhance our competitiveness, and to achieve the highest global rankings.
    “Our priorities also include further strengthening our people’s capabilities in science and technology, and develop it further to benefit all economic areas and the society. The role of the private sector is pivotal and it must be further activated through constant collaboration and diverse opportunities to increase its contribution to the growth of the economy.
    “Since its establishment, the UAE has built robust relations with countries around the world, based on solid foundations of openness and constructive cooperation. This has gained our nation a reputation regionally and internationally, by the efforts of our young men and women in the UAE and abroad, who we are very proud of.
    “During the next chapter, we will build on our reputation by establishing strategic partnerships with various countries. Continuing Sheikh Zayed’s approach, we will work to strengthen our role among the world’s leading countries by providing humanitarian aid, and by continuing to extend a helping hand to communities in need around the world, irrespective of religion or race.
    “We will also continue to consolidate our nation’s position as a reliable energy provider, and support global energy security as a fundamental driver of global economic growth and development.
    “The UAE’s policy will continue to champion peace and stability in our region and the wider world, supporting others and advocating for wisdom and cooperation for the good of mankind. We will continue our work to strengthen cooperation and enable positive, respectful dialogue between countries to achieve stability and prosperity for all.
    “Brothers and sisters, the UAE has secured a great number of exceptional achievements, particularly as a young country. But our ambitions are far greater, and it is imperative that we continue to strive to surpass our current success. Our responsibility is to secure a bright future for our youth, and achieving that depends on the work and effort we put in today.
    “The Founding Father, may God have mercy upon him, laid solid foundations for this country, and today we will redouble our efforts to maintain the UAE’s status and elevate its achievements. Our primary goal is the UAE and its people.
    “Our hope in God is great and so is our confidence in a bright future for our country, our people, and the path ahead. We pray to God Almighty to help us and to be the guardian of our success.
    “May God rest the soul of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, grant him eternal peace, and grant our country glory, safety, and blessings.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images/Media: WAM More

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    When is the next public holiday in the UAE in 2022?

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Many of us will be returning to work today after enjoying a long weekend to mark the Eid Al Adha holiday.
    However, if you’re like us, we’re sure you’ll be wondering when exactly the next public holiday will be in the UAE.
    So you can make plans in advance, here’s when you can expect the rest of the public holidays in the UAE to fall.
    As always, the final and official dates and public holiday eligibility for public sector employees and private sector employees are determined by UAE authorities.
    Islamic New Year
    In just a couple of weeks, we’re set to mark the Hijri (Islamic) New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s projected to fall around July 30, 2022 in the Gregorian calendar.
    The Prophet’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is predicted to be around October 8, 2022.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2022, those in the UAE will have another break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    This is exactly how much petrol prices have increased since January

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    The UAE has witnessed an astronomical rise in petrol prices since the start of 2022, as has the rest of the world.
    For the first time in seven years, petrol prices crossed the Dhs4 per litre mark since the fuel price deregulation in August 2015.
    Per Emarat petrol rates, petrol prices have risen by over 74 per cent since January.
    The new petrol rates for July were published by Emarat last week. The prices for 98 Super is now 11.5 per cent more at Dhs4.63 per litre rising from Dhs2.65 per litre; 95 Special has increased by 12 per cent and is now at Dhs4.52 per litre; Diesel is now Dhs4.76 per litre and 91 E-Plus now costs Dhs4.44 per litre.

    أسعار الوقود الشهرية: أسعار الوقود لشهر يوليو 2022 وفقاً للجنة متابعة أسعار الجازولين والديزل في #الإمارات
    ⛽ Monthly Fuel Price Announcement:July 2022 fuel prices released by the #UAE Fuel Price Follow-up Committee pic.twitter.com/2vE4WBTfTu
    — Emarat (امارات) (@EmaratOfficial) June 30, 2022

    Due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, global oil markets have experienced an overall price hike, leading to UAE residents feeling the ripple effect.
    The knock-on effect
    The rising petrol prices are also having a knock-on effect on big businesses too.
    Last week, ride-hailing company, Uber Technologies Inc. announced price increases, announcing customers would now be charged as much as 11 per cent more for certain trips.
    With global petrol and diesel prices continuing to reach soaring highs, many parts of the UAE including Sharjah have seen a hike in taxi fares.
    To keep the low-income citizens in mind, the new allowance will provide a monthly subsidy of 85 percent of the fuel price increase over Dhs2.1 per litre, as reported by WAM.
    Per the latest fuel subsidy scheme, the head of these families will receive a subsidy of 300 litres, while working wives will receive a subsidy of 200 litres. The announcement came as part of the UAE president’s directive to restructure its social welfare programme for low-income Emiratis, doubling its size to Dhs28 billion.
    Despite the increase in prices, the UAE continues to be the third-biggest OPEC producer followed by Kuwait.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Instagram @clairerose  More