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    In pics: Sheikha Mahra enjoys her first outing with Sheikh Mana after marriage

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    29 mins ago

    When it comes to planning activities, the UAE Royals know how to get the adrenaline pumping.
    After Sheikha Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum and her husband Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum got married in April, the couple decided to experience a fun activity together.
    Seen at Jebal Ali Shooting Range Club, the couple decided to try their hand at shooting and head to an exhilarating spot in Dubai. Sheikha Mahra even almost managed to hit a bulls eye and shared a series of adorable photos on her feed.
    Situated in the luxurious facility of JA The Resort, this highly-popular spot caters to both beginners and seasoned shooters, serving as a perfect option for an action-packed day. Located in the midst of the Jebel Ali desert, this unique facility stands like a fortress with five floodlit clay shooting ranges, giving its visitors a real taste of the sport.
    When did the couple get married?
    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s daughter Sheikha Mahra got engaged to Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum in March. On April 5 2023, both Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana shared that they celebrated their Katb Al-Kitaab — the official marriage ceremony and signing of the marriage contract through social media.
    Her husband, Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum has served a year in the UAE Armed Forces-National Service. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Security and Risk Management from the American University in the Emirates.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @hhshmahra More

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    Revealed: Sheikha Mahra shares a sweet photo of her wedding ring

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    Wedding bells are ringing for the UAE royals and a wedding ring is one of the key elements that deserves attention.
    The daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Manna Al Maktoum revealed the official wedding ring on her Instagram story.
    Seen holding her husband’s hand, Sheikha Mahra’s adorable story was shared to her 190,000 fans on social media.

    With Royal wedding rings receiving attention over the years, this precious jewel looks ever so stunning with its glistening shine as Her Highness held his hand and tagged his account with a red heart on the image.
    Per an official statement released on Sheikha Mahra’s official Instagram account, the marriage contract called a Katb el-Kitab in Arabic, was signed back in April. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony together along with the families as the contract was signed together.

    When are the wedding celebrations?
    The Instagram account, Arabian Royal Agency reveal the date for the celebrations which is all set to take place this coming weekend. On Saturday, May 27, 2023, guests will gather to shower the newly wed couple with their blessings. Reportedly, the men’s reception will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre- Za’abeel Hall and further details are yet to be shared regarding where the bride’s reception will take place.
    So as congratulations are in order for the Royal couple, we’re yet to see other details regarding décor, outfits and the final location.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @hhshmahra More

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    Sofia Richie’s Health and Fitness Routine Leading Up to Her Wedding

    ICYMI, Sofia Richie tied the knot in what has been dubbed this year’s star-studded “royal wedding,” and it’s all anyone on Instagram and TikTok could talk about. The 24-year-old model, fashion designer, beauty director of Nudestix, and little sister of Nicole Richie said “I do” to Elliot Grainge in the south of France. Thanks to Richie launching her TikTok just days before her nuptials, we got glimpses of her wedding prep, complete with GRWM videos. And with Vogue’s play-by-play of the day-of wedding festivities, they left no stone unturned (can we take a moment to gush over Richie’s, not one, but three custom Chanel dresses?!).
    So we got the inside scoop on her bridal beauty and fashion looks, but being the wellness diehard that I am, I had to get to the bottom of Richie’s workout and diet routines leading up to her big day. Luckily, she shared most of it on her social media. I got the lowdown on her go-to fitness regimen and eating habits (you can thank me and IG later). Read on for some major #fitspo. 

    Her workouts
    As Richie was getting into bride mode starting last December, she took to Instagram Stories to share her sweat sessions. Two three-pound hand weights and a 10-pound weight vest were all she needed for “getting snatched” before getting hitched. Courtesy of Richie’s “Fitness Journal” highlights, we can channel Richie exercise by exercise: After sprints with her hype squad—her trainer Elizabeth Vidor and two cute AF pups—she moved on to a lateral lunge and twist combo, jumping jacks with punches, a knee-pull-and-punch sequence, and squat shuffles—performing each movement for 30 seconds and completing the circuit for six rounds.
    But wait, there’s more… Then, Richie went straight into a single-leg-glute-bridge-and-crunch exercise, followed by a knee-plank-and-arm-row move, a wall-sit-hold-and-inner-thigh burner, arm circles, and tricep extensions. Finally, Richie ended her one-hour workout with a deep stretch with her trainer. As if that wasn’t already a doozy of a routine, her pre-wedding workouts didn’t stop there. She documented three other workouts (check ’em out here and give ’em a try!). Also, she’s a hot girl walk stan like the rest of us: “I try to walk for at least an hour every single day!” And as for the activewear brand she’s obsessed with? Her favorite seems to be Splits59. 

    Her diet 
    According to US Weekly, Richie shared on her Stories that she went on a “strict diet” to “get an early start” on her wedding prep. “I try my hardest to fast until 12 p.m. (with the exception of coffee),” Richie said in December. “For lunch, I have either a salad or a high-protein meal. I eat my dinner around 6:30 p.m., which is the last meal before I go to bed (no snacking).” Her high-protein go-to’s? Egg whites and bacon. She went on to say another diet staple of hers is “tons of veggies.” While Richie conveyed that she tries her hardest to avoid carbs and sugar, she sometimes left room for “a little treat.” In the same vein, she expressed: “You should do what feels best for your body. Incorporating some carbs isn’t horrible when you are training hard.” As for her fave snack? Seaweed. Hot take: Healthy eating should be flexible (read: eating and enjoying what you love), so take a cue from Richie and do you.

    @sofiarichiegrainge
    let the festivities begin ✨
    ♬ original sound – Sofia Richie Grainge

    I’m Getting Married in Six Months–Here’s How I’m Preparing My Body and Mind More

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    I’m Getting Married in Six Months–Here’s How I’m Preparing My Body and Mind

    Planning a wedding can be stressful AF regardless of how large or small your big day may be. From multiple dress fittings to coordinating with vendors to organizing every detail down to napkin colors, you may feel like you barely have a moment to breathe. On top of that, you want to look and feel your best for your wedding day. I’m six months out, and I’ve begun to dial in on managing my stress, anxiety, and physical health so I can feel my best in six months, but also so I can actually enjoy the process now. Keep reading for what I’m doing to feel my best at my wedding and health tips you can try today.

    Start a daily meditation practice
    All eyes are on you on your wedding day, which can be nerve-wracking to say the least. Aside from my tried-and-true self-care activities like yoga, journaling, and spending time in nature, I’m turning to meditation most often to help ease my anxiety. Prioritizing a daily meditation practice now will help manage the stress of wedding planning, but building up your practice will help you feel centered before all the big moments, from engagement parties to the wedding day, and everything in between. I prefer guided meditations that help me envision how the day will go. Consider it a manifestation meditation, if you will. I also find it helpful to repeat affirmations such as, “I choose calm” or “Peace begins with me” whenever I am feeling high anxiety. You can actually manifest your wedding day turning out exactly how you envisioned it. 

    Delegate tasks (no, but actually!)
    I’d like to think that I’m a cool-and-collected bride (not the stereotypical “bridezilla”), so when I realized that making the most of the major decisions and checking off all the to-dos were starting to feel a little too overwhelming, I looked for ways to delegate tasks to my friends and family. It may seem obvious, but when it comes to planning your big day it can feel challenging to hand over responsibilities to other people–even your loved ones (Will they do it “right?” What if they mess up? Will it just create more work for me?).
    So how do you decide what tasks to outsource and what ones to keep for yourself? My unsolicited advice is to make a list of the tasks that are the most important to you to complete on your own, and be realistic when determining how much time you’d actually have to spend on them and the skills and resources you have available. For example, I really wanted to design and print my own invites, but I don’t own a printer (and wasn’t going to buy one), nor did I feel like I really had the time to spend hours designing. So I decided that was a task I could outsource to my friend who works in graphic design, and I still felt like the invitations came out personal, despite not being hand designed by me. Delegating tasks has made the biggest difference in my stress levels and having more time. 

    Consistently remind yourself of what’s important
    Whether you’ve had a Pinterest wedding board for years or you obsessively started scouring the internet for inspiration after your engagement, social media makes it very easy to fall into the comparison trap. When I find myself spiraling into thoughts of, “I have to do this” or “Everything needs to be perfect,” I take a step back and remind myself of what’s actually important and realistic for my wedding. At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your relationship with your partner, not throwing an Insta-worthy party. Keeping what’s special between the two of you at the forefront of your decision making will ensure you have a day that you’ll cherish forever. 

    Make an exercise plan 
    I’m a big believer that you shouldn’t have to change your appearance for your wedding day (your partner already loves you for who you are). But I also believe that there is nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel your best on your big day, especially since you’ll be reliving it through photos for a lifetime. Consistency has always been an issue for me when it comes to working out, and having a big event (read: my wedding) to look forward to was just what I needed to make a plan and stick to it.
    My goal with exercise has always been to take care of my body and feel stronger and more confident. I prefer low-impact movement such as walking, biking, Pilates, and yoga. To hold myself accountable to a workout routine, I sit down each Sunday and look at my schedule for the week ahead. Much like making a to-do list, I write down what workouts I plan to do each day and what time of day I will do them (what can I say, I’m Virgo rising). I find that physically writing my workouts down and seeing them every day holds me more accountable than inputting them in Google calendar. The key for me is not holding myself to rigid standards, but rather embracing that life happens and knowing that some movement in my day is better than no movement at all. By scheduling workouts I enjoy, I know that I’m not only going to feel my best on my big day ,but also keep up my workout routine well beyond the wedding. 

    Upgrade your skincare regimen for optimal glow
    I have struggled with breakouts since I was a teenager, so skincare is a huge part of caring for myself and feeling my best. I’m working with my dermatologist and have found a treatment plan that works great for me: to keep my skin looking clear and bright leading up to the wedding, I’m making sure to incorporate skin-enhancing foods, such as healthy fats (found in avocados, nuts, and fish), vitamin C, and antioxidants. And while I love a glass of red wine, I find that drinking alcohol can make my skin look dull and dry the next day. So for now, I’m sticking to enjoying an occasional drink on the weekends, rather than having a drink with dinner on the weekdays. Instead, I reach for some of my other favorites such as kombucha and try to keep up with my daily hydration goals. 
    As for what I am using on my skin, I swear by this mask from Origins. I use it 1-2 times per week at night, and it always makes my skin look bright and firm the next day. I’m very prone to sunburn due to my fair complexion and a prescription retinoid I currently use, so I always wear SPF (this one is my go-to under makeup) because the last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day is a sun burn or hyperpigmentation.

    10 Things to Stop Doing to Get in the Best Shape of Your Life More

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    8 UAE-based places to order bespoke premium cakes from

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    We’re all tired of the same old off-the-rack cakes and want to make each celebration even more memorable.
    Finding a trusted baker who can make your dream cake a reality, might sometimes be too much to ask for. Be it a specific baby-shower-themed cake or multi-layered decadent sponges decorated with edible flowers, there are endless options of cake ateliers in the UAE that can seamlessly execute the job.
    Be it birthdays, weddings or personal milestones, no cake is too hard to create for these well-established patisseries and talented bakers. From design and flavour to tasting, each customer is taken through the journey to be certain of the outcome and celebrate their big day without an inch of doubt.
    To help you narrow down the process, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate premium cake guide for bespoke offerings in the UAE.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @avonnestalling More

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    Inside Princess Iman of Jordan’s Royal wedding with Jameel Alexander Thermiotis

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    58 mins ago

    The first royal wedding of 2023 officially took place this weekend.
    Jordan’s Princess Iman bint Abdullah II wed Jameel Alexander Thermiotis at Beit Al-Urdon Palace in a lavish ceremony on March 12, 2023, where she was donned in a stunning Dior gown.
    All her family members including Crown Prince Hussein with his fiancée Rajwa Al Saif along with King Abdullah and Queen Rania were present at the wedding. Other dignitaries from the GCC were also part of the celebrations such as Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who is chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, Entissar Amer, the current First Lady of Egypt and more.
    Princess Iman, 26, was ushered into the ceremony by her brother, Crown Prince Hussein with photos of them seen walking down the aisle.
    With over 150 guests seen attending the wedding, the live broadcast of the ceremony took place on Jordan TV, the country’s national television service.
    “Iman, I pray this next chapter in your life brings you as much joy, love, and laughter as you have brought us over the years. Congratulations to the bride and groom!” Queen Rania shared on Instagram.
    Swipe through the gallery to see the best photos from the wedding.

    Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for the newlyweds!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @Queen Rania More

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    This luxe Abu Dhabi hotel is the ultimate celebratory wedding venue

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    In PARTNERSHIP: Choosing a venue can be one of the most stressful yet crucial parts of the wedding planning process.
    To make your big day special, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences promises to throw a lavish ceremony to remember for a lifetime.
    While Dubai delivers some of the most romantic wedding venues, there is no reason why Abu Dhabi shouldn’t be on your list.
    So if you’re looking for a potential wedding venue, this property offers a myriad of reasons why you should tie the knot here.
    Location
    Just minutes away from the city’s most notable landmarks, celebrate in the heart of the city at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences. Nestled in the iconic West Corniche district, it is an idyllic destination to exchange vows and craft memories weaved with emotions, opulence and sophistication.
    Wedding venues

    With its perfect blend of unparalleled grandeur, elegance and charm, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences is the ultimate location for big celebrations beyond every expectation. Offering one of the largest and most elegant wedding venues in the capital, every couple can choose between a micro wedding for an intimate celebration or a full-on wedding festivity.
    ‘Al Bateen’ is a high-celling ballroom that allows you to customize your big day to your style and preferences and can comfortably host large weddings of up to 600 guests, making for an excellent pick for an eloquent large-scale celebration. The venue boasts a theatrical staircase that leads you from the private entrance to the beautifully designed pre-function area as you make your way toward your magical ever-after. The well-appointed bridal suite and the plush VIP lounge are thoughtfully designed keeping in mind the comfort and privacy of the bride and the groom, making it one of the largest in the city, adorned with luxurious decors.

    For a more intimate affair, there is the ‘Mouza’, a stunning event space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a sea-view private terrace and a dedicated pre-function area. The ‘Lum’a Terrace’ offers a space apt for receptions and ceremonies, and delivers breathtaking views of the palace.
    For traditional weddings, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences also provides a private ladies-only setting in an exclusive set-up that includes female chefs, security personnel and hostesses.
    Dedicated wedding planners
    To ensure a smooth sailing wedding prep you will get to work with an experienced team of event consultants to do all your ‘wedmins’ and ensure your wedding perfectly matches your vision. From an elevated guest experience down to the smallest of details, their years of expertise will allow you a stress-free wedding prep and bring together tradition, culture, and your personal style to create exciting and memorable moments for you and your guests.
    Exquisite catering
    Embark on an epicurean journey with bespoke menus carefully curated by the master chefs, a personalized service, and a customized wedding cake on the house – these culinary offerings add a meaningful touch to your big day.
    Luxurious guest rooms and facilities
    When all the dancing and festivities wind down, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences can host you and your guests throughout the wedding celebration. The property features luxurious rooms and spacious suites and residences providing the perfect space to relax and prepare for your big day. Its world-class amenities include an outdoor pool, spa and in-house salon – allowing the utmost convenience for the day of your dreams. Special stay rates are offered for guests as well as a complimentary first night at the Grand Suite followed by a lavish breakfast spread for the newly-wedded couple.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The most luxurious wedding venues to tie the knot in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    Wedding season in Dubai is already and here and this destination continues to remain at the helm of all marital celebrations.
    From beachfront destinations to ballrooms that exude elegance, the emirate is home to an array of venues that are beyond sophisticated.
    For immaculate attention to detail, each property creates a bespoke proposal as per the bride and groom’s requirements.
    So, for those currently looking for the perfect place for their wedding vows, we’ve gathered a list of all the sophisticate venues for a potential wedding.
    Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach

    Combining the city’s modernity and old-time charm, this expansive venue includes the grand Dana ballroom and a plush garden for any outdoor festivities. Whether you wish to exchange your vows on the sand or in the lush seaside garden, this hotel makes any dream a reality. No matter the size, this exquisite property welcomes every guest in style. With incredible backdrops and on-side wedding experts working with them at every step makes the entire process easier.
    To find out about the packages visit here.
    Mandarin Oriental

    With world-class service and impeccable catering standards, the property will ensure any event is truly unforgettable. From flowers to venue decorations, Mandarin Oriental has relationships with external suppliers to ensure each detail is taken care of. For the bride to feel special on her wedding day, the property offers a magnificent suite with showcases expansive views of the Arabian Sea featuring a make-up station, a private lift, for bridal parties, and a spacious living space.
    To find out about the packages visit here.
    One & Only Royal Mirage, The Palm

    This exceptional romantic beachfront resort promises a one-of-a-kind celebration with gourmet menus, serene spa treatments, and a timeless backdrop to enjoy with up to 50 guests. From catering to Moorish-style gardens to beginning a memorable journey, this venue caters to every request. Surrounded by nature, this property caters to refined pre-wedding photoshoots with pictures to capture those happy moments.
    To find out about the packages visit here.
    Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

    Couples can exchange their vows at this resort with views looking over the magnificent Arabian Gulf. Whether a small or grand occasion, the property caters to each client with world-class food, beverages menu, spa, and beauty services combined with an unending list of live entertainment. From a beach villa with a private pool for an intimate gathering to spacious ballrooms, the resort provides an exclusive service to assist customers in planning their special day.
    To find out about the packages visit here.
    Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

    To ensure each wedding is different from the other, the team of in-house experts has a keen eye for an ethereal setting. From overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf to preparing a plethora of delicious canapes, every bride and groom is made to feel special Whether custom lanterns or a bespoke culinary request, the property will do its best to cater to every need.
    To find out about the packages visit here.
    Fairmont, The Palm

    When starting your life together, a wedding becomes an important decision in any couple’s life and the wedding planners at Fairmont bring each dream to life with bespoke celebrations. By bringing a wow factor to the venue, the Sea View Garden is ideal for an al fresco experience allowing couples to celebrate with around 500 guests. To ensure the guests’ taste is carefully considered, each chef will create a gourmet dining experience for a successful wedding for a stress-free experience.
    To find out about the packages visit here.
    Bulgari Resort

    With Italian luxury at its heart, this exclusive property exudes an unmatched love for luxury. This beautiful venue features a 360sq metre ballroom located in the Yacht Club overlooking romantic seaside views and a welcoming space with earthy tones. With a birch walkway and candles subtly lit across the walkway, the hotel provides seamless service to make every minute count. With bespoke packages for each guest, the space can be rented for both daytime and evening events.
    To find out about the packages visit here.
    Raffles, The Palm

    Mona Kattan and Hassan Elamin recently exchanged their vows at Raffles The Palm and celebrated one of their occasions with all their special guests prior to their wedding. Whether intimate ceremonies or lavish celebrations, each setup can be designed according to the guests’ needs. With its palatial structure and vibrancy in every corner, this property has a host of facilities to offer for guests including spa facilities and other fine-dining restaurants.
    For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @haileybieber  More