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OMNIYAT, a leading visionary developer, has announced the acquisition of Marasi Bay Marina from Business Bay LLC. The purchase is the first of its kind for OMNIYAT and will see it translate its architectural mastery and elevated lifestyle curation from single properties to an entire exclusive, ultra-luxury enclave.

The dynamic waterfront space is centrally located in the heart of Dubai and is the current location of OMNIYAT’s first masterpiece on the bay, The Lana — a distinctive hotel and residential offering operated by the Dorchester Collection and designed in partnership with Foster + Partners. It is also home to the luxury lifestyle provider’s VELA, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, which was launched last summer and features 38 exclusive waterfront residences.

“The acquisition of Marasi Bay Marina is a statement moment for OMNIYAT. The unique characteristics of the location will allow us to craft an exclusive, conceptual lifestyle destination unseen in Dubai,” said Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman, OMNIYAT.

“Through our commitment to craft, excellence, and attention to detail, we’re reimagining Marasi Bay.  Our vision is to curate and create an incomparable ecosystem for global citizens seeking unmatched uber luxury lifestyle and experiences. These ambitions deeply reflect OMNIYAT’s philosophy of empowering lifestyles by merging ultra-luxury with curated living, further contributing to the economic, aesthetic and cultural footprint of the city.”

OMNIYAT’s existing footprint in Marasi Bay, The Lana Residences, is set to handover in Q4 of 2023.  Dorchester Collection’s management of the property and the collaboration with leading design firms reflects OMNIYAT’s commitment to curating a luxurious lifestyle that combines exclusive experiences with refined craft and design.  

While the master plan for Marasi Bay is yet to be revealed, further details will be shared throughout the year. For more information and updates on OMNIYAT’s transformative ultra-luxury destination at Marasi Bay, please contact [email protected].

A Global Recognition for Saudi Arabia’s Natural Heritage

There was a cause for celebration as Saudi Arabia’s Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve officially made it to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. This announcement marked a significant milestone for the country as the Reserve became its first UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. The news was delivered by the Saudi Minister of Culture during the extended 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh.

The Distinctive Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve

Located along the western edge of Ar Rub al-Khali, The Empty Quarter, the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve is a remarkable natural treasure. It is recognized for its unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and eco-tourism opportunities. Covering an area of over 12,750 km2, it is the only major sand desert in tropical Asia and the largest continuous sand sea globally.

A Sanctuary for Flora and Fauna

The Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve is a testament to the environmental and biological evolution of Saudi Arabia’s flora and fauna. It provides critical natural habitats for over 120 indigenous plant species and endangered animals that have adapted to harsh environments. The reserve is also home to gazelles and the world’s only free-ranging herd of Arabian Oryx.

(Read Also: Diplomatic Triumph in Sight: Biden’s Push for Israel-Saudi Arabia Rapprochement Gains Momentum)

Emphasizing the Importance of Natural Heritage

The addition of the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve to the UNESCO World Heritage List underscores the importance of natural heritage on a global scale and reinforces the reserve’s exceptional value. This addition further enhances Saudi Arabia’s representation on the list, joining the six other Saudi UNESCO sites: Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al-Hijr Archaeological Site, At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah, Ḥimā Cultural Area, Historic Jeddah, and Rock Art in the Hail Region.

A Commitment to Conservation

This significant recognition is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to conserving its natural heritage and promoting sustainable development. The inclusion of the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve on the UNESCO list highlights the strategic importance of natural heritage to Saudi Vision 2030, the nation’s economic diversification roadmap. The reserve’s inscription also comes on the back of unwavering support for culture and heritage in the kingdom, reflecting its vast culture and biodiversity across its regions.

(Read Also: Exploring Iran-Saudi Arabia Relations: A Move Towards Visa Cancellation?)

The Global Spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s Natural Beauty

The UNESCO recognition has thrust Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty into the global spotlight. The Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve, which encompasses the western part of the greatest expanse of windblown sand on earth, known as Ar Rub al-Khali, conserves one of the earth’s most spectacular desert landscapes. The varied topography of the area creates a wide range of wildlife habitats and is globally notable for reintroducing iconic desert animals, including the Arabian oryx and Arabian sand gazelle, into their natural habitats after decades of extinction in the wild.

Conclusion

The UNESCO Natural Heritage status awarded to the Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve is a significant honor that underscores the importance of conservation efforts worldwide. It affirms Saudi Arabia’s dedication to protecting and promoting natural and cultural treasures and serves as a beacon for other nations to follow in preserving the world’s natural heritage.

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Art that Touches the Heart: Autumn.ying’s Tribute to Departed Artists

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese celebration known for its moon-gazing custom, has been illustrated in a poignant and evocative way by Malaysian artist Autumn.ying. Known for her delicate style and inspiring messages, Autumn.ying has created a special piece for the festival, featuring a gathering of departed artists. This artwork showcases individuals such as Li Wen, Xiao Gui, Gao Yixiang, and Zhu Lijing, all gathered under a bright moon with delicious mooncakes on the table, creating a sense of warmth and camaraderie.

In her accompanying post, Autumn.ying reflects on the inherent loneliness of the human condition, suggesting that true companionship arises when people live on in our hearts. This thought-provoking message, coupled with the artwork, has sparked numerous sentiments from netizens, expressing hopes for the happiness of the depicted artists in their afterlife and extending gratitude to Autumn.ying for encapsulating their feelings of remembrance.

The Lyrical Lore of Mid-Autumn: Su Shi’s Moonlit Musings

Dating back to the 11th century, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers. One such figure is Su Shi, a renowned Chinese poet and essayist. During his self-imposed exile from the Northern Song Dynasty’s capital, Su Shi found the freedom to express his thoughts and feelings through poetry, particularly during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Su Shi’s writings often revolved around the cyclical nature of life and moon’s phases, drawing parallels between the two. His contemplative style and beautiful prose resonated deeply with the Chinese people, and his works have been cherished for over a millennium. The moon, considered at its roundest and brightest during the Mid-Autumn Festival, became a symbol of completeness and longing, themes that Su Shi often explored.

The Imperial Influence: Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese Emperors

The Mid-Autumn Festival also has historical connections with Chinese emperors. For instance, Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song Dynasty transcribed and turned into a calligraphy masterpiece a poem by Zhao Dacheng, a Song Dynasty poet. This work, dedicated to the moon’s luminosity, is part of the collection at the Palace Museum in Beijing.

There’s also a legend associated with the festival and the Yuan Dynasty, where a revolt planned for the night of the festival was communicated through messages hidden in mooncakes, the festival’s signature food item. This tale, though unproven, adds to the mystique surrounding the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Contemporary Celebrations: Modern Mooncakes and Mid-Autumn Gifts

Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with a variety of mooncakes and gift hampers. Mooncakes come in traditional flavours such as golden or white lotus with two yolks and mini egg custard. There are also specialty flavours like chocolate lava egg custard and red bean paste with dried tangerine peel. Additionally, there are several Mid-Autumn gift hampers available, some including delectable mooncakes and special treats.

The festival has also inspired modern artists to create distinctive mooncake gifting ideas. For instance, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong offers a double-decker mooncake bento featuring six mini egg custard mooncakes. The House Collective Mooncake Box Sets feature mooncakes in four modern and classic flavours. These modern interpretations and celebrations of the festival demonstrate its enduring appeal and relevance.

Conclusion: A Festival of Remembrance and Unity

The Mid-Autumn Festival, with its rich history, lyrical lore, and artistic inspiration, continues to be a significant celebration in Chinese culture. It’s a time for remembrance, unity, and gratitude, beautifully encapsulated in Autumn.ying’s artwork and the writings of Su Shi. Whether it’s through the traditional mooncakes or the modern gift hampers, the festival continues to evoke feelings of togetherness and warmth, just like the bright, full moon that symbolizes it.

For the first time since 1972, the United States will soon witness a significant change in its wildlife history. The US is set to say goodbye to its beloved pandas. These majestic creatures have been inhabitants of various US zoos for decades, contributing significantly to conservation efforts and captivating hearts with their gentle and endearing nature. However, by the end of next year, the US will no longer house any pandas as agreements with China, the home country of these furry animals, are all set to expire.

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. has announced that its pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji, will be returning to China by December. This decision comes as a result of the expiration of a three-year agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. In the past, the Smithsonian Institution usually renewed such contracts, but this year, the efforts have not been successful.

Other US zoos, including those in Memphis, Atlanta, and San Diego, have either already bid farewell to their pandas or are preparing to do so by the end of the year. This marks a momentous shift, as it will be the first time in 50 years that the US will be without any pandas.

The presence of pandas in the US has a rich history linked to diplomatic ties with China. The US received its first panda from China in 1972, marking the formalization of normal relations between the two nations. This act has since been referred to as ‘panda diplomacy’. Over the decades, China has loaned pandas to other nations as a means to strengthen ties. The United Kingdom is also set to lose two pandas from the Edinburgh Zoo in December if new contracts are not agreed upon, according to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

Atlanta is soon to be the city housing the last group of pandas in the US. However, these four pandas are also scheduled to leave soon. Zoo Atlanta has stated that the contracts for their twin pandas, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, will expire in early 2024. The parents of these twins, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, are set to remain at the zoo until late 2024 when their loan expires. As of now, no discussions have taken place about the status of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program beyond the end of the loan in 2024.

The San Diego Zoo bid farewell to its pandas in 2019 when its loan agreement with China expired. The zoo’s giant female panda, Bai Yun, and her son, Xiao Liwu, were sent back to China. The Memphis Zoo also saw the return of its panda, Ya Ya, in April this year.

As the US prepares to bid farewell to its last pandas, it marks the end of an era in the country’s wildlife history. The significant role these animals have played in conservation efforts and the joy they have brought to both children and adults will be greatly missed. It remains to be seen how this shift will impact future US-China relations and the fate of other animals loaned for conservation efforts.

September is a month in which technology companies usually present many new features, and in the current case it is the turn of Google, which now presents the new version of its Fitbit 6 sports bracelet, although in this update looks like a smart watch for only 160. euros.

Fitbits have been Google’s sports bracelet for more than ten years, and in all this time, they have gone from a simple heart rate monitor to a more intelligent device that offers many functions and tools.

And the Fitbit 6 is an activity bracelet, or at least that is its official title, however, and although it has improved its measurement capabilities to make it more accurate, there are other aspects that attract attention. .

While the device itself is very similar to its predecessors, it is the interior and the capabilities it has that make it special. For example, for the first time since the launch of this bracelet, Google has included some of its services such as Google Maps to get you to your destination or Google Wallet so you can pay for a bottle of water after training.

Another aspect that is well thought out is the YouTube Music app, because who doesn’t like to practice music? Now you have more than 100 million songs to choose from for your training.

When it comes to exercise equipment, this bracelet allows you to choose from more than 40 exercise modes, of which 20 are new, such as skiing, snowboarding or surfing. Instead, you can see your heart rate in real time on other devices such as the running machine in your gym because it is compatible with machines from manufacturers such as NordicTrack, Peloton, Concept2 and Tonal.

It also measures and marks your sleep and your stress level, it’s waterproof and you can submerge it up to 50 meters and Google claims it has a battery that lasts up to seven days.

And of course, this sports bracelet is compatible with the main training applications for Android and iOS products. You can get it from 159.95 euros and receive up to 6 months of Fitbit Premium.

Victoria Beckham took over the famous address at 51 rue de l’Université in the 7th arrondissement of Paris to unveil its new spring-summer 2024 collection. Under the eyes of the guests present, who of course included the members of his family, always there, quickly joined by Kim Kardashian And Kris Jennerthe British designer offered a series of silhouettes that subtly recall the quiet luxury, a trend that advocates simplicity and minimalism as opposed to flashy aesthetics. An assumed contrast with the splendor of the place, equipped with moldings and gilding, which was none other than the former residence of Karl Lagerfeld. From transparent dresses to accessories statementthrough daring combos, here are 7 fashion details spotted at the show Victoria Beckham that we already want to adopt.

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Yes, Victoria Beckham’s style has changed, but very subtly

Alice Newbold

Victoria Beckham’s style changed noticeably as she presented her first collection during Paris Fashion Week. Decryption.

Reverse Bermuda shorts

For Victoria Beckham, the stainless denim shorts will give way to Bermuda shorts next summer. But not in just any way. She reviews it and corrects it with her feminine, minimalist and subversive vision. From now on, the back of the Bermuda shorts is worn on the front, with the label and back pockets clearly visible.

Exposed lingerie

Victoria Beckham take the opportunity to confirm the most daring trend of the moment: visible lingerie. When an immaculate transparent ruffled dress enhances the matching underwear, another with an all-over graphic pattern reveals them in a subtle way, while a simple bodysuit is enough to demonstrate the entire fashion quotient of a silhouette.

Clear glasses

According to Victoria Beckhamthick-rimmed clear frames blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of a beach or city look, and add just the right amount of cool to any outfit.

XXL bag

The new bags Victoria Beckham will they be as dubbed as the model Chain Poush of spring-summer 2023, seen on a plethora of celebrities, Gigi Hadid has Eva Longoria ? One of them attracted attention because it follows the star bag trend of the moment: theoversized. Ideal for carrying absolutely everything you need.

Pastel colors

The color palette this season is both minimalist and vibrant. White dominates, but also pastel shades, which are delicately infused on slip dress (one of the signature dresses of Victoria Beckham), silky dresses, or even XXL shirts/shorts sets with accents cottagecore.

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Reaping the Rewards of Rural Life

Renowned musical artists, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, have been reveling in the serenity and simplicity of their life in Oklahoma. The couple, who have been in the limelight for their successful careers in music and television, have found a newfound love for the pastoral lifestyle. Stefani, originally a California native, has discovered an unexpected affinity for gardening and has been able to cultivate an impressive array of flowers and vegetables on their ranch. The singer recently took to social media to share the fruits of her labor, showcasing the breathtaking blossoms she has grown.

From Hollywood to Heartland

After wrapping up his 23-season run on The Voice, Shelton has been dedicating more time to the rural life with Stefani in Oklahoma. The couple was spotted heading to Shelton’s Ten Point Ranch, a sprawling property of over 1,300 acres, located in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, just 40 miles away from Shelton’s hometown of Ada. Once settled in, Stefani didn’t waste time in slipping into her outdoorsy gear and getting to work in their expansive garden.

Cultivating a Common Love for Gardening

Stefani’s love for gardening has been evident in the series of posts she has shared on social media. From sunflower fields to vibrant collections of cosmos, chocolate sunflowers, and zinnias, she has managed to transform their Oklahoma ranch into a riot of colors. Not only has she been actively involved in the cultivation of these plants, but she has also taken up the task of arranging these blooms into brilliant bouquets. Shelton, too, has been seen lending a hand, working tirelessly alongside Stefani on the ranch.

Embracing the Country Life

Stefani’s transformation from a city girl to a country lover has been a delightful surprise. The singer confessed her admiration for the country life and how she has adapted to it since she and Shelton became a couple. Dressed comfortably in black sweatpants, a red flannel shirt, and Ugg boots, Stefani has been seen making the most of her time in the countryside, whether it’s gardening or exploring the natural surroundings.

A Home with a Heart

Stefani and Shelton’s home in Oklahoma is not just a house, but a reflection of their shared love for nature and simplicity. Their 2,150 square-foot house boasts four bedrooms and is situated amidst the vast expanse of their ranch. Stefani’s posts often offer glimpses into their home, revealing a rustic yet glamorous lifestyle. From the dark wood dining room table with a beautiful design around the edge to leafy wallpaper and teal paint, the couple’s home exudes a warm, country charm.

Conclusion

Stefani and Shelton’s life in Oklahoma is a testament to their shared love for simplicity and nature. Despite their celebrity status, the couple has managed to carve out a slice of serene, country life for themselves, embracing the joys of gardening, and the tranquility of rural living. Their Oklahoma life represents the blissful harmony of their relationship, as they reap the rewards of their labor, savoring the bounty of their garden, and the peace of their rural retreat.

Thursday October 5 at 7PM, the historic Gold Hill Hotel continues its history lecture series with a slideshow presentation, “Reflections of Bonanza.”

We’ll take a look back at one of the most popular and socially groundbreaking television shows of all time in an entertaining and fun filled 55-minute program.

Why did the Cartwrights seem to always wear the same clothes? How many scenes were actually filmed at Lake Tahoe? Who built the Ponderosa Ranch? Why did Pernell Roberts leave the show?

You will find out the answers to these questions and dozens more, as local author and historian David Woodruff delves deep into this classic television show from the 1960s.

Dinner is available before the program at Gold Hill’s Crown Point Restaurant. For more information https://goldhillhotel.net/event/lecture-series-continues-bonanza/ or call David at 760 920-8061.

Introduction

Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) form a crucial factor of the United MileagePlus frequent flyer program. Understanding the calculation of PQP helps United customers to keep track of their loyalty program status, make informed decisions regarding flight purchases, and ultimately reap the rewards of the MileagePlus membership. In this article, we will delve into how PQP are calculated and explore its significance in the United MileagePlus program.

What is PQP?

PQP stands for Premier Qualifying Points. PQP are part of the two-fold criteria – along with Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) – that determine your elite status membership level within United’s MileagePlus frequent flyer program. The five elite tiers for United’s loyalty program include Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services.

How to Calculate PQP

The calculation of PQP within United’s MileagePlus program depends on various factors, including fare class and the amount spent on flights. These factors collectively contribute to determining your total earned PQP for travel.

1. Fare-based PQP:

For flights operated by United, United Express, or any other Star Alliance member airline, passengers earn PQP based on how much they spend on a particular flight – excluding taxes and fees.

The calculation is simple: 1 PQP for every U.S. dollar spent on the base fare and certain carrier-imposed surcharges.

2. Distance-based PQP:

For international partners not being part of Star Alliance or ticket numbers starting with a partner airline’s code rather than 016 (United Airlines), distance-based method is used to calculate PQP. In this case, the number of miles flown determines how many PQPs are earned based on fare class and cabin type as assigned by United:

– Discount economy: 0.5x distance flown

– Economy: 1.0x distance flown

– Business/First fare with purchased fare class less than ‘P’: 1.5x distance flown

– Business/First with purchased fare class P or higher: 2.0x distance flown

It is important to note that distance-based PQP calculation only applies to select international partners. The complete list can be found on United’s website.

Maximizing PQP Earnings

To maximize your PQP earnings, follow these guidelines:

– Ensure to add your MileagePlus number to every booking.

– Spend additional dollars on options like seat upgrades, bag purchases, and in-flight purchases to increase your spending and thus your PQPs

– Book flights operated by United or its Star Alliance partners for a fare-based PQP calculation.

– Keep track of promotions and bonuses specific to MileagePlus members.

Conclusion

Understanding how PQP are calculated in the United MileagePlus program puts you in a stronger position to maximize earnings and upgrade your elite status membership levels. With a focus on strategic planning, you can make the most of the frequent flyer loyalty program and enjoy the full range of benefits offered by United Airlines.

The date for Newark Air Museum’s Autumn Day-Night Photo Shoot event has been set for Saturday October 28, 2023.

Spaces are still available and booking forms can be downloaded from the museum’s website by following the advice on this page of the museum website: http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/Museum-Events

Night-photo shoot activities will formally commence after the museum closes to the public at 1700 hours; however anyone signing up for the event will be eligible to arrive at the museum from 1000 hours onwards on October 28th so that they can enjoy a whole day taking pictures around the museum site.

The event will feature themed ground equipment; uniformed personnel; and illuminated aircraft; alongside the following museum aircraft: MiG-27; T-33; Meteor NF.14; Lightning T.5; Jaguar T.2A; Canberra T.19; Wessex; Vulcan.

Admission cost for Day-Night Photo Shoot event is £40 per person and places will be limited to 50 people. Various payment options are detailed on the booking form, or you can call in at the museum in person; or by telephoning 01636 707170.

Tags: 2023, Newark Air Museum, News, September