Netflix's latest hit Love is Blind Habibi opens with striking aerial shots of Dubai, where the show was extensively shot. While all the cast members are residents of the UAE, some crucial segments including the “pods”, were filmed in Lebanon.
The Arab version of the eponymous reality show and social experiment, Love is Blind has been a runaway success for the streaming service since its debut on October 10. The show features 20 singles from across the Arab world – 10 men and 10 women – who are looking to find love, but who have to interact with prospective partners through pods without seeing each other. Once they have chosen their potential partners, they finally meet and get engaged, and move on to the second phase of the experiment.
Love is Blind Habibi has been viewed more than 1.3 million times as of last week and ranked No 8 globally on Netflix's non-English shows chart.
Where is the resort in Love is Blind Habibi located?
Of the 20 singles introduced at the beginning of the show, six found their partners and got engaged. The couples were then transported to a luxury resort where they spent more time with each other and also met other participants for the first time.
While Netflix makes no mention of the resort in the show, diligent fans online have located the stunning EddeSands Hotel & Wellness Resort in the ancient city of Byblos, Lebanon. Located 35km north of Beirut, the resort markets itself as a “party destination in summer and a perfect haven for relaxation and well-being throughout the year”.
Spread across 70,000 square metres, the beachside resort is a popular location for proposals, weddings and events. Guests can choose from 23 types of accommodation, which includes deluxe rooms, seaview bungalows and the royal suite, which comes with its own garden and outdoor Jacuzzi.
There are five adult-only pools spread across the property and one children's pool, while dining options include seafood restaurant La Peche Du Jour, which translates to “catch of the day”, where “every plate is a canvas”. Meanwhile, the eTropical Spa offers treatments such as a Dead Sea mud wrap, as well as hair and beauty services.
As a popular wedding destination, EddeSands also offers a number of packages including photoshoots and honeymoon suites.
Fireworks flew among couples and cast members in the Love is Blind Habibi segments shot at the resort, which included male participants Simo and Chafic almost coming to blows following an argument. It's also the location where one couple, Noor and Mido, decide they have very little in common after spending more time with each other. Meanwhile, Simo, who came to the resort with Hajar, stages a walkout.
While members of the cast have spoken about filming a reunion episode on their social media channels, Netflix has not officially announced the episode, nor a potential release date.
Ancient city
A Unesco World Heritage Site, Byblos is one of the world's oldest cities and has, over the years, re-emerged as an upscale touristic hub. Before the recent widening of the Israel-Gaza war that has impacted life in and travel to Lebanon, it was also a popular holiday destination, with its Christmas tree and festivities attracting visitors from all over Beirut and abroad every year.
Top international stars, from Elton John to Martin Garrix as well as regional A-listers including Nancy Ajram and Guy Manoukian, have performed at the annual Byblos International Festival.
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
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Three stars
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
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