Spring, a season marked by transformation and renewal, is also a good time to refresh your reading list. Several highly anticipated titles have finally hit the shelves and there are a handful of others on the horizon.
From Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s first novel in more than a decade to Laila Lalami's take on sci-fi, here are seven novels to look out for.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
In Dream Count, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores the nature of love with the covid pandemic as a backdrop. The award-winning Nigerian author of Americanah is known for her fierce examinations of identity, post-colonialism and the complexities of human relationships. Her latest release is no different. Dream Count follows several Nigerian women as they strive to understand themselves and the choices they have made.
Adichie’s first long-from work in a decade, the book was designated as one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The overwhelming flood of positive reviews also mean it could very well be one of the most successful and talked-about novels of 2025.
Released on March 4
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Moroccan-American author Laila Lalami is known for her compelling storytelling and insightful examinations of culture and identity.
Her debut work Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits, published in 2005, followed a group of Moroccan immigrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Spain, in search of a better life. Her second work, The Moor’s Account, is a reimagining of the story of Estebanico, the Moroccan slave who became the first African to explore America. Her mystery novel, The Other Americans, published in 2019, pivots around the death of a Moroccan immigrant in California after a hit-and-run.
While the novels share overlapping themes, they are also markedly different in genres, and underscore Lalami’s literary fearlessness. In The Dream Hotel, she takes another leap, this time in a near-distant future where, as the novel teases, “even dreams are under surveillance”.
Released on March 4
Audition by Katie Kitamura
American novelist Katie Kitamura also takes on the concept of love, but from a different angle. Audition has been described as “a mobius strip of a novel” that poses the question of how much we really know the people we love. Kitamura is celebrated for her sharp and introspective works, unravelling psychological states with surgical grace and clarity.
Audition neatly extends her bibliography. The novel begins as a veteran actress meets a young troubled man over lunch in a restaurant in New York. The mystery of their relationship is gripping from the start as Kitamura begins to reveal their narratives in a measured, suspenseful pace.
Releasing on April 8
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Vietnamese-American writer Ocean Vuong immediately became a significant literary figure in 2016 with the release of his debut poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds, for which he won the coveted T.S. Eliot Prize. His poetry dealt with themes of identity, loss, love and the immigrant experience. A few years alter, Vuong released his debut novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous. The semi-autobiographical work is written in the form of a letter from a son to his mother. The novel was potent with his idiosyncratic poetic voice and became a finalist for the Pen/Faulkner Award for Fiction.
Vuong’s upcoming release, The Emperor of Gladness, also draws from his personal life. It is specifically inspired from his experiences in the service industry and elder care. The novel tells the story of a 19-year-old who is on the verge of suicide when an elderly widow, suffering from dementia, urges him to reconsider. A unique and life-changing friendship soon takes root.
Releasing on May 13
Things Left Unsaid by Sara Jafari
In her debut novel, The Mismatched, Sara Jafari displayed her ability to evocatively explore personal and cultural conflicts within a romantic, coming-of-age story.
The British-Iranian author’s forthcoming work, Things Left Unsaid, seems to take those sensibilities further. The novel has been described as “a delicate yet impactful look at depression, disillusioned dreams, second chances at love and the power of bravery”,
The story follows 26-year-old Shirin Bayat as she reunites with her former close friend Kian at a London house party, sparking unresolved feelings from their past and a desire to rebuild their trust amid life's challenges, but they must navigate whether their rekindled connection can withstand the pressures that once drove them apart.
Releasing on April 15
Never Flinch by Stephen King
The master of horror will be releasing a new crime novel in May. Never Flinch stars Holly Gibney, a recurring character that King fans will recognise from previous novels, such as Mr Mercedes and The Outsider.
The story follows Gibney as she helps a detective track down a vigilante. She simultaneously signs up as a bodyguard for a celebrity who is being hounded by a stalker.
It remains to be seen whether the novel will stand out in King’s expansive oeuvre, but knowing the It author’s penchant for suspense, it will be a riveting springtime read.
Releasing on May 27
We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad
Canadian writer Mona Awad has often used a distinctive brand of darkly humorous fiction to tackle the absurdities of modern life. Her second novel, Bunny, is a good example of this.
It follows Samantha McCoy, a graduate student at an elite creative writing programme. Struggling with isolation and feeling out of place among her peers, Samantha becomes intrigued by a group of wealthy and eccentric classmates who call themselves “the Bunnies.” She soon finds that they take part in occult practices, transforming bunnies into boys. The book was critically appraised and even received a commendation from Margaret Atwood, who dubbed it “genius”.
We Love You, Bunny is a follow-up to the novel. It is described as “both a prequel and a sequel”, but can still be read as a stand-alone novel.
Releasing on September 23
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
if you go
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
South Africa squad
Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
MANDOOB
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Results
Ashraf Ghani 50.64 per cent
Abdullah Abdullah 39.52 per cent
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar 3.85 per cent
Rahmatullah Nabil 1.8 per cent
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The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
