A documentary of Lebanon's tragic August 4 port blast, the final season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and a feel-good animation about love and music: these are only a few of what UAE viewers can expect to come to their small screens throughout August.
Here we take a look at 16 of the best new series, seasons and films that are coming out this month on streaming platforms Netflix, Starzplay, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and OSN Streaming.
‘Beirut Blast: The Story of Warehouse 12’
Release date: August 4
Platform: OSN Streaming
This new documentary will air exclusively on OSN Streaming and recounts the Beirut port blast, a year after it happened. It’s told through 30 interviews and footage of the event and aftermath. We find out from protagonists where they were, what happened to them, their family and friends, and what happened next.
‘Cooking with Paris’
Release date: August 4
Platform: Netflix
She popularised the catchphrase "that's hot" more than two decades ago, and now Paris Hilton will soon revive it while in the kitchen for her new TV cooking series. Following on from the viral sensation of her YouTube video, Cooking with Paris, in which she cooked a lasagne without the flair of a celebrity chef, Hilton has been tapped by Netflix to create a series documenting her off-beat kitchen antics.
"She's turning the traditional cooking show upside down," says Netflix . "She's not a trained chef and she's not trying to be. With the help of her celebrity friends, she navigates new ingredients, new recipes and exotic kitchen appliances. Inspired by her viral YouTube video, Paris will take us from the grocery store to the finished table spread – and she might actually learn her way around the kitchen.”
‘Navarasa’
Release date: August 6
Platform: Netflix
The nine episodes of this Tamil-language anthology will represent anger, compassion, courage, disgust, fear, laughter, love, peace and wonder – the human emotions evoked during the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. Navarasa is created by director Mani Ratnam in collaboration with filmmaker Jayendra Panchapakesan.
'Mr Corman'
Release date: August 6
Platform: Apple TV+
This darkly funny new series follows the days and nights of Josh Corman, a musician at heart but fifth-grade teacher by trade. He's split from his fiance, and has a school buddy move in. And while he knows he still has plenty to be thankful for, Corman struggles with anxiety, loneliness and self doubt. It's a relatable comedy-drama written, directed, produced by and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt that's likely to appeal to the new generation of 30-somethings.
‘Vivo’
Release date: August 6
Platform: Netflix
This animated musical adventure features new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the award-winning composer of Broadway shows Hamilton and In the Heights. It follows a kinkajou, or rainforest "honey bear", voiced by Miranda, who spends his days playing music to crowds in a lively square with his owner Andres (voiced by Buena Vista Social Club’s Juan de Marcos). When Andres receives a letter from Marta Sandoval (played by Gloria Estefan), inviting her old partner to reconnect, Vivo decides to make sure she hears a love song Andres had hidden all these years.
‘Animal Kingdom’, season 5
Release date: August 8
Platform: OSN Streaming
Just after its US debut, the fifth season of this series comes to the UAE. It centres on Joshua J Cody, 17, who moves in with relatives in their Southern California beach town after his mothers dies of a drug overdose. His grandmother heads a clan, and soon he gets involved with his cousins and their criminal activities.
‘The Kissing Booth 3’
Release date: August 11
Platform: Netflix
The third instalment of this beloved romcom series takes place the summer before Elle heads to college, and she’s trying to find an answer to the hardest question she’s ever faced: should she move cross country with boyfriend Noah or keep her lifelong promise to go to college with best friend Lee? Either way, someone’s heart is about to get broken.
‘AlRawabi School for Girls’
Release date: August 12
Platform: Netflix
Netflix’s second Arabic Original series tells the story of a bullied high school girl who gathers a group of outcasts to plot the perfect revenge to get back at their tormentors. “The fictional world of AlRawabi is filled with drama and secrets and shares the challenges that girls face during this critical stage in their lives,” Netflix says.
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’
Release date: August 13
Platform: OSN Streaming
The day after it airs in the US, the final season of beloved cop comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine comes to the UAE. After a delay because of the pandemic, loveable NYPD colleagues Jake, Amy, Rosa, Holy, Charles, Terry, Hitchcock and Scully are all back for “one last ride”, as they pick up where they left off in season seven.
'Coda'
Release date: August 13
Platform: Apple TV+
In this Sundance Grand Jury Prize Award-winning film Ruby, 17, is the only hearing member of a deaf family, or a Coda, child of deaf adults. She acts as an interpreter for her parents, working on the family's struggling fishing boat every day before school. When she joins her high school choir club, however, she discovers her gift for singing and finds herself torn between family duties and her own dreams.
‘Heels’
Release date: August 15
Platform: Starzplay
This drama series follows two rival brothers, one a ring heel (aka villain) and the other a hero (or “face”), who grapple over their father’s wrestling promotion business after he dies. All the while, they’re also vying for national attention from small-town Georgia.
'Nine Perfect Strangers'
Release date: August 20
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
This eight-part drama series starring Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy is based on The New York Times bestselling book Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty. Filmed in Australia, it's set at a boutique health and wellness resort that promises healing and transformation. Nine strangers embark on a 10-day retreat, but they've no idea what's about to hit them.
The first three episodes will premiere on August 20, with the rest to be released weekly thereafter.
‘Sweet Girl’
Release date: August 20
Platform: Netflix
In this new action thriller, Jason Mamoa plays a grieving family man, Ray Cooper, who is out to get revenge against Big Pharma after they pulled potentially life-saving drugs from the market and his wife (Adria Arjona) dies from cancer. In his search for the truth, Ray and his daughter Rachel (Isabela Merced) are put in harm’s way, and his quest for vengeance turns into a mission in protection.
‘The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf’
Release date: August 23
Platform: Netflix
This much-anticipated 2D South Korean-American anime film is a spin-off from Netflix series The Witcher, and focuses on the origin story of Gerald’s mentor Vesemir, a young witcher who delights in slaying monsters. But when a dangerous new power rises on the Continent, he learns some jobs are about more than just money.
‘American Horror Story: Double Feature’
Release date: August 26
Platform: OSN Streaming
The 10th season of American Horror Story will air on OSN Streaming in the UAE one day after its global premiere. It’s divided into two parts: one by the sea, the other by the sand, Red Tide and Death Valley. Not much is known about the plot, other than what we’ve gleaned from a very creepy and mysterious promo that seems to star aliens. There will be 10 new episodes, each being released every Thursday.
‘He’s All That’
Release date: August 27
Platform: Netflix
This gender-swapped reimagining of 1999 teen classic She’s All That sees TikTok star Addison Rae make her acting debut. It follows an influencer who accepts a challenge to turn the school’s biggest nerd, played by Tanner Buchanan (Cobra Kai, Designated Survivor), into prom king.
Read more
Chinese streaming service iQiyi aims to be the go-to for Asian programming in the UAE
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
The biog:
From: Wimbledon, London, UK
Education: Medical doctor
Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures
Favourite animals: All of them
Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More by Adrian Harte
Jawbone Press
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Copa del Rey
Barcelona v Real Madrid
Semi-final, first leg
Wednesday (midnight UAE)
Quick facts on cancer
- Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
- About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime
- By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
- 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
strategies
- The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
Results
4pm: Maiden; Dh165,000 (Dirt); 1,400m
Winner: Solar Shower; William Lee (jockey); Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
4.35pm: Handicap; Dh165,000 (D); 2,000m
Winner: Thaaqib; Antonio Fresu; Erwan Charpy.
5.10pm: Maiden; Dh165,000 (Turf); 1,800m
Winner: Bila Shak; Adrie de Vries; Fawzi Nass
5.45pm: Handicap; Dh175,000 (D); 1,200m
Winner: Beachcomber Bay; Richard Mullen; Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Handicap; Dh205,000 (T); 1,800m
Winner: Muzdawaj; Jim Crowley; Musabah Al Muhairi
6.55pm: Handicap; Dh185,000 (D); 1,600m
Winner: Mazeed; Tadhg O’Shea; Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap; Dh205,000 (T); 1,200m
Winner: Riflescope; Tadhg O’Shea; Satish Seemar.
In numbers
Number of Chinese tourists coming to UAE in 2017 was... 1.3m
Alibaba’s new ‘Tech Town’ in Dubai is worth... $600m
China’s investment in the MIddle East in 2016 was... $29.5bn
The world’s most valuable start-up in 2018, TikTok, is valued at... $75bn
Boost to the UAE economy of 5G connectivity will be... $269bn
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."
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Everton 0
Manchester City 2 (Laporte 45 2', Jesus 90 7')
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
RESULT
Copa del Rey, semi-final second leg
Real Madrid 0
Barcelona 3 (Suarez (50', 73' pen), Varane (69' OG)
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Lahore Qalandars 186 for 4 in 19.4 overs
(Sohail 100,Phil Salt 37 not out, Bilal Irshad 30, Josh Poysden 2-26)
bt Yorkshire Vikings 184 for 5 in 20 overs
(Jonathan Tattersall 36, Harry Brook 37, Gary Ballance 33, Adam Lyth 32, Shaheen Afridi 2-36).
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Profile box
Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
Major honours
ARSENAL
BARCELONA
- La Liga - 2013
- Copa del Rey - 2012
- Fifa Club World Cup - 2011
CHELSEA
- Premier League - 2015, 2017
- FA Cup - 2018
- League Cup - 2015
SPAIN
- World Cup - 2010
- European Championship - 2008, 2012
Mubalada World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule
Thursday December 27
Men's quarter-finals
Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm
Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm
Women's exhibition
Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm
Friday December 28
5th place play-off 3pm
Men's semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm
Saturday December 29
3rd place play-off 5pm
Men's final 7pm
The biog
Favourite food: Fish and seafood
Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends
Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!
Favourite country to visit: Italy
Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Family: We all have one!
More on Quran memorisation:
Other must-tries
Tomato and walnut salad
A lesson in simple, seasonal eating. Wedges of tomato, chunks of cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, coriander or parsley leaves, and perhaps some fresh dill are drizzled with a crushed walnut and garlic dressing. Do consider yourself warned: if you eat this salad in Georgia during the summer months, the tomatoes will be so ripe and flavourful that every tomato you eat from that day forth will taste lacklustre in comparison.
Badrijani nigvzit
A delicious vegetarian snack or starter. It consists of thinly sliced, fried then cooled aubergine smothered with a thick and creamy walnut sauce and folded or rolled. Take note, even though it seems like you should be able to pick these morsels up with your hands, they’re not as durable as they look. A knife and fork is the way to go.
Pkhali
This healthy little dish (a nice antidote to the khachapuri) is usually made with steamed then chopped cabbage, spinach, beetroot or green beans, combined with walnuts, garlic and herbs to make a vegetable pâté or paste. The mix is then often formed into rounds, chilled in the fridge and topped with pomegranate seeds before being served.
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
UAE Rugby finals day
Games being played at The Sevens, Dubai
2pm, UAE Conference final
Dubai Tigers v Al Ain Amblers
4pm, UAE Premiership final
Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Jebel Ali Dragons
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: John Stones, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Gary Cahill, Ashley Young, Danny Rose, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabian Delph
Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Match info
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Liverpool v Porto, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
Can NRIs vote in the election?
Indians residing overseas cannot cast their ballot abroad
Non-resident Indians or NRIs can vote only by going to a polling booth in their home constituency
There are about 3.1 million NRIs living overseas
Indians have urged political parties to extend the right to vote to citizens residing overseas
A committee of the Election Commission of India approved of proxy voting for non-resident Indians
Proxy voting means that a person can authorise someone residing in the same polling booth area to cast a vote on his behalf.
This option is currently available for the armed forces, police and government officials posted outside India
A bill was passed in the lower house of India’s parliament or the Lok Sabha to extend proxy voting to non-resident Indians
However, this did not come before the upper house or Rajya Sabha and has lapsed
The issue of NRI voting draws a huge amount of interest in India and overseas
Over the past few months, Indians have received messages on mobile phones and on social media claiming that NRIs can cast their votes online
The Election Commission of India then clarified that NRIs could not vote online
The Election Commission lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police asking it to clamp down on the people spreading misinformation
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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SPECS
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The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
INFO
The 10 Questions
- Is there a God?
- How did it all begin?
- What is inside a black hole?
- Can we predict the future?
- Is time travel possible?
- Will we survive on Earth?
- Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
- Should we colonise space?
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
- How do we shape the future?
ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
The specs: 2017 Maserati Quattroporte
Price, base / as tested Dh389,000 / Dh559,000
Engine 3.0L twin-turbo V8
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Power 530hp @ 6,800rpm
Torque 650Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel economy, combined 10.7L / 100km
