Christmas is around the corner and it’s never too early to start crossing things off your to-buy list. With an array of fun and interactive toys coming to the market, as well as the return of some classics that have been updated and reimagined, it’s a bumper year for gifts to suit children of all ages and interests.
Here are 15 presents little ones will love.
Kidkraft Grocery Market Place for interactive play
Children can play at being a shopkeeper with this market stall that can be adapted for them to sell whatever they choose. Ideal for encouraging interactive and creative play, the marketplace comes with a cash register and mini blackboards for writing down deals of the day. Play food not included.
For ages 2+; Dh299, www.virginmegastore.ae
Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set for story time
This hard-wearing projector does double duty with storytelling and making bedtime more fun. It comes with three storybooks so children can read along with the pages that are projected on to the wall, or simply listen as the tale is read aloud. Once story time is over, it turns into a night light with a choice of five white noise sounds to aid falling asleep. Additional books available to buy separately.
For ages 3+; Dh190, www.amazon.ae
Loop Lasso Nano for dance enthusiasts
Combing simple tech with glow-in-the-dark fun, this string shooter is a classic reinvented and is already a viral hit on TikTok. The UV-lit dual motors power the glowing string to race at over 40mph. Moving an arm in wide, fluid motions creates colourful, illuminated shapes. Children (and adults!) will love to dance with it, making shapes in time to music.
For ages 8+; Dh257, www.amazon.ae
Uno No Mercy for card game fun
Want to fall out with your family after Christmas dinner? One way to do it is with Uno No Mercy. This latest (and cruellest!) version of the popular card game features new rules, tougher penalties and the dreaded pick-up-10 card. Caution: Little hands might not be big enough to hold all those cards they’ll be collecting, but that just adds to the fun.
For ages 7+; Dh59, www.mumzworld.com
MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Potions Class for Potterheads
The Harry Potter world gets shrunk down, not because of a dastardly spell, but thanks to this miniature version of the potions class at Hogwarts. Creative children can spend hours recreating the classroom, which comes with over 100 pieces from the floor to the furniture. It features detailed instructions and cute mini potion bottles which, once put together, can be displayed in the bedroom.
For ages 8+; Dh193, www.amazon.ae
Melissa & Doug Life Size Puppet Theatre to stage plays
For those with a future Tony Award-winner in their midst, this puppet theatre could be a creative outlet for amateur dramatics. At 123cm high, there’s room for two children inside to tie back the velvet curtains and put on imaginative plays and skits. There’s a clock on the front for show times and a chalkboard to write the name of the performance. Puppets sold separately.
For ages 5+; Dh435, www.firstcry.ae
Air Hogs, Zero Gravity Sprint RC Car Wall Climber for little racers
This remote-control car not only races along the ground, but can climb walls and move along the ceiling too. It takes toy cars to the next level, and children will love driving their car up vertical surfaces and being amazed as it clings gecko-like above them. Charging requires using a USB port.
For ages 4+; Dh60, www.amazon.ae
Fisher-Price Musical Toy, Rockin’ Record Player for music connoisseurs
The classic children’s toy gets a retro makeover for 2024. This sturdy favourite comes with 20 songs in the style of country, pop, kids classics and hip-hop. Plus, there’s mindful music for quiet times.
For ages 3+; Dh184, www.desertcart.com
Backyard Pong for family games
Ideal for any age, from children up to adults, this oversized game involves laying out six buckets a short distance from each other and trying to get balls into an opponent’s buckets. The first person or team to successfully land a ball in all buckets is the winner. Ideal for the garden or beach, or inside on hot days, it comes with 12 buckets, four balls and a carry bag.
For ages 2+; Dh204, www.desertcart.ae
Kanoodle Ultimate Champion 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game for child geniuses
This has over 500 different challenges to choose from. It involves setting up the pieces then using the remaining Kanoodle pieces to solve the puzzle. It’s not as easy as it sounds. With puzzles in 2D and 3D mode, there are various difficulty levels, making it a toy that can grow with children. Plus, this newer version features a timer for going against the clock.
For ages 7+; Dh90, www.amazon.ae
Lego Ski and Climbing Centre for block lovers
This winter-fun set from Lego guides children through building an impressive three-storey ski centre which features a sports shop, cafe and working lift. Once completed, skiers and snowboarders can race down the slope, while the less sporty Lego figures can sip a hot chocolate in the cafe.
For ages 7+; Dh419, www.lego.me
Pickleball Blast for competitive sports
The popular court game gets reduced in size to fit on a coffee table but retains all the highs and lows of the competitive sport. The pickle gets hit across the net until one player misses and the other scores.
For ages 4+; Dh149, www.noon.com
Mr Beast Lab Mutators for monster lovers
Popular YouTuber Mr Beast has launched a range of four monster mutants for Christmas. A special liquid is poured into the chamber before a mutant magically appears. When it’s ready, it can be removed from its chamber to do battle. Choices include Iconic Panther, Golden Panther, Stealth Panther and Metallic Panther.
For ages 5+; Dh89, www.amazon.ae
Melissa & Doug Top & Bake Pizza Counter for budding chefs
Children will love creating their own pizzas and running a pizzeria with this wooden 34-piece play set.
For ages 3+; Dh199, www.mumzworld.ae
Pets Alive Mama Duck Surprise for slime fun
Mama Duck has four ducklings to hatch in this interactive toy that features babies, slime and stickers to discover. Mama Duck makes real sounds and little ones will love watching her ducklings follow her around.
For ages 3+; Dh389, www.fruugo.aes
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
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FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Votes
Total votes: 1.8 million
Ashraf Ghani: 923,592 votes
Abdullah Abdullah: 720,841 votes
Brief scores:
Manchester United 4
Young 13', Mata 28', Lukaku 42', Rashford 82'
Fulham 1
Kamara 67' (pen),
Red card: Anguissa (68')
Man of the match: Juan Mata (Man Utd)
Scores
Wales 74-24 Tonga
England 35-15 Japan
Italy 7-26 Australia
More on Quran memorisation:
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Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
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RESULTS
Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ) by decision.
Women’s bantamweight
Corinne Laframboise (CAN) beat Cornelia Holm (SWE) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Omar Hussein (PAL) beat Vitalii Stoian (UKR) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) beat Ali Dyusenov (UZB) by unanimous decision.
Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) beat Delfin Nawen (PHI) TKO round-3.
Catchweight 80kg
Seb Eubank (GBR) beat Emad Hanbali (SYR) KO round 1.
Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Ramadan Noaman (EGY) TKO round 2.
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) beat Reydon Romero (PHI) submission 1.
Welterweight
Juho Valamaa (FIN) beat Ahmed Labban (LEB) by unanimous decision.
Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) beat Austin Arnett (USA) by unanimous decision.
Super heavyweight
Maciej Sosnowski (POL) beat Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) by submission round 1.
Playing records of the top 10 in 2017
How many games the top 10 have undertaken in the 2017 ATP season
1. Rafael Nadal 58 (49-9)
2. Andy Murray 35 (25-10)
3. Roger Federer 38 (35-3)
4. Stan Wawrinka 37 (26-11)
5. Novak Djokovic 40 (32-8)
6. Alexander Zverev 60 (46-14)
7. Marin Cilic 43 (29-14)
8. Dominic Thiem 60 (41-19)
9. Grigor Dimitrov 48 (34-14)
10. Kei Nishikori 43 (30-13)
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Ipaf in numbers
Established: 2008
Prize money: $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.
Winning novels: 13
Shortlisted novels: 66
Longlisted novels: 111
Total number of novels submitted: 1,780
Novels translated internationally: 66
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
The biog
Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.
Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.
Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.
Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Favourite food: Dim sum
Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Roll of honour
Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles
Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens
Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
Biography
Favourite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Holiday choice: Anything Disney-related
Proudest achievement: Receiving a presidential award for foreign services.
Family: Wife and three children.
Like motto: You always get what you ask for, the universe listens.
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
