if you’re doing the cooking
For the vegetables
The Ripe market's festive veggie box comes filled with all the vegetables you need to whip up traditional side orders. Think red cabbage for braising, parsnips, potatoes and carrots for roasting, celery for the stuffing and rosemary for seasoning. For more information or to place an order, email info@ripeme.com or call 043806902.
For something a bit special
The gourmet food delivery site Chez Charles (www.chezcharles.ae) has a section dedicated to Christmas goodies. If you're looking for an extra-special centrepiece for the meal, you may find what you need here. As well as traditional turkey from France, it's selling partridge, pheasant, goose, capon, venison and roe deer. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance.
Brush up on your skills beforehand
Being in charge of cooking the Christmas meal is a big responsibility. If you're worried about overcooked turkey and soggy roasties, help is at hand. APi CAE Gourmet in Abu Dhabi is holding an Italian Christmas cooking class on Thursday at 7.30pm (Dh250 per person). Call 02 666 8909 or visit www.apicae.com for more information. In Dubai, meanwhile, Top Chef Cooking Studio (www.topchefdubai.com) is running a range of cooking classes that will help you to entertain with ease and prepare the perfect Bûche de Nöel.
A little extra
If you've undertaken the task of preparing the main meal yourself, it's useful to have a few ready-prepared bits and pieces on standby. The Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen's gourmet cheeseboard comes with chutneys, flatbreads, fruit, crackers and homemade rolls and would finish the dinner off nicely. For a relaxed starter, its antipasti platter contains various cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted artichokes and garlic, pickled shallots, olives, tomatoes and cured meats, which would make for rather nice nibbles. Lime Tree also sells gourmet hampers, all manner of festive sweet treats and offers a catering service. To place an order, email catering@limetreecafe.ae, visit www.thelimetreecafe.com or call 04 325 6325.
Christmas pudding isn't the most loved of all desserts. For a cute alternative that will no doubt appeal to children, the Abu Dhabi-based bakery Maison Sucre has created a range of colourful festive cupcakes featuring Santa Claus, snowmen, candy canes, stars and Christmas trees. Customers can also place special orders, if they would like a bespoke holiday design on a cupcake, cookie or cake ball. As well as the main Khalidiya store, Maison Sucre's cupcakes are also sold at Caboodle Cafe in The Dubai Mall. For enquires call 02 6396622 or visit www.maisonsucreuae.com.
An extravagant, stress-free option
He's already been booked for the 25th, but the private chef Tomas Reger still has dates available around that time, if you fancy hiring him to cook a gourmet Christmas meal at your home. It's up to you whether you opt for a traditional turkey roast or plump for a more extravagant tasting menu. Either way, chef Tomas will turn up on the day with ingredients, crockery and equipment in tow. He'll then cook up a storm and ensure that when he leaves, your kitchen looks just the way he found it. Book a home dining experience with chef Tomas Reger exclusively through Lime & Tonic (www.limeandtonic.com).
Ordering in
If you want to order your Christmas meal from Jones the Grocer then hurry – today is the last day to do so. A 6kg sage-and-onion-stuffed bird (serves 8-10) costs Dh390 or Dh560 with trimmings, which include roast potatoes, carrots, shallots, broccoli gratin, chestnuts, pumpkin, peas and rosemary gravy. Jones is also selling mince pies, plum puddings, Christmas cakes, festive sandwiches and gingerbread cookies. Call 800 56 637 or email events@jonesthegrocer.com. Baker & Spice in Dubai does Christmas catering well, offering all the classics with a signature twist. Give Baker & Spice 48 hours notice and you can have items such as roast chicken with chestnuts and leeks, fillet of beef en croute, apple and cranberry relish, bread sauce and roast potatoes with fresh zaatar and cumin butter delivered to your door. To place an order, call 04 427 9856 or email almanzil@bakerandspiceme.com or info@bakerandspiceme.com.
For out-and-out extravagance, the Take Away Treats option from Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire should keep refined palates happy. Begin the day with oysters Tsarskaya, making sure that you leave room for a main course of French goose stuffed with foie gras. Finish the meal off with Gagnaire's special festive log, macaroons and orangettes (candied orange dipped in dark chocolate). Orders must be placed at least four days in advance. Call 04 701 1127/28, email restaurant.reservation@ichdfc.ae or visit www.diningdfc.com for more information.
Eating out
If you fancy eating out, but aren't fussed (or are even actively avoiding) traditional turkey, both the Fishmarket at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi and Chamas are sticking with their usual fare, with Chamas serving a meat feast churrasco special on the 25th. The Belgian Cafe, meanwhile, is offering a set Christmas menu. Call 800 IC DINE (800 423 463) or email dine.icabudhabi@ihg.com or book online at www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae.
The brunch out on the lawns at the Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai is a really lovely one and perfect for families. For a relaxed Christmas meal that takes full advantage of the weather, pick up an old-fashioned wicker basket filled with treats, spread out your blanket and sample dishes from the live cooking stations on the 25th. For more information visit www.diningdfc.com, call 04 701 1127 or email restaurant.reservation@ichdfc.ae.
Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara has plenty going on over the next week or so, including a special Thai-inspired set menu at Pachaylen on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch at Ingredients restaurant, with traditional dishes sitting alongside mezze items, a sushi bar and cheese wall. Call 02 656 1000 or email easternmangroves@anantara.com.
For a Christmas meal with a view, a table outside at Riva Ristorante on Palm Jumeirah is a good choice: the atmosphere is relaxed, with a beach-chic feel and there's an al fresco terrace and stretch of private beach. Chef Aurelien's Italian-inspired menu sounds good, too, with items such as grilled sea bass as well as fully garnished turkey on offer. Riva is also hosting a children's party tomorrow, with a magic show, face painting, balloon modelling, a visit from Father Christmas and even snow. Call 04 430 9466 or email reservations@riva-beach.com. For more information email info@riva-beach.com.
eshardlow@thenational.ae
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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.
Ballon d’Or shortlists
Men
Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool), Sergio Aguero (Aregentina/Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (Netherlans/Barcelona), Hugo Lloris (France/Tottenham), Dusan Tadic (Serbia/Ajax), Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England/Liverpool), Donny van de Beek (Netherlands/Ajax), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Arsenal), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Juventus), Alisson (Brazil/Liverpool), Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands/Juventus), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands/Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands/Liverpool), Bernardo Silva (Portugal/Manchester City), Son Heung-min (South Korea/Tottenham), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich), Roberto Firmino (Brazil/Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria/Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal/Napoli), Antoine Griezmann (France/Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Eden Hazard (BEL/Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Brazil/Paris-SG), Raheem Sterling (Eengland/Manchester City), Joao Félix(Portugal/Atletico Madrid)
Women
Sam Kerr (Austria/Chelsea), Ellen White (England/Manchester City), Nilla Fischer (Sweden/Linkopings), Amandine Henry (France/Lyon), Lucy Bronze(England/Lyon), Alex Morgan (USA/Orlando Pride), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands/Arsenal), Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany/Lyon), Pernille Harder (Denmark/Wolfsburg), Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Lyon), Megan Rapinoe (USA/Reign FC), Lieke Martens (Netherlands/Barcelona), Sari van Veenendal (Netherlands/Atletico Madrid), Wendie Renard (France/Lyon), Rose Lavelle(USA/Washington Spirit), Marta (Brazil/Orlando Pride), Ada Hegerberg (Norway/Lyon), Kosovare Asllani (Sweden/CD Tacon), Sofia Jakobsson (Sweden/CD Tacon), Tobin Heath (USA/Portland Thorns)
Wednesday's results
Finland 3-0 Armenia
Faroes Islands 1-0 Malta
Sweden 1-1 Spain
Gibraltar 2-3 Georgia
Romania 1-1 Norway
Greece 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Liechtenstein 0-5 Italy
Switzerland 2-0 Rep of Ireland
Israel 3-1 Latvia
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
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Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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
Fixtures (6pm UAE unless stated)
Saturday Bournemouth v Leicester City, Chelsea v Manchester City (8.30pm), Huddersfield v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm), Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Stoke City v Southampton, West Bromwich Albion v Watford, West Ham United v Swansea City
Sunday Arsenal v Brighton (3pm), Everton v Burnley (5.15pm), Newcastle United v Liverpool (6.30pm)
Secret Pigeon Service: Operation Colomba, Resistance and the Struggle to Liberate Europe
Gordon Corera, Harper Collins
How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
RESULTS
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner: Dirilis Ertugrul, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ismail Mohammed (trainer)
2.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: Kidd Malibu, Sandro Paiva, Musabah Al Muhairi
2.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,000m
Winner: Raakezz, Tadhg O’Shea, Nicholas Bachalard
3.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,200m
Winner: Au Couer, Sean Kirrane, Satish Seemar
3.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m
Winner: Rayig, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m
Winner: King’s Shadow, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
New Zealand 57-0 South Africa
Tries: Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder (2), Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu'ungfasi, Lima Sopoaga, Codie Taylor. Conversions: Beauden Barrett (7). Penalty: Beauden Barrett
Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting
- Don’t do it more than once in three days
- Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days
- Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode
- Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well
- Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days
- Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates
- Manage your sleep
- People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting
- Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert
SPECS
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HWJN
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Tips for avoiding trouble online
- Do not post incorrect information and beware of fake news
- Do not publish or repost racist or hate speech, yours or anyone else’s
- Do not incite violence and be careful how to phrase what you want to say
- Do not defame anyone. Have a difference of opinion with someone? Don’t attack them on social media
- Do not forget your children and monitor their online activities
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Ziyadd, Richard Mullen (jockey), Jean de Roualle (trainer).
7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Barney Roy, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m
Winner: Secret Advisor, Tadhg O’Shea, Charlie Appleby.
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Plata O Plomo, Carlos Lopez, Susanne Berneklint.
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.
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How to vote
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
