When I first came to live in Italy, it was a tough choice to decide between Milan and Venice. Although the Serenissima won out in the end, Milan has become one of my favourite destinations for a fun weekend.
Milan can rightly claim to be the fashion capital of Europe: more concentrated on design than Paris, more timeless than the swinging trends that pass through London. Fashion permeates every facet of life in the bustling capital of northern Italy. You see it not just in the endless couture boutiques, cutting-edge furniture showrooms, luxury hotels, elegant cocktail bars and chic restaurants, but also out on the streets, in the Milanese themselves, who have a natural elegance that sets them apart from other Italians.
For sure, many people come here for a single reason - to go shopping. Well, you won't be disappointed, because the city has something for everyone, from budget shoppers hunting down bargains in off-the-beaten-track outlet stores to platinum-card clients who never move out of the elite Montenapoleone neighbourhood, passing from the flagship showrooms of the likes of Valentino or Prada to Missoni or Moschino. But there is an awful lot more to Milan than shopping. For cultural sightseeing, you will discover the most imposing cathedral in all Italy, the grand medieval Sforza castle, the fabulous art collection of masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Piero della Francesca and Mantegna in the Pinoteca di Brera. Jump aboard the trademark yellow Milanese trams and head over to a wonderful neighbourhood, the Navigli, grouped around a pretty canal, where you'll find antique stores open during the day, traditional trattorias and funky bars at night.
The arbiter of style here is the Four Seasons Milano (www.fourseasons.com/milan; 00 39 02 77088). More than just a hotel, this is the critical meeting point for glamorous people, and whether you join the celebrity clientele and book a suite, are invited to an exclusive fashion cocktail, or dine in the gourmet Il Teatro restaurant, there is always a palpable buzz here. Double rooms cost from US$922 (Dh3,386), not including breakfast.
Fashionistas looking for a good deal can also check in at the newly-opened and desperately hip Maison Moschino (www.maisonmoschino.com; 00 39 02 29009858), where doubles cost from $285 (Dh1,046) including breakfast.
Even though I've been here dozens of times, I still always begin a visit to Milan by heading straight to the Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the incredible facade of the world's largest Gothic cathedral. The interior is impressive, but the best idea is to slip round to a side door, where a lift whisks you right up to the roof. Here, you can literally walk across the whole of the cathedral, and the panoramic views are breathtaking.
Back in the piazza, on one side there is the excellent Contemporary Art Museum housed in the Palazzo Reale, the Royal Palace, which hosts cutting-edge art and photographic exhibitions. And on the other side a grand entrance takes you into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, a magnificent glass-domed arcaded gallery that, when it was built in 1864, could claim to be the first-ever shopping mall. This may no longer be the ultimate shopping address, but "il salone di Milano", as it is known, remains the favourite meeting place of the city's movers and shakers.
The key concept to understand in Milan is the "aperitivo". Milanese society revolves around the early evening aperitivo, be it for after-work bankers and brokers, fashion designers and the media crowd, or artists, students and actors. The idea is simple: you pay a seemingly expensive $10 (Dh37) for a drink - be it a Negroni cocktail, sparkling Prosecco or a simple fruit juice - but included in the price is an extravagant buffet that often means you don't need to go on to a restaurant for dinner later. Every part of town has its own particular aperitivo bar. Fashion shoppers should try the historic Oxa Tearoom on Via Montenapoleone or head over to Roberto Cavalli's own place, Just Cavalli Cafe (Torre Branca, Viale Camoens) where models hang out at the Ron Arad-designed bar on antelope-skin upholstered stools.
Classical music lovers can check out the Caffe Scala (Via Santa Margherita 14) just by the opera house, and for the ultimate party night out there is Il Gattopardo Cafe (Via Piero della Francesca 47), a 200-year-old deconsecrated chapel with a soaring cupola that has been converted into the city's hottest club.
There are plenty of trendy places to dine, but if you reserve in only one place then it has to be the timeless Bebel's Ristorante (Via San Marco 38, 00 39 02 6571658), rarely featured in guidebooks but the ideal spot to taste authentic Milanese cuisine, from the silky saffron flavour of a "risotto alla Milanese" to the tangy tomato and succulent veal that makes the perfect "osso bucco". Expect to pay around $45 (Dh165) for dinner.
It is easy to believe that shopping in Milan begins and ends in the "Quadrilatero d'Oro", an area of luxury couture showrooms bounded by Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea. Housed in a contrasting mix of beautifully restored ancient palazzi and state-of-the-art minimalist designer spaces, you can choose between famous Italian brands like Gianfranco Ferre, Loro Piana, Gucci, Anna Molinari's Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana and Romeo Gigli, or more internationally renowned names like John Galliano, Junia Watanabe and Dries van Noten, which you'll find all under one roof at Banner (Via Sant'Andrea 8). Armani is pretty much everywhere - they have six stores dotted around town - though the flagship is definitely the vast Armani Via Manzoni (Via Manzoni 31).
For those interested in interiors, visit the showrooms of two of Italy's most iconic design names - Alessi (Corso Matteotti 9) and Artemide (Corso Monforte 19).
Milan is football crazy, so on derby day avoid bars screening matches as tempers can run high when AC Milan, owned by Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, play Inter Milan.
Brave the inevitable long queues to view one of Italy's most famous paintings, the recently restored Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, displayed in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Afterwards, be sure to wander round the romantic gardens and cloisters.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Teenage%20Mutant%20Ninja%20Turtles%3A%20Shredder's%20Revenge
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Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
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Sreesanth's India bowling career
Tests 27, Wickets 87, Average 37.59, Best 5-40
ODIs 53, Wickets 75, Average 33.44, Best 6-55
T20Is 10, Wickets 7, Average 41.14, Best 2-12
Company%20Profile
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Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
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.
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)
Date started: August 2021
Founder: Nour Sabri
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace
Size: Two employees
Funding stage: Seed investment
Initial investment: $200,000
Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East)
Selected fixtures
All times UAE
Wednesday
Poland v Portugal 10.45pm
Russia v Sweden 10.45pm
Friday
Belgium v Switzerland 10.45pm
Croatia v England 10.45pm
Saturday
Netherlands v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Denmark 10.45pm
Sunday
Poland v Italy 10.45pm
Monday
Spain v England 10.45pm
Tuesday
France v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Wales 10.45pm
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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CHINESE GRAND PRIX STARTING GRID
1st row
Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
2nd row
Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-GP)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
3rd row
Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing)
4th row
Nico Hulkenberg (Renault)
Sergio Perez (Force India)
5th row
Carlos Sainz Jr (Renault)
Romain Grosjean (Haas)
6th row
Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
Esteban Ocon (Force India)
7th row
Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
Stoffel Vandoorne (McLaren)
8th row
Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso)
Sergey Sirotkin (Williams)
9th row
Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso)
Lance Stroll (Williams)
10th row
Charles Leclerc (Sauber)
arcus Ericsson (Sauber)
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
About Seez
Company name/date started: Seez, set up in September 2015 and the app was released in August 2017
Founder/CEO name(s): Tarek Kabrit, co-founder and chief executive, and Andrew Kabrit, co-founder and chief operating officer
Based in: Dubai, with operations also in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon
Sector: Search engine for car buying, selling and leasing
Size: (employees/revenue): 11; undisclosed
Stage of funding: $1.8 million in seed funding; followed by another $1.5m bridge round - in the process of closing Series A
Investors: Wamda Capital, B&Y and Phoenician Funds
Uefa Champions League last 16 draw
Juventus v Tottenham Hotspur
Basel v Manchester City
Sevilla v Manchester United
Porto v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain
Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma
Chelsea v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Besiktas
Directed: Smeep Kang
Produced: Soham Rockstar Entertainment; SKE Production
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Jimmy Sheirgill, Sunny Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Rajesh Sharma
Rating: Two out of five stars
The biog
Favourite film: The Notebook
Favourite book: What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey
Favourite quote: “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness” Nelson Madela. Hometown: Emmen, The Netherlands
Favourite activities: Walking on the beach, eating at restaurants and spending time with friends
Job: Founder and Managing Director of Mawaheb from Beautiful Peopl
The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Essentials
The flights
Etihad (etihad.ae) and flydubai (flydubai.com) fly direct to Baku three times a week from Dh1,250 return, including taxes.
The stay
A seven-night “Fundamental Detox” programme at the Chenot Palace (chenotpalace.com/en) costs from €3,000 (Dh13,197) per person, including taxes, accommodation, 3 medical consultations, 2 nutritional consultations, a detox diet, a body composition analysis, a bio-energetic check-up, four Chenot bio-energetic treatments, six Chenot energetic massages, six hydro-aromatherapy treatments, six phyto-mud treatments, six hydro-jet treatments and access to the gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Additional tests and treatments cost extra.
LIGUE 1 FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Nice v Angers (9pm)
Lille v Monaco (10.45pm)
Saturday
Montpellier v Paris Saint-Germain (7pm)
Bordeaux v Guingamp (10pm)
Caen v Amiens (10pm)
Lyon v Dijon (10pm)
Metz v Troyes (10pm)
Sunday
Saint-Etienne v Rennes (5pm)
Strasbourg v Nantes (7pm)
Marseille v Toulouse (11pm)
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
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Duminy's Test career in numbers
Tests 46; Runs 2,103; Best 166; Average 32.85; 100s 6; 50s 8; Wickets 42; Best 4-47
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
