Jasper Hope is a man constantly on the move. The chief executive of Dubai Opera may have been tempted to think most of the hard work was over after the grand opening on August 31. However, the need of the hour is to create an eclectic events calendar that befits a well-rounded cultural institution. To achieve this, the 47-year-old Briton – who was formerly the chief operating officer of London’s Royal Albert Hall – has to travel far and wide to seek out and forge new partnerships. “I feel like an international citizen,” he says. “The entertainment space is not defined by where you come from or what language you speak. It is about the talent and quality of a performance, and the appreciation of an audience. I need to go to a lot of countries to understand where the music comes from, and then imagine if it is the right kind of thing for an audience in Dubai.”
How frequently do you travel?
It is every month, for sure. It is just a question of how many months for how many days. For instance, I am leaving tomorrow to London for five nights, for the rehearsals of Les Misérables [playing at Dubai Opera until December 2], followed by a series of meetings and shows. I also do some pretty quick trips. For example, I recently went to Australia for three days.
How often do you go on holiday?
We definitely try to have one big family holiday every year. If there is time to do two, we will. If I could squeeze a few long weekends to spend time with my wife, see friends or play golf then I will do that, too.
How do you decide your holiday destinations?
We do have a list of what we want to do. One of the attractions of moving to Dubai is to have a different geographic centre. When we were living in the United Kingdom, we would do trips to various European countries. However, now that we live in Dubai, we have to think of new places, ideally those that are a relatively short flight away from here. The last holiday we did was Sri Lanka in April. We had never been there before and it was fantastic. It was close and very family-friendly.
Where do you call home?
Dubai is definitely home. A big part of that comes from the attitude that we came here with. It was never about doing a contract job. Look, that is also fine and that works for others. But personally, to move your children and family from what they have been used to to a completely new place is a big decision. We were not going to do that on a basis that this is a short-term thing. As soon as we moved here, we knew this was our home.
Do you travel light?
I insist on it. I don’t have a need for too many different outfits. I generally wear a suit, and that’s relatively easy to carry. I also need a computer, phone and wash bag, and then I am done. I learnt this over 20 years. I travelled with tours and artists, and am used to jumping in and out of airplanes, and staying in a city for one night. You learn to pack appropriately. My tip is a suit and shirt that doesn’t crease easily.
Do you prefer simplicity or luxury?
Simplicity in terms of arrangements, but in terms of quality of experience, I would say luxury.
What has been your favourite trip?
We are going back now to the early 1990s. There was a period when Spain was the European Capital of Culture, hosting the Expo and the Olympics in a space of a few years. As a result, there were a lot of opportunities for entertainment touring. I remember I went there six or seven times on classical-music tours. It was the only time in my life where for one year I went back to the same country and cities repeatedly. That opportunity is rare in my life, and it is a really good way to learn more about a particular country, its people and culture.
What do you love about travelling?
Food is a big attraction for me. Everywhere I go, I like to eat the local specialities.
What do you hate about travelling?
I am not a big fan of airports. I don’t mind the rest of the experience – the flying and hotels – but I try to spend as little time as I can in airports. It doesn’t matter whether I have a lounge or not. I just want to get on with it.
What’s your idea of the perfect weekend?
Family time. I do very long days, because there is the show itself and the dinner after the show. When I travel, there are performances at night. It can get pretty taxing. When I get downtime, I just want to stay home with the kids, be in the pool and have family meals – they are very important.
What is your most romantic place?
The Maldives, although we haven’t been there yet, but it is on our list. It seems to be an idyllic vision of a holiday paradise and is something that we have on our minds right now.
What’s your favourite cultural destination?
You have to pick your mood. If you are looking for history, then I would recommend St Petersburg for a completely different view of the world, and the many artistic treasures in terms of museums. If you are looking for shows, then you would be very hard-pressed to beat the quality of theatre, opera and concerts in London.
For details on shows being performed at Dubai Opera, visit www.dubaiopera.com.
A German university was a good fit for the family budget
Annual fees for the Technical University of Munich - £600
Shared rental accommodation per month depending on the location ranges between £200-600
The family had budgeted for food, books, travel, living expenses - £20,000 annually
Overall costs in Germany are lower than the family estimated
As proof that the student has the ability to take care of expenses, international students must open a blocked account with about £8,640
Students are permitted to withdraw £720 per month
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
List of alleged parties
- May 15 2020: Boris Johnson is said to have attended a Downing Street pizza party
- 27 Nov 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
- Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
- Dec 13 2020: Mr Johnson and his then-fiancee Carrie Symonds throw a flat party
- Dec 14 2020: Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative Party headquarters
- Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
- Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
Company%20Profile
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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
Persuasion
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Zayed Sustainability Prize
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
RESULTS
6.30pm: Longines Conquest Classic Dh150,000 Maiden 1,200m.
Winner: Halima Hatun, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ismail Mohammed (trainer).
7.05pm: Longines Gents La Grande Classique Dh155,000 Handicap 1,200m.
Winner: Moosir, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.
7.40pm: Longines Equestrian Collection Dh150,000 Maiden 1,600m.
Winner: Mazeed, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
8.15pm: Longines Gents Master Collection Dh175,000 Handicap.
Winner: Thegreatcollection, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Longines Ladies Master Collection Dh225,000 Conditions 1,600m.
Winner: Cosmo Charlie, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
9.25pm: Longines Ladies La Grande Classique Dh155,000 Handicap 1,600m.
Winner: Secret Trade, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
10pm: Longines Moon Phase Master Collection Dh170,000 Handicap 2,000m.
Winner:
Company%20Profile
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Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
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Fireball
Moscow claimed it hit the largest military fuel storage facility in Ukraine, triggering a huge fireball at the site.
A plume of black smoke rose from a fuel storage facility in the village of Kalynivka outside Kyiv on Friday after Russia said it had destroyed the military site with Kalibr cruise missiles.
"On the evening of March 24, Kalibr high-precision sea-based cruise missiles attacked a fuel base in the village of Kalynivka near Kyiv," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine confirmed the strike, saying the village some 40 kilometres south-west of Kyiv was targeted.
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
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
The specs: 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Price, base: Dh138,000 (estimate)
Engine: 60kWh battery
Transmission: Single-speed Electronic Precision Shift
Power: 204hp
Torque: 360Nm
Range: 520km (claimed)
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
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.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
'Ashkal'
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Company profile
Name: Dukkantek
Started: January 2021
Founders: Sanad Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani
Based: UAE
Number of employees: 140
Sector: B2B Vertical SaaS(software as a service)
Investment: $5.2 million
Funding stage: Seed round
Investors: Global Founders Capital, Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play, Comma Capital, Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office
The Saga Continues
Wu-Tang Clan
(36 Chambers / Entertainment One)
Tentative schedule of 2017/18 Ashes series
1st Test November 23-27, The Gabba, Brisbane
2nd Test December 2-6, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
3rd Test Dcember 14-18, Waca, Perth
4th Test December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
5th Test January 4-8, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
