Today marks the close of another successful Al Dhafra Festival, attended by tens of thousands of visitors and bringing such memorable moments as the prizewinning sashay of beauty queen Batoola, whose long legs, perfectly curved hump and elegant lashes marked her out as a winner. Batoola was one of 15,000 camels entered in the festival's beauty contest, just one of the events held over the 15-day festivities, now in their 11th year, which included auctions of dates, salukis and falcons as well as horse races. It is one of just a number of events on the calendar which mark an embracing of Emirati heritage and culture. But rather than simply offering residents and tourists alike a taste of a life gone by in yesteryear, these festivals offer a glimpse of real, rural, working life, rarely seen by those who fail to venture out of the UAE's cities. The camels, sheep, salukis and the farmers who tend to them work year-round; the celebrations simply give them a chance to show off some of their skills. It is a privilege to get a glimpse into the lifeblood of the UAE rooted in the Western Region, where life might have been historically tough but hospitality and a warm welcome still reign supreme.
Al Dhafra Festival marked a season of heritage festivals. Earlier this month, the International Festival of Falconry celebrated the elegant birds of prey, which were traditionally used for hunting and are still held in the highest regard today. Adihex, the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, is now a regular fixture on the cultural calendar. And if you missed Al Dhafra, there is still time to catch the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, which takes place in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, until January 27 next year and marks the Year of Zayed in 2018. It brings to life the legacy of the Founding Father of the UAE with performances, pavilions and displays.
Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and the Emirates Heritage Club signed an agreement to protect, preserve and revive national heritage sites and practices. As The National reported, the partnership will showcase the traditions still held dear in the Emirates. We might all enjoy the modern perks the country's cities have to offer – but sometimes, immersing ourselves in a more rustic experience can be both eye-opening and rewarding.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 290hp
Torque: 340Nm
Price: Dh155,800
On sale: now
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,00
On sale: Available for preorder now
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Empty Words
By Mario Levrero
(Coffee House Press)
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From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
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.
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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How to become a Boglehead
Bogleheads follow simple investing philosophies to build their wealth and live better lives. Just follow these steps.
• Spend less than you earn and save the rest. You can do this by earning more, or being frugal. Better still, do both.
• Invest early, invest often. It takes time to grow your wealth on the stock market. The sooner you begin, the better.
• Choose the right level of risk. Don't gamble by investing in get-rich-quick schemes or high-risk plays. Don't play it too safe, either, by leaving long-term savings in cash.
• Diversify. Do not keep all your eggs in one basket. Spread your money between different companies, sectors, markets and asset classes such as bonds and property.
• Keep charges low. The biggest drag on investment performance is all the charges you pay to advisers and active fund managers.
• Keep it simple. Complexity is your enemy. You can build a balanced, diversified portfolio with just a handful of ETFs.
• Forget timing the market. Nobody knows where share prices will go next, so don't try to second-guess them.
• Stick with it. Do not sell up in a market crash. Use the opportunity to invest more at the lower price.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
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: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)