Hollywood, with its penchant for often predictable happy endings, is not the real world. But every so often the real world can be affected positively by the stories it tells, and by the stories told about it. This year’s Oscars ceremony, which focused attention on several triumphs for the Arab and Muslim world, was one such occasion. In America alone, it was watched live on television by some 25 million people. Countless millions more around the world followed it, and the weeks of publicity and interviews leading up to it, on traditional news outlets and social media.
Among the stories which shone out was Rami Malek's nomination and then triumph as best actor for his role as the singer Freddie Mercury in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, training a bright light on his own back story as an Egyptian-American. The film, said Malek, was about an immigrant who lived his life unapologetically. As a first-generation American and the son of immigrants from Egypt, he added: "My story is being written right now". That story, culminating in Malek becoming the first actor of Egyptian descent to win the top acting Oscar, extends the parameters of diversity, gloriously undermines negative narratives about immigrants and cannot fail to inspire a generation.
The spotlight fell on two other Arabs at this year's Oscars and on the important stories they had to tell. Lebanese director Nadine Labaki's Capernaum, nominated for best foreign film, may not have won on the night but her gritty examination of the impact of war on children and refugees has won attention and plaudits around the world. Similarly, as the world confronts the dilemma of what to do with returning extremists in the wake of the fall of ISIS, Syrian director Talal Derki's Of Father and Sons, nominated for best documentary, offers a unique and timely perspective on the issue of radicalisation. Then there was Mahershala Ali, the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar, who scooped his second best supporting actor gong on Sunday.
One Oscars ceremony does not amount to a revolution. But it is encouraging that an industry that has been mired in controversy in recent years for its treatment of women and minorities, and just three years ago prompted the hashtag OscarsSoWhite, remains capable not only of focusing the world’s attention on important issues but of championing the cause of diversity. As Malek said when he picked up a previous award: “It’s not just good to be different – it’s better”.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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.
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More about Middle East geopolitics
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
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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
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
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.
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
What is double taxation?
- Americans living abroad file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service, which can cost hundreds of dollars to complete even though about 60 per cent do not owe taxes, according to the Taxpayer Advocate Service
- Those obligations apply to millions of Americans residing overseas – estimates range from 3.9 million to 5.5 million – including so-called "accidental Americans" who are unaware they hold dual citizenship
- The double taxation policy has been a contentious issue for decades, with many overseas Americans feeling that it punishes them for pursuing opportunities abroad
- Unlike most countries, the US follows a citizenship-based taxation system, meaning that Americans must file taxes annually, even if they do not earn any income in the US.
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
French Touch
Carla Bruni
(Verve)
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The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Transmission: CVT auto
Power: 181bhp
Torque: 244Nm
Price: Dh122,900
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
