NBA Abu Dhabi, Assassin’s Creed in Baghdad and Wes Anderson


Doaa Farid

In this week’s episode of Culture Bites podcast, hosts Enas Refaei and Farah Andrews talk about Abu Dhabi’s busy week and the return of the NBA to the capital for a second season, which will feature preseason games between two teams and appearances from a host of NBA legends.

The hosts discuss the new Assassin’s Creed video game, Mirage, which launched on October 5 and brings old Baghdad back to life by recreating the Abbasid Caliphate. The game has a new educational feature called History of Baghdad, which offers players an interactive way to learn more about the rich setting.

Enas and Farah also delve into the world of American filmmaker Wes Anderson as Netflix releases his series of short films based on works by British author Roald Dahl. The converted works include The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and The Swan, starring Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Arts and Culture reporter Maan Jalal shares a personal story of how AI helped him find a book he read when he was a teenager but lost track of, and spent years trying to remember. He also has a list of creative events to check out this week, including the Assouline books launch in the Mall of Emirates, the first Dubai Calligraphy Biennale and Matilda The Musical in Dubai.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

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.
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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.

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
Updated: November 10, 2023, 11:17 AM

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A guide to arts and culture, from a Middle Eastern perspective

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