It’s been a stupefying 20 years since the first Harry Potter film was released. Like broomsticks, owls and enchanted Ford Anglias, time flies, but a trip to where the magic really happened might help turn back the years.
And no, you don’t need to speak "parseltongue" to discover this chamber of travel secrets.
The boy who lived up to expectations
November 2001 brought a bright-eyed Harry Potter, a bushy-haired Hermione Granger and a troop of flaming-maned Weasleys to the big screens as JK Rowling’s beloved 1997 novel was adapted by Warner Bros studios.
Hundreds of millions of moviegoers were left spellbound as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone captured the imaginations of fans young and old, launching the biggest film franchise of all time and eventually surpassing $1 billion in cinema sales worldwide.
While not all of us were lucky enough to have received our Hogwarts letter, non-magic folk (aka muggles) have been joining in the wizardry across the UK, where the majority of the eight films were shot. From the real-life grounds of Hogwarts to an Airbnb in Godric’s Hollow, these locations attract visitors in the millions.
The real Hogwarts
Many historical sights seen as too stuffy and outdated by the youth of 2001 soon had a new lease of life as hundreds of teenage actors swept through their halls, including the 900-year-old Durham Cathedral, where Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry first came to life.
The ancient cloisters and sleepy manicured grounds were transformed and the cathedral, in the north-east of England, became one of the most in-demand days out for young explorers.
The cathedral’s walkways were used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for scenes of Harry, Ron and Hermione strolling between lessons, while the adjoining grass area was dusted with fake snow in the wintery scene, when Harry first flies his beloved Hedwig around the castle.
Perhaps most famously, the area also set the scene for Ron’s “eat slugs” curse, which rebounded and left the ashen-faced teenager belching giant molluscs onto the grass, to the delight of intended target Draco Malfoy.
Farther south in Cheltenham, tens of thousands of visitors pass the threshold of Gloucester Cathedral each year, but only one mountain troll is known to have smashed up the girl’s toilets.
The Gothic building’s lavatorium features in the films several times, first when the unlikely trio take on the troll in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and second when Harry overhears Professor Severus Snape discussing his unbreakable vow in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
The cathedral also briefly features in the second film, when a bloody announcement is smeared on the walls of the North Walk, revealing that the Chamber of Secrets had been opened.
During filming, 170 pupils from the nearby King’s School were given the opportunity to join Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint on screen, by starring as extras in the movies.
Wiltshire is home to one of the most recognisable filming locations, which has become known as “Harry Potter Village” over the years. Scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince have all been filmed around the 14th-century village of Lacock, with Lacock Abbey taking on the role of Hogwarts.
The stately home, which is now owned by the UK's National Trust, was originally a monastery, and the abbey’s Warming Room turned decidedly chilly when it was transformed into the classroom of skulking potions master, Prof Snape.
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the abbey’s Chapter House was also used in the Mirror of Erised scenes when Harry sees his parents for the first time, while the corridors were used extensively in the Chamber of Secrets as the famous boy wizard frantically chased the echoes of the serpent Basilisk as it moved through the castle walls.
Sleeping in Godric’s Hollow
Towards the end of the franchise, De Vere House in Suffolk found fame as the birthplace of Harry in the Deathly Hallows Part One.
The Grade I-listed house is among 340 listed buildings in the town of Lavenham, which is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in England. In 2017, the house was put up for sale for almost £1 million, but conjuring up a buyer was a struggle, and now fans can spend a night in Godric’s Hollow by booking on Airbnb or through the De Vere House website.
It is owned by Jane Ranzetta, who has lived there with her family for three decades, though her home’s appearance in the film came as a surprise. “I am a Harry Potter fan and couldn’t believe my home appeared in the film,” Ranzetta says.
“My sister lives across the road and she spoke to the crew to ask if they knew which houses would appear, but they just smiled. The house was built in 1485 by the De Vere family and is famous in its own right. It’s like it has its own personality.”
Next year, Ranzetta will be offering a series of Magic Weekends, including a magic lesson with a professional magician, special themed decor and a menu, with guests encouraged to arrive in fancy dress.
Ride the real railway to Hogwarts
Travelling like a wizard sounds tricky, but in the absence of portkeys and flying cars, muggles can hop on board the Hogwarts Express and soak up the scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct features in both the Chamber of Secrets and the Prisoner of Azkaban, with the Hogwarts Express chuffing across its lines, and although fans are urged to stay away from the tracks, visitors can grab a train schedule to watch the spectacle from afar or even jump onboard with a pumpkin or haggis pasty.
Last but not least, visitors to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, which was the setting of Harry’s first Quidditch lesson, can take to the skies during onside “broomstick training”, where youngsters will learn to curve and manoeuvre across the castle lawns.
So, whether you’re a thrill chaser or an adventure seeker, it’s time to get "Sirius" with your next holiday.
For more information about the historical sites, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
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
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Titan Sports Academy:
Programmes: Judo, wrestling, kick-boxing, muay thai, taekwondo and various summer camps
Location: Inside Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: 971 50 220 0326
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
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How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Roll of honour
Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles
Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens
Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
Lampedusa: Gateway to Europe
Pietro Bartolo and Lidia Tilotta
Quercus
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The specs: 2017 Maserati Quattroporte
Price, base / as tested Dh389,000 / Dh559,000
Engine 3.0L twin-turbo V8
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Power 530hp @ 6,800rpm
Torque 650Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel economy, combined 10.7L / 100km
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 258hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.1L/100km
Price: from Dh362,500
On sale: now
MATCH INFO
Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:
Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Second leg:
Monday, Azizi Stadium, Tehran. Kick off 7pm
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Sui Dhaaga: Made in India
Director: Sharat Katariya
Starring: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Raghubir Yadav
3.5/5
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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