For many, summer is a time for beaches, sunbathing and iced drinks. For others, the comfort of a fun film experience in an air-conditioned theatre is even more appealing.
This year has already witnessed major releases such as Dune: Part Two, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Inside Out 2. With more on the way, here are the biggest summer blockbusters coming to cinemas in the Middle East.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (Out now)
Kevin Costner was once a fixture of Hollywood films, appearing in everything from Western adventures to emotional sports films. The two-time Oscar winner has not left the world of film despite becoming the star of the hit television show Yellowstone, yet the films he appeared in were not of the same magnitude they once were.
That changes with the release of Horizon: An American Saga, a passion project for Costner who writes, directs and stars in this two-part cinematic epic. The film is a true call back to movies that made Costner the box office star he is today, as it harkens back to titles such as Dances with Wolves and The Postman.
Set during the Civil War era in the US, the film stars Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone and Owen Crow Shoe.
A Quiet Place: Day One (Out now)
The first two films in the A Quiet Place series starred Emily Blunt, John Krasinski and Millicent Simmonds. Directed and written by Krasinski, the films set up a world in which aliens with incredible hearing abilities attack anything that makes a sound.
Twisters (July 18)
Jan de Bont’s Twister from 1996 was released when disaster films were at their peak. The film starred Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton and Philip Seymour Hoffman and made for a gripping big-screen experience, earning two Oscar nominations along the way.
This summer, the sequel Twisters is set to revisit the genre, potentially reviving it as a whole and dragging it out of the B-movie territory it now finds itself in.
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who previously directed the warm and intimate Minari, the film stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and David Corenswet. Larger-than-life cinematic experiences are part of the summer blockbuster experience, and Twisters looks to be right at home with its monumental set pieces.
Deadpool & Wolverine (July 25)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's popularity has waned since the release of the last Avengers film in 2019; the exception being Spider-Man: No Way Home, which made almost $2 billion.
Financial success aside, it is still undeniable that the thrill and excitement previously reserved for films in the series has declined, with instalments coming and going with little fanfare.
Enter Deadpool.
The fourth-wall-breaking masked superhero played by Ryan Reynolds was previously relegated to being on the periphery of the X-Men franchise, but due to the rising popularity of the character, he is about to enter the larger universe – and bring a familiar face with him.
As the title indicates, Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, will be returning as the unlikely duo both clash and team up for what looks like a timeline-breaking adventure.
Borderlands (August 8)
Video game adaptations have kicked into high gear recently with both film and television versions doing well with fans and critics alike. Titles such as The Last of Us, Fallout and The Super Mario Bros Movie have raised the bar, with many big-name stars now featuring in these works.
Joining the ranks will be Eli Roth’s adaptation of the beloved Borderlands series of games. The film has an impressive cast which includes Cate Blanchett, Gina Gershon, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Jamie Lee Curtis and Edgar Ramirez.
The film, much like the games, will be set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian setting filled with colourful characters and eccentric weapons.
Trap (August 8)
Horror film auteur M Night Shyamalan recently revived his flagging career with Split, Glass and Old. This summer, fans can look forward to the director’s next thrill ride titled Trap, which stars Josh Hartnett.
Set during a music concert, the film follows a serial killer as he is cornered by law enforcement as he attempts to flee capture. The trailer shows a tense experience from the point of view of the killer, who must remain cool and collected despite the impending arrest.
Hartnett himself is experiencing his own career revival after appearing in last year’s biggest film release Oppenheimer.
Alien: Romulus (August 15)
The Alien series is being rebooted under the direction of horror filmmaker Fede Alvarez. With Romulus, fans can expect a film that returns to the series’ roots of claustrophobic scares.
Having previously directed Don’t Breathe and its sequel, as well as the Evil Dead reboot, Alvarez is more than capable of delivering a terrifying and spine-tingling film experience.
The film, unlike recent instalments, will be restricted to the spaceship as the only location on film, harking back to the first Alien film directed by Sir Ridley Scott. Romulus stars Isabela Merced, Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson and Aileen Wu.
The five pillars of Islam
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The years Ramadan fell in May
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RESULT
Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’
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The five stages of early child’s play
From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:
1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.
2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.
3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.
4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.
5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The years Ramadan fell in May
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company%20profile
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Most F1 world titles
7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)
7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)
5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)
4 — Sebastian Vettel (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Nations League
League A, Group 4
Spain v England, 10.45pm (UAE)
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
Zayed Sustainability Prize
ELECTION%20RESULTS
%3Cp%3EMacron%E2%80%99s%20Ensemble%20group%20won%20245%20seats.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20second-largest%20group%20in%20parliament%20is%20Nupes%2C%20a%20leftist%20coalition%20led%20by%20Jean-Luc%20Melenchon%2C%20which%20gets%20131%20lawmakers.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20far-right%20National%20Rally%20fared%20much%20better%20than%20expected%20with%2089%20seats.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20centre-right%20Republicans%20and%20their%20allies%20took%2061.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
Siblings: five brothers and one sister
Education: Bachelors in Political Science at the University of Minnesota
Interests: Swimming, tennis and the gym
Favourite place: UAE
Favourite packet food on the trip: pasta primavera
What he did to pass the time during the trip: listen to audio books
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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The biog
Favourite film: The Notebook
Favourite book: What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey
Favourite quote: “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness” Nelson Madela. Hometown: Emmen, The Netherlands
Favourite activities: Walking on the beach, eating at restaurants and spending time with friends
Job: Founder and Managing Director of Mawaheb from Beautiful Peopl
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Elia%20Suleiman%2C%20Manal%20Khader%2C%20Amer%20Daher%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Elia%20Suleiman%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
The five pillars of Islam
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Read more about the coronavirus
Where to submit a sample
Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
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The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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SPECS
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.
- It’s So Easy
- Mr Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Double Talkin’ Jive
- Better
- Estranged
- Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
- Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
- Rocket Queen
- You Could Be Mine
- Shadow of Your Love
- Attitude (Misfits cover)
- Civil War
- Coma
- Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
- Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
- Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
- November Rain
- Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
- Nightrain
Encore:
- Patience
- Don’t Cry
- The Seeker (The Who cover)
- Paradise City
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company profile
Company: Verity
Date started: May 2021
Founders: Kamal Al-Samarrai, Dina Shoman and Omar Al Sharif
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech
Size: four team members
Stage: Intially bootstrapped but recently closed its first pre-seed round of $800,000
Investors: Wamda, VentureSouq, Beyond Capital and regional angel investors
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