Adel Dajani refers to the seismic crises his family has lived through as “black swans”. Call them unforeseen events with extreme consequences. And when this investment banker, writer and traveller began writing his memoir and family history during lockdown, he realised there were plenty of black swans floating about.
From Jerusalem to a Kingdom by the Sea begins with his grandmother fleeing Palestine in 1948, a place where her surgeon husband had founded the first private hospital. Exiled in Cairo, they eventually end up in Libya, only to feel first-hand the effects of Gaddafi's coup d’etat in 1969, where Dajani’s father was imprisoned.
More than 40 years later, another black swan appeared, with Dajani himself witnessing the popular movements in Tunisia and Libya.
It’s not an exaggeration to suggest that through his family’s story it’s possible to witness – and understand – generations of modern Arab history.
“That was the key to the book,” Dajani says from Tunisia. “I wanted to try and humanise the political events that have affected so many Arab people, particularly because there are plenty of reductive characterisations elsewhere. Covid-19 made me really buckle down, do some soul-searching and try and explain for an audience who perhaps don’t understand the context.”
And to that end, his explanation of the 1948 Nakba in Palestine is certainly one of the most clear-eyed descriptions of the personal cost of that time. Dajani was born seven years later in Tripoli, and some of the stories in the book, of his childhood growing up in the orbit of the king and queen of Libya are wonderful. But the giggling fits in front of royalty came to an end when Dajani had to knuckle down to pass the entrance exam to Eton College.
He is self-effacing about the notion he was among the first Arabs to be accepted to Eton – “I mean, big deal,” he laughs – but it was certainly a culture shock.
“No one really had the foggiest [idea] who I was or knew anything about where I was from. I got called a wog [Wily Oriental Gentleman] and when I first went there, whether it was Iraq, Libya, Palestine, Islam, there was just total ignorance of Arab culture.
“It’s a much more humane place now, of course; I was happy to send my own children there. And I used my outsider status to my advantage. I used to spin all sorts of stories, mainly from One Thousand and One Nights, about my pet camels and so on. And the thing is, people believed them.”
But those stereotypes stuck with Dajani, and in the years that followed the family established a travel grant for school leavers to go to the Arab world as part of a research assignment.
“I just think that if you expose people to the Middle East or North Africa, it undoubtedly changes their perception,” he says of the scheme. In addition, he has also helped set up an annual Eton lecture series featuring the likes of novelists Ahdaf Soueif and Elif Shafak, which offers a non-traditional perspective of events in the Middle East.
One senses if Dajani was lecturing at it himself. As an investment banker, he would talk about the importance of stable economies to many Arab countries.
“Many places are in transition from dictatorships, but you cannot operate on two fronts,” he says. “I see it all the time. You have to concentrate on the economy first; people want to be sure their pockets can be filled, their health is okay and their children can go to school. But they are instead totally despondent about the state of their political systems.
“So yes, this will take a while to fix. We’re still suffering.”
From Jerusalem to a Kingdom by the Sea succeeds because it conveys the circularity of the Arab experience over the past 70 years. It ends where it began – in Palestine – with Dajani accompanying his son Rakan, visiting as part of his geography dissertation at Oxford. It’s a confusing, perplexing trip which he describes as a combination of deep-rooted belonging yet also a crushing helplessness in the struggle to preserve their historical links.
In the book, there’s a line from Dajani’s grandmother. “You have lost your country, but you cannot lose your values,” she says.
“My father would talk about concentrating on what money couldn’t buy,” Dajani says. “It took me a while to understand him, but this is someone who lost everything in Palestine and then Libya. Common values and humanity are part of a bedrock which anyone who has been displaced holds dear. In writing this memoir, I’ve come to appreciate that humility, and the fragility of life.”
From Jerusalem to a Kingdom by the Sea (Zuleika) is out now
Five more thought-provoking memoirs from 2021
'Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted' by Suleika Jaouad
Jaouad, born in the US to a Tunisian father and Swiss mother, was diagnosed with leukaemia in her early twenties, just as her journalism career was taking off. This fight for her life was an award-winning The New York Times column and is now a book, as she sets out on a 24,000-kilometre road trip across the US to learn how to live again. Inspiring.
'Strangers on a Pier: Portrait of a Family' by Tash Aw
A brief but perfectly pitched memoir, Malaysian novelist Aw explores migration, assimilation and identity through decades of his family history. The whole sweep and energy of modern Asia is here, but there’s also a more considered understanding of the generational angst of displacement. As Aw writes: “we need to know that messiness in order to know who we are.”
'Minarets In The Mountains: A Journey Into Muslim Europe' by Tharik Hussain
More a travelogue than a straight memoir, Hussain’s journey around the beautiful Western Balkans, home to the largest indigenous Muslim population in Europe, is nonetheless a fascinating exploration of his family’s identity as British Muslims. Hussain finds Islamic mountain lodges, mosques older than the Sistine Chapel … but also a sense of himself.
'Finding the Raga' by Amit Chaudhuri
Indian novelist Chaudhuri starts each day by singing a classical raga for an hour. In this fascinating blend of memoir, diary and musical history, he interrogates the social, cultural, philosophical and emotional meaning of the form through his own discovery and passion for North Indian music across his lifetime.
'Unfinished: A Memoir' by Priyanka Chopra Jonas
If you want a big, starry, celebrity autobiography this year, then Chopra Jonas’ new book is unmissable. A journey into her youth growing up in India and the US, there are also interesting accounts of how she grew her acting career back in India, as well as, of course, her marriage to Nick Jonas and life in Los Angeles.
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
RACE CARD
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 1,000m
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Al Ain Mile Group 3 (PA) Dh350,000 1,600m
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Amith's selections:
5pm: AF Sail
5.30pm: Dahawi
6pm: Taajer
6.30pm: Pharitz Oubai
7pm: Winked
7.30pm: Shahm
8pm: Raniah
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Manchester City transfers:
OUTS
Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas (all released)
INS
Ederson (Benfica) £34.7m, Bernardo Silva (Monaco) £43m
ON THEIR WAY OUT?
Joe Hart, Eliaquim Mangala, Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony, Fabian Delph, Nolito and Kelechi Iheanacho
ON THEIR WAY IN?
Dani Alves (Juventus), Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,200m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,900m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 2,000m
8.15pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,600m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
UAE rugby season
FIXTURES
West Asia Premiership
Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Knights Eagles
Dubai Tigers v Bahrain
Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Division 1
Dubai Sharks v Dubai Hurricanes II
Al Ain Amblers v Dubai Knights Eagles II
Dubai Tigers II v Abu Dhabi Saracens
Jebel Ali Dragons II v Abu Dhabi Harlequins II
Sharjah Wanderers v Dubai Exiles II
LAST SEASON
West Asia Premiership
Winners – Bahrain
Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership
Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners – Dubai Hurricanes
Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference
Winners – Dubai Tigers
Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
Sting & Shaggy
44/876
(Interscope)
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Result
UAE (S. Tagliabue 90 1') 1-2 Uzbekistan (Shokhruz Norkhonov 48', 86')
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers
Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades
Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic
First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations
Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades
Improve the appearance of textbooks
Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings
Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught
Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
