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.
The biog
Favourite colour: Brown
Favourite Movie: Resident Evil
Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices
Favourite food: Pizza
Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
More on Quran memorisation:
The biog
Hobbies: Writing and running
Favourite sport: beach volleyball
Favourite holiday destinations: Turkey and Puerto Rico
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Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
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
Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Spain drain
CONVICTED
Lionel Messi Found guilty in 2016 of of using companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid paying €4.1m in taxes on income earned from image rights. Sentenced to 21 months in jail and fined more than €2m. But prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of €252,000.
Javier Mascherano Accepted one-year suspended sentence in January 2016 for tax fraud after found guilty of failing to pay €1.5m in taxes for 2011 and 2012. Unlike Messi he avoided trial by admitting to tax evasion.
Angel di Maria Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain star Angel di Maria was fined and given a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud during his time at Real Madrid. But he is unlikely to go to prison as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying sentence of less than two years.
SUSPECTED
Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid's star striker, accused of evading €14.7m in taxes, appears in court on Monday. Portuguese star faces four charges of fraud through offshore companies.
Jose Mourinho Manchester United manager accused of evading €3.3m in tax in 2011 and 2012, during time in charge at Real Madrid. But Gestifute, which represents him, says he has already settled matter with Spanish tax authorities.
Samuel Eto'o In November 2016, Spanish prosecutors sought jail sentence of 10 years and fines totalling €18m for Cameroonian, accused of failing to pay €3.9m in taxes during time at Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.
Radamel Falcao Colombian striker Falcao suspected of failing to correctly declare €7.4m of income earned from image rights between 2012 and 2013 while at Atletico Madrid. He has since paid €8.2m to Spanish tax authorities, a sum that includes interest on the original amount.
Jorge Mendes Portuguese super-agent put under official investigation last month by Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Falcao, a client of his. He defended himself, telling closed-door hearing he "never" advised players in tax matters.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
MATCH INFO
Watford 1 (Deulofeu 80' p)
Chelsea 2 (Abraham 5', Pulisic 55')
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Four tips to secure IoT networks
Mohammed Abukhater, vice president at FireEye in the Middle East, said:
- Keep device software up-to-date. Most come with basic operating system, so users should ensure that they always have the latest version
- Besides a strong password, use two-step authentication. There should be a second log-in step like adding a code sent to your mobile number
- Usually smart devices come with many unnecessary features. Users should lock those features that are not required or used frequently
- Always create a different guest network for visitors
The Case For Trump
By Victor Davis Hanson
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
'Gold'
Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL CARD
6.30pm Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.05pm UAE 1000 Guineas Listed $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.40pm Dubai Dash Listed $175,000 (T) 1,000m
8.15pm Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions $100,000 (D) 1.900m
8.50pm Al Fahidi Fort Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,400m
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (D) 2,000m
The National selections
6.30pm: Gifts Of Gold
7.05pm Final Song
7.40pm Equilateral
8.15pm Dark Of Night
8.50pm Mythical Magic
9.25pm Franz Kafka
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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9.
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Saudi Arabia
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10.
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South Korea
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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