You can now spend an evening with US bestselling novelist Joseph Finder, thanks to a newly launched online book club by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).
To be held fortnightly, these free Zoom sessions will connect UAE book lovers with regional and international guest authors behind featured works.
Kicking off the series on Thursday, July 2, at 7pm, the discussion will be moderated by Emirati author Eman Al Yousuf and focus on Finder's latest novel House on Fire.
Released in January, it is the fourth and latest instalment of the successful series featuring the brooding US spy Nick Heller.
We look forward to the active participation of readers and fiction lovers from the UAE and the world
Sharjah Book Authority's fairs and festivals director Khoula Al Mujaini says the book club will continue the organisation's mission in promoting literature in the UAE and the region.
“SBA is launching its online book club to bring renowned authors and book lovers together on one vibrant platform, which will enable engaging literary discussions, a free exchange of ideas and opinions, and open windows to new cultural and human perspectives,” she said.
“We look forward to the active participation of readers and fiction lovers from the UAE and the world, and hope these sessions enable the intended interaction, excitement, inspiration and intellectual stimulus.”
Who is Joseph Finder?
In a three-decade career, Finder has topped the New York Times bestseller list and built a following due to his intricately plotted and fast paced thrillers set in the murky international spy world and US legal system.
His 1998 novel, High Crimes, was turned into a 2002 film featuring Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman. While 2004's Paranoia was also adapted into 2013 film starring Liam Hemsworth and Harrison Ford.
Sharjah Book Authority’s Virtual Book Club begins on Thursday, July 2, at 7pm. Click here to register your attendance. More information is available on the Sharjah Book Authority website
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
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Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
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Fixtures (6pm UAE unless stated)
Saturday Bournemouth v Leicester City, Chelsea v Manchester City (8.30pm), Huddersfield v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm), Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Stoke City v Southampton, West Bromwich Albion v Watford, West Ham United v Swansea City
Sunday Arsenal v Brighton (3pm), Everton v Burnley (5.15pm), Newcastle United v Liverpool (6.30pm)
