It seems that Taylor Swift gives as much thought to announcing her albums as crafting the songs themselves. They aim to galvanise her fan base and induce a mini pop-culture moment, while also acting as subtle cues towards the album's themes. TS12, or The Life of a Showgirl as we now know it is called, is no different.
The title of her upcoming 12th album was revealed in a promotional clip for her appearance on partner and NFL footballer Travis Kelce's podcast, New Heights. In one clip from the episode, which will be released in full on Thursday morning, Swift takes out a deliberately blurred version of the colourful album cover.
Fans are already speculating and interpreting meaning in every step of the announcement. Does the vibrant colour palette allude to the glitz and glamour of being a pop star, or is the choice of platform a hint that it could be an album about her relationship with Kelce?
When will The Life of a Showgirl be released?
There is no confirmed release date for the album yet. However there is a The Life of a Showgirl vinyl record, CD and cassette available to pre-order on Swift's website. The website states that the items will be shipped before October 13, with the disclaimer "this is not the release date, official release date to be announced".
Swift typically has a two-month lead time between announcement and launch. A favourite fan theory release date is October 3, which has been deduced using show dates that Swift wore orange and green (the new album's associated colours) during the Eras Tour.
If it is October 3, that would be 52 days between announcement and release – in the past, she has had between 54 and 97 days lead time (not counting her pandemic albums and re-releases). It also avoids a clash with her friends Sabrina Carpenter and Ed Sheeran, who are bringing out new albums on August 29 and September 12 respectively.
To date, three of Swift's albums have been announced in August and released in October − Red, 1989 and Midnights.
With the album-associated hashtag #TS12 instantly trending, Swift has once again shown that, more than a huge billboard or massive advertising campaign, an effective album announcement is all about the right place and time. Her memorable album launches of the past are evidence of that.
Speak Now (2010)
Announcement to release time: 97 days
By the time she was ready to release her third album, Swift had already announced herself as a prodigious singer-songwriter with a knack for writing about relationships with clarity and, at times, acidic wit.
Perhaps she knew she had a great album on her hands because Speak Now was the first record she would go on to announce personally, this time as part of a live stream reveal − very literally speaking to her fans. The moment suited the music, with the release being one of her most intimate albums to date.
Red (2012)
Announcement to release time: 70 days
That approach work so well for Speak Now that Swift returned online to herald Red, a fun and boisterous break-up album that set the stage for the pop star she was to become.
On a Google Hangouts live chat, she announced the album as well as premiering the lead single We Are Never Getting Back Together.
1989 (2014)
Announcement to release time: 70 days
Swift turned it up a notch when revealing the details of blockbuster album 1989. As well as a Yahoo live stream, sponsored by US broadcaster ABC, the American singer invited fans to a select-number of online listening events described as “secret sessions.”
The bold approach was in sync with the overall message of the album, one of a talented artist turned global pop star.
Reputation (2017)
Announcement to release time: 79 days
One of her most audacious media roll-outs to date, the act began when Swift suddenly erased all of her social media content before unveiling the album’s cover art on Instagram.
The seemingly brash nature of the decision, which caused a fan frenzy, is linked to the confrontational nature she would take on in Reputation, an album where she deconstructs the trials and tribulations of fame.
Folklore and Evermore (2020)
Announcement to release time: 1 day (each)
Released during the pandemic, with all major pop tours halted indefinitely, Swift released the two sister albums with no real media build-up.
Folklore was announced on her social media channels 16 hours before it was available to stream, while Evermore was also announced the night before its release.
Both approaches were meant to complement the freewheeling nature of their recording process and meditations on time, regrets and seizing the moment.
Midnights (2022)
Announcement to release time: 54 days
After more than a decade of announcing projects online, Swift took to the stage to reveal Midnights as part of her acceptance speech for Video of the Year at the 2022 MTV Music Awards.
A well-oiled promotional machine, the project was confirmed on social media alongside dark and broody images befitting the album’s nocturnal themes as soon as her speech was done.
The Tortured Poets Department (2024)
Announcement to release time: 75 days
Swift went one better for The Tortured Poets Department by letting the world know about the impending album at the Grammy Awards when receiving the Best Pop Vocal Album award for Midnights.
It was a giant industry flex that laid the groundwork for her blockbuster Eras tour.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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How to donate
Text the following numbers:
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*numbers work for both Etisalat and du
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Match info
Liverpool 3
Hoedt (10' og), Matip (21'), Salah (45 3')
Southampton 0
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
'Hocus%20Pocus%202'
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MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')
Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)
Results
4pm: Maiden; Dh165,000 (Dirt); 1,400m
Winner: Solar Shower; William Lee (jockey); Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
4.35pm: Handicap; Dh165,000 (D); 2,000m
Winner: Thaaqib; Antonio Fresu; Erwan Charpy.
5.10pm: Maiden; Dh165,000 (Turf); 1,800m
Winner: Bila Shak; Adrie de Vries; Fawzi Nass
5.45pm: Handicap; Dh175,000 (D); 1,200m
Winner: Beachcomber Bay; Richard Mullen; Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Handicap; Dh205,000 (T); 1,800m
Winner: Muzdawaj; Jim Crowley; Musabah Al Muhairi
6.55pm: Handicap; Dh185,000 (D); 1,600m
Winner: Mazeed; Tadhg O’Shea; Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap; Dh205,000 (T); 1,200m
Winner: Riflescope; Tadhg O’Shea; Satish Seemar.
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap (TB) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Golden Goal, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner: Walton Street, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Switzerland, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Lord Giltters, Adrie de Vries, David O’Meara
8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Military Law, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
9.25pm Al Fahidi Fort Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Land Of Legends, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
10pm Dubai Dash Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner Equilateral, Frankie Dettori, Charles Hills.
Paltan
Producer: JP Films, Zee Studios
Director: JP Dutta
Cast: Jackie Shroff, Sonu Sood, Arjun Rampal, Siddhanth Kapoor, Luv Sinha and Harshvardhan Rane
Rating: 2/5
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Brolliology: A History of the Umbrella in Life and Literature
By Marion Rankine
Melville House
Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
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
Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
