Elissa continues to let us into her world.
After releasing her emotive latest album Sahbit Rey last August and launching a self-titled podcast on Anghami in February, the Lebanese singer returns with a television series featuring performances of hits and fan favourites.
Launching weekly from Wednesday, May 25 on MBC 1 at 11pm (UAE time), Aghani Men Hayati (Songs from My Life) has Elissa breaking down the song-writing process behind some of her biggest tracks and the emotional turmoil that drove them.
What’s in store for the debut episode?
It will begin with a sultry note with Elissa performing the 2014 torch song Halet Hob before revealing some of the personal drama behind the wrenching lyrics.
In trailing the 2019 follow up track Nefsi Aoulo, she will reveal the ballad is based on some of the psychological scars that came with recovering from her breast cancer diagnosis.
Elissa performs covers of Marwan Khoury's Kol El Qassayed and Sherine's Masha'er before wrapping it up 2002's Ayshalak featuring Lebanese composer and pianist Michel Fadel
Elissa is making her own moves
After her acrimonious departure from Rotana, spurred by the label's decision to have all contracted artists' works streamed only Deezer, Elissa seems to be revelling in her freedom.
Her podcast series on Anghami, which ended April 28, trended regionally throughout its three month run due to some of the hard hitting issues and revelations heard each week.
Over the span of 12 episodes, Elissa discussed her own 15 year experience with therapy, tackling depression, the rights of children, motherhood and some of the sexist critics levelled at her due to her strong public personality.
In wrapping up the second episode on February 17, she said part of the goal of the pandemic was to encourage positivity and resilience amid the pandemic.
“We live today in an exceptional and difficult situation due to the pandemic and social distancing, but this matter is temporary and we should not give up,” she said.
“Especially after the invention of the vaccine, the numbers will hopefully decrease in the future. Take advantage of home isolation by taking a walk around the house, reading, or exercising.
“I am not saying don’t cry in frustration, we are human beings, after all," Elissa added. "But love yourselves and surround yourself with positive people and please refrain from doing something at the expense of your mental health.”
The 100 Best Novels in Translation
Boyd Tonkin, Galileo Press
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
MATCH INFO
Schalke 0
Werder Bremen 1 (Bittencourt 32')
Man of the match Leonardo Bittencourt (Werder Bremen)
ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
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LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
PROFILE OF CURE.FIT
Started: July 2016
Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori
Based: Bangalore, India
Sector: Health & wellness
Size: 500 employees
Investment: $250 million
Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)
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.
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
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
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What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
