Whatever your personality and current state of mind – seeking adventure, travelling the world, or enjoying fatherhood – here’s the kind of backpack you need.
Read this and more stories in Luxury magazine, out with The National on Thursday, February 2.
hlodi@thenational.ae
The outdoor trekker
You’re drawn to athletic stripes, and the prospect of embroidered animal appliqués doesn’t scare you. You’ve developed a taste for extreme sports and high-risk excursions, and would like a backpack that encapsulates your personality while simultaneously serving a practical purpose.
Dh6,900, Gucci
The purist
Clean lines and boyish closures and fastenings appeal to your sense of style, while unpatterned, solid shades are your calling. Distracting design elements don’t suit your fancy, though, because you buy your accessories to serve a function, rather than to invite unwanted attention.
Dh5,065, Tumi
The woodland recluse
Your backpack isn’t a showpiece, but rather an accessory that is personal and practical. You’re attracted to designs that celebrate simplicity, mixed with a splash of pattern. Prints and textures don’t displease you, as long as the tones are kept earthy, and are not overly bright or busy.
Dh3,085, Burberry at Farfetch.com
The globetrotter
When it comes to backpacks, boxy silhouettes best suit your style, and convenient outer pockets are key design features. You don’t shy away from the addition of logos, emblems or decorative illustrations, as long as they don’t detract from the overall sleekness of the exterior.
Dh1,199, Diesel
The happy camper
Practicality is key when you always have an adventure up your sleeve. Waterproof materials and extreme-weather-resistant exteriors are high on your checklist, while compartments for water bottles and outer pockets are pleasing extras. You also love a strong pop of colour.
Dh3,735, Marni
The city slicker
For a day out and about in the city, a backpack is an essential item to store everything from your headphones to your spare sweatshirt. You gravitate towards black, but you’re not one to settle for any plain design – intricate textures and quality leathers are your weak points.
Dh8,475, Bottega Veneta at Netaporter.com
The grad-school student
You look for designs that are classic, understated and versatile. In terms of looks, you’re quite happy with canvas textiles and a smattering of stripes or colourblocking. Your backpack shouldn’t look out of place on the streets or in the classroom, and it should also be good for travel.
Dh1,200, Longchamp
The fun-loving father
You aren’t opposed to a colourful print, as this backpack will likely be saved for occasional weekend getaways and picnics at the park. Size is your primary requirement, as your pack must be roomy, with enough space to fit your kids’ lunches, plus snacks, a first-aid kit and extra layers.
Dh2,830, Valentino at Farfetch.com
The occasional gym-goer
Your daily routine may not incorporate an organised fitness regime, but you head to the gym from time to time, and prefer a backpack to a bulky duffel sports bag. A neoprene material in solid colours and with minimal detailing is your go-to.
Dh1,170, Y-3 at Boutique 1
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Omar Yabroudi's factfile
Born: October 20, 1989, Sharjah
Education: Bachelor of Science and Football, Liverpool John Moores University
2010: Accrington Stanley FC, internship
2010-2012: Crystal Palace, performance analyst with U-18 academy
2012-2015: Barnet FC, first-team performance analyst/head of recruitment
2015-2017: Nottingham Forest, head of recruitment
2018-present: Crystal Palace, player recruitment manager
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
