I have been following Luai Ahmad Alkilani on social media for some time now. A big reason why he's captured my admiration is because, despite being Kuwaiti, he showcases life in Lebanon more fervently than the Lebanese themselves, especially the cuisine.
When I reach out to the businessman-turned-blogger, he tells me his love affair with the country began in his childhood when his parents used to whisk him away to the scenic hills of Bhamdoun, Falougha and Hammana for summer getaways. Now 56, Alkilani has woven a bond with the country that transcends both time and nationality.
While his first wife is Kuwaiti, Alkilani's second wife is Lebanese, solidifying his deep-rooted attachment to the country.
“Kuwait is where I primarily reside, but I often travel to Lebanon and typically dedicate my entire summer to being there,” says Alkilani. "My family, children and friends also cherish the country due to my frequent visits and extensive explorations.
In Lebanon, you can swim by the shore and dine in the mountains within a 45-minute drive
Luai Ahmad Alkilani
A self-professed “food enthusiast", Alkilani says his adoration for Lebanese dishes sparked his mission to advocate cross-cultural gastronomy.
“I adore Lebanese food in all its varieties,” he says, with his favourites spanning street food classics such as mankoushe and falafel to delicacies served at fine-dining restaurants.
“I often contemplate crafting fusion dishes that combine Kuwaiti and Lebanese flavours, to satisfy people from both nations," he adds.
"These creations would blend Levantine-spiced rice with signature Gulf sauces, for a culinary blend that could yield exquisite, innovative dishes for dining tables across the region.”
With 150,000 social media followers, Alkilani views himself as a bridge between cultures. His posts, which spotlight not only Lebanon's culinary treasures but also its natural beauty and hidden gems, evoke wanderlust and curiosity among his followers who have affectionately dubbed him the "Lover of Lebanon", a title that fills him with “immense joy”.
The country’s varied landscape across its four distinct seasons is another reason why Alkilani feels a profound attachment to Lebanon. From snow-clad winters and serene mountain retreats to vibrant spring blooms and refreshing summer dips in the sea, the country’s natural beauty makes it a haven for visitors all year round.
“You can swim by the shore and dine in the majestic mountains within a 45-minute drive of each other, with temperatures transitioning from coastal heat to a refreshing 15°C in Faraya,” says Alkilani. “It is simply splendid.”
The Lebanese people, too, have deeply impacted Alkilani. He says he admires their resilience, generosity and vibrant approach to life. “They truly relish joyful moments, be it relaxing by the sea or socialising in restaurants or nightclubs," he adds.
Alkani is most fond of Achrafieh's lively streets and Bourj Hammoud's hidden corners, where he sees a shared sense of care, cleanliness and an ingrained hospitality that resonates with him deeply.
Even the entwined power cables in Bourj Hammoud have their charm.
Luai Ahmad Alkilani
“My morning walks are pure delight," he says. "I've roamed every avenue, every alley. Even the entwined power cables in Bourj Hammoud have their charm.
“The spotlessness of Achrafieh and Bourj Hammoud is captivating. There's a collective dedication to keeping streets, homes, balconies and even plants tidy.”
As he prepares to retire, Alkilani wants to embark on a new mission: cherishing life's simple joys and sharing them with others. His aim is to unite cultures through food and travel to shine a hopeful light in our often-convoluted world.
“Choosing early retirement, I've embraced leisure," he says. "Savouring various cuisines is my personal joy, as is the chance to be a carefree guest, share my thoughts, enjoy every moment and slip into a peaceful sleep.”
Specs%20
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Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Ferrari
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
·
What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
·
How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
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.
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
