The year might not be over quite yet, but 2024 has already given us plenty of pop culture moments from which to create excellent, and slightly esoteric, Halloween costumes.
For those wishing to step out of the comfort zone of dressing up as a ghost, zombie or vampire for the spookiest night of the year, we’ve put together some costume ideas inspired by viral Olympic medallists, record-breaking TV shows and the drinking cup that caused a stampede.
Here’s what to wear to stand out from the ghouls…
Turkey’s Olympic shooter
Retired Turkish police officer-turned Olympics shooter, Yusuf Dikec may have scooped the silver medal in the 10 metre air pistol mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but it was his nonchalant approach that catapulted him to meme levels of fame. His relaxed stance, hand in pocket and lacking the high-tech equipment of the other competitors, Dikec went viral for looking like he had simply rolled out of bed and turned up to win the Olympic silver. Styling tip: Keep one hand in pocket all night.
Get the look: Men’s Turkiye print t-shirt, Dh33.59, Temu; Honeywell clear safety glasses, Dh19.60, Amazon; N/C toy gun with soft bullets, Dh99, Amazon
Stanley cup
This Halloween, leave trick or treaters thirsty for more by dressing up as a Stanley cup. The oversized tumbler went viral late last year after fans were spotted racing to get their hands on limited-edition styles at Target stores in the US. To recreate this seminal moment in hydration history, buy a plastic bin large enough to fit your body and choose your spray paint of choice (FYI: pink is the hue that caused the stampede). Stencil “Stanley” across the front using white paint and add a pool noodle as a straw.
Get the look: Cosmoplast 30-litre round plastic drum with lid, Dh26, Amazon; Rust-oleum painter’s touch ultra cover spray paint in gloss berry pink, Dh39, Ace; pool noodle, Dh40 for two, Carrefour
Shogun
Disney+ show Shogun already had a legion of fans even before it scooped a record-breaking 18 Emmys earlier this year for its first season. The show’s lavish costumes are perfect to recreate for Halloween, with plenty of options for men and women. Will you be the warlord Lord Yoshii Toranaga or his rival Ishido Kazunari? Perhaps you want to channel the captive English sailor John Blackthorne or the elegant and smart Toda Mariko? Whatever you wear, pair with a scheming attitude and dubious morals.
Get the look: Yaohuole men's cotton trousers Dh99.99, Amazon; Prijouhe kimono, Dh77.05, Amazon ; double swords, Dh100, Party Centre
Country era Beyonce
Music powerhouse Beyonce turned her attention to country music for the release of her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter. Upsetting and delighting country purists in equal measures, Beyonce’s concept album debuted at No 1 on the Americana/Folk Albums, Top Album Sales, and Top Country Albums charts and hit the top spot on the Billboard 200. The album was accompanied by a change-up in the singer’s style, with chaps, cowboy hats and rodeo-inspired get-ups aplenty.
Get the look: Katie wig, Dh95, Creative Minds Dubai; Cowboy Carter sash, $50, Etsy; white cowboy hat by The White Shop, Dh87.32, Amazon
Sad Oompa Loompa from the Willy Wonka Experience
A failure so famous it got its own musical, the flop Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier this year gifted the Internet with “sad Oompa Loompa” aka Kirsty Paterson. Of the dismal event which made headlines around the world, the aspiring actress told the Daily Mail: “The whole thing’s just been a complete and utter shambles.” Paterson went viral for her resigned expression as she tried to entertain children armed only with a small toy science kit and some jellybeans (rationed to three per child), despite the fact the AI-generated advertising for the event had promised a Wonka-esque wonderland.
Get the look: Green bob wig, Dh19.94, Temu; ribbed Bardot long sleeve top, Dh56, Next; Selizo white cotton gloves, Dh19.77, Amazon
Raygun
Along with Dikec, the Paris 2024 Olympics gave us another viral breakout star in Australian breakdancer, Raygun. University lecturer Rachael Gunn lost all three of her dance battles, but captured the global imagination thanks to her unorthodox routines. Accused of “making a mockery” of the Australian hip-hop scene by Australian hip-hop pioneer Spice, Gunn’s Olympic medal bid was met with online abuse, as well as outlandish conspiracy theories that she herself had created the judging body that selected her as an Olympic qualifier.
Get the look: Aztrona baseball cap, Dh29.89, Amazon; green polo shirt, Dh64.50, Giordano; green jogging bottoms, Dh34, stylishshop.com
Bennifer 2.0 split
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez announced their divorce in April. An ideal couples' costume for pairs who want to honour this moment in pop culture history, dressing up as Bennifer 2.0 requires clothes that are likely already in your wardrobe. For Affleck – jeans, a sweatshirt, pained expression and a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee; for Lopez – white jeans, cute top, gold earrings and a high pony tail. Buy a pair of Ben and Jen masks for extra attention to detail.
Get the look: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez masks, $4.13, Etsy; Mango maxi earrings, Dh13, Namshi; Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, Dh18, Deliveroo
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.
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.
Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.
Ben Okri,
RESULTS
Manchester United 2
Anthony Martial 30'
Scott McTominay 90 6'
Manchester City 0
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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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.
All or Nothing
Amazon Prime
Four stars
The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
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.
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
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Rawat Al Reef, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Noof KB, Richard Mullen, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Seven Skies, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qaiss Aboud
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Jabalini, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: UAE Arabian Derby – Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Dergham Athbah, Richard Mullen, Mohamed Daggash
7.30pm: Emirates Championship – Group 1 (PA) Dh1,000,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle
8pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Group 3 (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Irish Freedom, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
The Intruder
Director: Deon Taylor
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good
One star
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
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Green ambitions
- Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
- Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
- Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
- Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off water
TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PLUS
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Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPros%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEasy%20to%20use%20and%20require%20less%20rigorous%20credit%20checks%20than%20traditional%20credit%20options%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOffers%20the%20ability%20to%20spread%20the%20cost%20of%20purchases%20over%20time%2C%20often%20interest-free%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EConvenient%20and%20can%20be%20integrated%20directly%20into%20the%20checkout%20process%2C%20useful%20for%20online%20shopping%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHelps%20facilitate%20cash%20flow%20planning%20when%20used%20wisely%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECons%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20ease%20of%20making%20purchases%20can%20lead%20to%20overspending%20and%20accumulation%20of%20debt%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMissing%20payments%20can%20result%20in%20hefty%20fees%20and%2C%20in%20some%20cases%2C%20high%20interest%20rates%20after%20an%20initial%20interest-free%20period%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFailure%20to%20make%20payments%20can%20impact%20credit%20score%20negatively%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERefunds%20can%20be%20complicated%20and%20delayed%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ECourtesy%3A%20Carol%20Glynn%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A