With nowhere to go and nobody to meet, those celebrating a special occasion may have resigned themselves to a homebound affair amid the coronavirus crisis, but that does not mean it has to be dreary.
With self-isolation linked to loneliness, marking a milestone is all the more important, says Sherrie Higgins, founder of How to Hen, an entertainment service in Dubai.
“In situations like these, if you keep putting off celebrating special occasions, you may not do so at all,” she says. “These occasions are about bringing everyone you love together, and that is important for your mental health.”
Whether you have a birthday coming up or want to throw a bash for a loved one, here are some tips on planning a party amid a pandemic.
Overexaggerate
Given that we are home day after day, it is important to go all out with grand gestures to make this one day unique, says Sophie Bogdis, founder of Special Occasions Party Planning & Events. “Put in extra effort and do things that will make a birthday boy or girl happy,” she says.
Having a theme is important when planning a party for children, as it serves as a reminder that their special day is all about them
This could be ordering in a grand spread from a fine-dining restaurant or whipping up much-loved dishes, plus decorating the house and organising video calls with as many people as possible. You might even end up speaking to friends and family members you would not have ordinarily invited, says Bogdis.
Going over the top holds even if you are planning a party for someone you do not live with. "Do what you think they would appreciate the most over a video call – if they have a favourite song, embarrass yourself singing it for them. Wear the same thing you wore the last time you had fun with them to bring those memories back. Get a cake or flowers delivered. Make an online collage or put upbeat music on. Just make it special," she says.
Geek out
Higgins points out that the first thing to consider when planning a virtual party is the mode of communication. “Zoom remains popular, although there are other options,” says the Scottish national who celebrated How to Hen’s launch party last Friday through Facebook Live. “Once you are decided on that, you can start planning virtual games. If everyone is not available at the same time, set them challenges to do beforehand.
"Give them 10 minutes to record a video doing a handstand or a dance or attempting to roll an Oreo from their forehead to mouth – these can be played online, with prizes for the best videos." Other virtual games she suggests include playing movie or music clips and asking online guests to name the film or song, or having selfie competitions.
Mimic surroundings
If you are planning a long Zoom hangout with many friends, Higgins says adding similar details with decor or food can make it more intimate. Get all members on the call to order the same food – for example, pizza, and have similar decorations, say candles or streamers. That way, even though everyone is at a different location, it does not feel that way.
Have a theme
“As adults, we may not necessarily want a big fuss, but children feel it if they have missed a birthday,” says Bogdis. “Having a theme is important when planning a party for youngsters, as it serves as a reminder that their special day is all about them.”
Come up with one that the birthday boy or girl feels strongly about – be it Spider-Man or Frozen – and that can help to set the scene for decorations and food, both of which Bogdis says can be home-made. "Opt for games that can be played online with prizes, or plan karaoke or dance parties by downloading the right apps."
Local parties
The UAE’s social scene is technically still open, with restaurants hosting virtual quiz nights and delivering Friday brunches.
Looking for something offbeat? Dubai events company Love Parties is challenging residents via its Instagram page to create handmade fancy dress outfits – with items found around the house – that fit its brunch themes and stand to win prizes.
BIO
Favourite holiday destination: Turkey - because the government look after animals so well there.
Favourite film: I love scary movies. I have so many favourites but The Ring stands out.
Favourite book: The Lord of the Rings. I didn’t like the movies but I loved the books.
Favourite colour: Black.
Favourite music: Hard rock. I actually also perform as a rock DJ in Dubai.
Duterte Harry: Fire and Fury in the Philippines
Jonathan Miller, Scribe Publications
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
The biog
Name: James Mullan
Nationality: Irish
Family: Wife, Pom; and daughters Kate, 18, and Ciara, 13, who attend Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Favourite book or author: “That’s a really difficult question. I’m a big fan of Donna Tartt, The Secret History. I’d recommend that, go and have a read of that.”
Dream: “It would be to continue to have fun and to work with really interesting people, which I have been very fortunate to do for a lot of my life. I just enjoy working with very smart, fun people.”
88 Video's most popular rentals
Avengers 3: Infinity War: an American superhero film released in 2018 and based on the Marvel Comics story.
Sholay: a 1975 Indian action-adventure film. It follows the adventures of two criminals hired by police to catch a vagabond. The film was panned on release but is now considered a classic.
Lucifer: is a 2019 Malayalam-language action film. It dives into the gritty world of Kerala’s politics and has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.
- It’s So Easy
- Mr Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Double Talkin’ Jive
- Better
- Estranged
- Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
- Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
- Rocket Queen
- You Could Be Mine
- Shadow of Your Love
- Attitude (Misfits cover)
- Civil War
- Coma
- Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
- Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
- Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
- November Rain
- Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
- Nightrain
Encore:
- Patience
- Don’t Cry
- The Seeker (The Who cover)
- Paradise City
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
2pm: Handicap Dh 90,000 1,800m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.30pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,950m; Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
3pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Classic Conditions Dh300,000 1,400m; Winner: Thegreatcollection, Adrie de Vries, Doug Watson.
4pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Oktalgano, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.30pm: Conditions Dh250,000 1,400m; Winner: Madame Ellingtina, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Mystery Land, Fabrice Veron, Helal Al Alawi.
5.30pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,000m; Winner: Shanaghai City, Jesus Rosales, Rashed Bouresly.
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
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ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Profile of Tarabut Gateway
Founder: Abdulla Almoayed
Based: UAE
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 35
Sector: FinTech
Raised: $13 million
Backers: Berlin-based venture capital company Target Global, Kingsway, CE Ventures, Entrée Capital, Zamil Investment Group, Global Ventures, Almoayed Technologies and Mad’a Investment.
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
