As the sun sets over the lofty Beartooth Mountains in the US, Tawny McVay makes her final stop of the day on her school bus. After an eight-hour stretch behind the wheel, she is ready to head straight home and hit the hay – and she won't have far to travel.
That's because McVay, 35, is no ordinary bus driver, and this is no ordinary bus. She eats, works and sleeps on the converted 72-passenger vehicle, after spending only $25,000 (Dh92,000) on the unique home. She is joined on the renovated "skoolie" by husband Mike, 32, children Aidyn, 16, and Ellery, 14, and their 60 kilogram Great Dane, Apollo.
I could never go back to staying in the same place and living the same day over and over again
"We had everything you're supposed to aspire to," says McVay, who is from Montana. "We had a successful gym business, we had new cars, a big beautiful home, the works. But instead of feeling satisfied we just felt trapped."
In 2016, the couple took a trip to Rome, where they caught the travel bug and after returning to America they decided they couldn’t continue with their conventional lifestyle. Instead they sold their home, their cars, their business and all of their possessions and bought a $5,000 school bus, which they spent another $20,000 and 12 months transforming into their dream home on wheels.
Since June last year, the family have travelled around America in their portable home, making money as writers on the road, while homeschooling the children. "The sense of freedom we have now is incredible," says McVay. "I could never go back to staying in the same place and living the same day over and over again."
The bus is powered by solar energy and batteries, and despite living off-grid, the couple aren’t against the odd mod-con. “We have teenagers to entertain,” McVay, says, with a laugh. “So yes, we have a 40-inch television, we have a PlayStation, laptops and all the kitchen appliances you need for a family.”
But that doesn’t mean it’s all fun and games. “Living in a small space with adolescents can be difficult,” she admits. “There are times we all want to kill each other and there’s nowhere to escape.
“There’s also all of the practical stuff like emptying the toilet and losing internet signal, but I’ll take that over bills and mortgages and stress any day.”
Eventually, the family plan to settle down on a patch and live self-sufficiently, but for them, returning to the daily grind will never be an option. “I no longer feel like I’m trapped waiting for my next vacation,” McVay says. “I’m now living a life that I don’t need a vacation from.”
Meanwhile, in Australia
"Skoolie" living is becoming increasingly popular across the world. In Australia, Marte Snorresdotter Rovik, 38, and her husband Jed Harris, 39, converted a 12-metre school bus into a cosy home on wheels. The couple now travel around the country full time with their two young children, Ellida, 5, and Embla, 2. They were planning to invest in a traditional property when they had a sudden change of heart, selling their home, their cars and all of their belongings and buying a dilapidated school bus for A$10,000 (Dh27,000) – all while Snorresdotter Rovik was pregnant with her second child.
“We didn’t feel like we were free,” says Snorresdotter Rovik, who is originally from Norway. “We were struggling to find the right home. Society was trying to push us down the traditional path but it never felt right for us. To cut a long story short, we thought instead of trying to get to a place where we have more money to get more freedom, we create a life where we need less money and we’re less reliant on living at the mercy of someone else.
“We just wanted stability, which is funny because we now live in a moving home, but we feel way more stable now.”
Don't wait for the right time to make a change, the right time is now
Their expertly designed bus is unrecognisable, with a homely living space, a kitchen complete with a full-sized fridge-freezer, stove and washing machine, a master bedroom with a spacious queen-size bed, an extra bedroom for the girls and even a bath and shower room. But it's taken a lot to get to this point. Harris gutted the entire vehicle himself, spending 18 months and A$30,000 rebuilding it from the ground up, installing solar panels and a hot-water system.
The family have been living on board for 13 months, with Snorresdotter Rovik working on the road as an online sleep consultant, and although it can be difficult to raise a family in such a tight space, Snorresdotter Rovik and Harris insist they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. I can’t even imagine where we would be now if we hadn’t made this decision,” Snorresdotter Rovik says. “It’s brought us closer as a family and I don’t know if I can ever go back to renting or paying a mortgage. We’re changed people.”
So far the family have travelled all over Western and Southern Australia, as well as Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales, stopping in each destination for about eight weeks, and the parents insist that moving around is beneficial for their children, who are homeschooled.
“Embla knows no different,” she says. “We moved on to the bus when she was 18 months old. Ellida loves the bus and her confidence has really grown since we’ve been travelling around and she’s been able to socialise with other kids.
“When they get older we appreciate that we’re going to grow out of the space, and at that point we’ll park up somewhere and expand outwards, continuing to live off-grid, but I could never give up this freedom and go back to our old lives.
“If anyone else is considering trying a new lifestyle I’d urge them to go for it. Don’t wait for the right time to make a change, the right time is now.”
And in the UK on a double decker
For Adam Collier-Woods, the right time was seven years ago, when he saved a British double-decker from the scrap heap. The 49-year-old carpenter paid £4,500 (Dh21,000) for the crumbling vehicle, and a further £20,000 and six months transforming it into something spectacular.
With more than a million kilometres on the clock, the bus had travelled almost the equivalent distance of the Earth to the Moon, back to Earth, and then halfway to the Moon again. And it’s now unrecognisable.
The Big Green Bus comfortably sleeps six people and features a fully fitted kitchen and lounge, a cosy log-burner and a bathroom with hot water, and is now parked up on farmland in Brighton on England’s south coast.
“It’s been a labour of love and took way more money and time than I expected,” says Collier-Woods. “But it really is unique and I’ve never seen anything else quite like it.”
During the recent coronavirus lockdown, he enjoyed lazy days on the deck and relaxing nights in the hot tub he installed nearby. And when he’s not donning the conductor’s cap himself, he rents the bus out as a holiday home in the Sussex countryside.
“I want everyone to be able to experience this lifestyle,” he says. “Life is more exciting on four wheels.”
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
THURSDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY
Centre Court
Starting at 10am:
Lucrezia Stefanini v Elena Rybakina (6)
Aryna Sabalenka (4) v Polona Hercog
Sofia Kenin (1) v Zhaoxuan Yan
Kristina Mladenovic v Garbine Muguruza (5)
Sorana Cirstea v Karolina Pliskova (3)
Jessica Pegula v Elina Svitolina (2)
Court 1
Starting at 10am:
Sara Sorribes Tormo v Nadia Podoroska
Marketa Vondrousova v Su-Wei Hsieh
Elise Mertens (7) v Alize Cornet
Tamara Zidansek v Jennifer Brady (11)
Heather Watson v Jodie Burrage
Vera Zvonareva v Amandine Hesse
Court 2
Starting at 10am:
Arantxa Rus v Xiyu Wang
Maria Kostyuk v Lucie Hradecka
Karolina Muchova v Danka Kovinic
Cori Gauff v Ulrikke Eikeri
Mona Barthel v Anastasia Gasanova
Court 3
Starting at 10am:
Kateryna Bondarenko v Yafan Wang
Aliaksandra Sasnovich v Anna Bondar
Bianca Turati v Yaroslava Shvedova
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
PAKISTAN SQUAD
Abid Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali (test captain), Babar Azam (T20 captain), Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imran Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Kashif Bhatti, Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah.
The biog
Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
How%20champions%20are%20made
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
The Saga Continues
Wu-Tang Clan
(36 Chambers / Entertainment One)
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Results
Female 49kg: Mayssa Bastos (BRA) bt Thamires Aquino (BRA); points 0-0 (advantage points points 1-0).
Female 55kg: Bianca Basilio (BRA) bt Amal Amjahid (BEL); points 4-2.
Female 62kg: Beatriz Mesquita (BRA) v Ffion Davies (GBR); 10-2.
Female 70kg: Thamara Silva (BRA) bt Alessandra Moss (AUS); submission.
Female 90kg: Gabreili Passanha (BRA) bt Claire-France Thevenon (FRA); submission.
Male 56kg: Hiago George (BRA) bt Carlos Alberto da Silva (BRA); 2-2 (2-0)
Male 62kg: Gabriel de Sousa (BRA) bt Joao Miyao (BRA); 2-2 (2-1)
Male 69kg: Paulo Miyao (BRA) bt Isaac Doederlein (USA); 2-2 (2-2) Ref decision.
Male 77kg: Tommy Langarkar (NOR) by Oliver Lovell (GBR); submission.
Male 85kg: Rudson Mateus Teles (BRA) bt Faisal Al Ketbi (UAE); 2-2 (1-1) Ref decision.
Male 94kg: Kaynan Duarte (BRA) bt Adam Wardzinski (POL); submission.
Male 110kg: Joao Rocha (BRA) bt Yahia Mansoor Al Hammadi (UAE); submission.
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More coverage from the Future Forum
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
AL%20BOOM
%3Cp%20style%3D%22text-align%3Ajustify%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3BDirector%3AAssad%20Al%20Waslati%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%20style%3D%22text-align%3Ajustify%3B%22%3E%0DStarring%3A%20Omar%20Al%20Mulla%2C%20Badr%20Hakami%20and%20Rehab%20Al%20Attar%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20ADtv%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
