A global pandemic is a time when many tighten their belts. Online spending sprees and extravagant treats may still be on pause for a lot of us, but that's not to say we don't still need a few bits and bobs.
With many of us still staying at home as much as possible, there might be a new gadget or homeware essential that's become a necessity during this new normal. Or perhaps it's an office staple that has made working from home just that little bit easier.
Below, members of The National share the most useful purchases they've made in recent months that have vastly improved life at home.
1. Philips Air Fryer
If you, like me, love chips (or French fries, as some people say), then this nifty kitchen device is bound to become your new best friend. As restaurants were closed, and we cut back on our takeaway spend, we made copious amounts of comforting potato-based snacks to see us through the pandemic. These turn out perfectly crunchy on the outside, and soft and fluffy within, and yet you don't have to use a drop of oil, as the gadget uses hot air to heat things up (and much more quickly and effectively than an oven). And it can fry, bake, roast and grill just as well.
Katy Gillett, Weekend editor
2. A wireless keyboard
I think it was week one or two when I bought a wireless keyboard, inspired by my boss's similar purchase. Not only does it make for a more ergonomic workplace, with my laptop up high and my keyboard at a comfortable lower height, it has meant I am discouraged from working on my sofa. It is also good for creating a clear workspace, which I can walk away from at the end of a work day.
Farah Andrews, assistant features editor
3. A robotic vacuum cleaner
My best purchase during self-isolation has undoubtedly been a robotic vacuum cleaner. Like a dust-bunny-eating UFO, this little machine trundles around my house, cleaning as it goes, while I, lazy to the last, do something (anything) else. In fact, watching it collide with the furniture and the occasional cat is so endearing, I find myself following it around, sort of defeating the purpose.
Sarah Maisey, deputy Luxury editor
4. Apple Airpods
I know, I’m quite late in discovering the power of Apple Airpods. To be fair, I’ve always been more than satisfied with the simple headphones that came along with my iPhone when I purchased it years ago. However, like many, I’ve taken to daily walks and runs during this period in order to get some exercise and some fresh air. A key realisation? That face masks and ordinary wired earphones simply do not gel well together. It’s a pandemic that’s gotten me to upgrade my tech, and I honestly haven’t looked back since.
Janice Rodrigues, lifestyle writer
5. Nintendo Switch
The best purchase I've made has been a Nintendo Switch. If I had known prior to the pandemic that we would all be spending so much time at home, I would have purchased it back then. However, I chose to wait, so finding one (at a decent price) was initially a bit tricky. But when I did finally get my hands on one, I found that it was what I needed to calm my mind. It helped with a lot of stress I was feeling and it definitely was a good investment in terms of stopping boredom. I also purchased Animal Crossing, but often found myself enjoying games that reminded me of my childhood too, like Super Mario Bros and Mario Kart.
Evelyn Lau, assistant features editor
6. The QI wireless-charging smart coffee table
Like many people, I have been a lot more conservative with my spending since the pandemic began, but my one slightly indulgent purchase was a QI wireless-charging smart coffee table, which now takes pride of place in my living room. The sleek, three-legged table doubles up as a bluetooth speaker and charging station – handy for keeping my laptop running while I'm working from home. The sound quality is excellent, and brings me much joy when I'm pottering around the house in the evenings. Since I'm spending so much time at home at the moment, a purchase that enhanced the look of my interior, while also serving a genuinely practical purpose, seemed like a worthy investment.
Selina Denman, head of magazines and travel
7. A selection of vases
Yes, these may already be a staple in many people's homes but for me, when setting up home in Dubai four years ago, never knowing how long I'd stay, they seemed like a superfluous purchase I'd only have to bin or sell in the near future. However, after being ensconced in a sparsely decorated apartment since March, now seemed like the perfect time to breathe a bit of personality into my living space. This selection, via Arket, Louise Roe Copenhagen and H&M, has also encouraged me to regularly keep a fresh supply of blooms around the house, a small and simple gesture that has proved priceless when it comes to brightening up my home-working space.
Emma Day, deputy features editor
8. A cast-iron skillet
I am currently obsessed with cast iron cookware, since I am spending a lot of my free time in the kitchen. It is a healthier alternative to non-stick cookware and brings out great flavour, but it requires maintenance and there is a learning curve to using it correctly. YouTube has a wealth of information, and if you're new to this, or want some tips and tricks, I highly recommend Cowboy Kent Rollins's channel – a wise, old and funny man who has really helped made this transition easy. A skillet is a multi-tasker – I use it not only to make a variety of stir-fries and Indian style veggies, but also to grill chicken and make stove-top pizza.
Aarti Jhurani, sub-editor
9. A reclining chair
Staying at home has involved a lot of sitting down for me: sitting down at my computer for work, sitting down and Zooming with my parents, sitting down and watching a movie. So, my husband and I decided to make a little investment in a pair of reclining chairs and it's hands down the best purchase I've made over the past six months. They are so comfy and you really feel like you're unwinding when you sit in one. So, if you've been thinking about buying one and have been hesitant, I tell you now: do it!
Samia Badih, arts editor
10. A cordless vacuum cleaner
The best purchase I made is a cordless vacuum cleaner. It’s efficient, takes up less space and has a number of brush heads for different purposes. Spending more time at home means I’ve had to devote more time to housework. This vacuum has made cleaning up easier and less of a chore for me.
Alexandra Chaves, visual arts writer
11. The Sony WH1000MX3 headphones
It can be difficult to concentrate on the task at hand while working from home. Noise-cancelling headphones have made that hurdle a lot easier to overcome. They help you get in the zone and eliminate unwanted sounds. The Sony WH1000MX3 are among the best in the market. And with the next iteration due to come out soon, you can currently get a pair for a steal.
Razmig Bedirian, culture writer
Monster Hunter: World
Capcom
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE
The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.
"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."
Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.
"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.
As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general.
THE%20HOLDOVERS
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UAE%20Warriors%20fight%20card
%3Cp%3EMain%20Event%0D%3A%20Catchweight%20165lb%0D%3Cbr%3EMartun%20Mezhulmyan%20(ARM)%20v%20Acoidan%20Duque%20(ESP)%0D%3Cbr%3ECo-Main%20Event%0D%3A%20Bantamweight%0D%3Cbr%3EFelipe%20Pereira%20(BRA)%20v%20Azamat%20Kerefov%20(RUS)%0D%3Cbr%3EMiddleweight%0D%3Cbr%3EMohamad%20Osseili%20(LEB)%20v%20Amir%20Fazli%20(IRN)%0D%3Cbr%3ECatchweight%20161%20lb%0D%3Cbr%3EZhu%20Rong%20(CHI)%20vs.%20Felipe%20Maia%20(BRA)%0D%3Cbr%3ECatchweight%20176%20lb%0D%3Cbr%3EHandesson%20Ferreira%20(BRA)%20vs.%20Ion%20Surdu%20(MDA)%0D%3Cbr%3ECatchweight%20168%20lb%0D%3Cbr%3EArtur%20Zaynukov%20(RUS)%20v%20Sargis%20Vardanyan%20(ARM)%0D%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%0D%3Cbr%3EIlkhom%20Nazimov%20(UZB)%20v%20Khazar%20Rustamov%20(AZE)%0D%3Cbr%3EBantamweight%0D%3Cbr%3EJalal%20Al%20Daaja%20(JOR)%20v%20Mark%20Alcoba%20(PHI)%0D%3Cbr%3ELightweight%0D%3Cbr%3EJakhongir%20Jumaev%20(UZB)%20v%20Dylan%20Salvador%20(FRA)%0D%3Cbr%3ECatchweight%20143%20lb%0D%3Cbr%3EHikaru%20Yoshino%20(JPN)%20v%20Djamal%20Rustem%20(TUR)%0D%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%0D%3Cbr%3EJavohir%20Imamov%20(UZB)%20v%20Ulan%20Tamgabaev%20(KAZ)%0D%3Cbr%3ECatchweight%20120%20lb%0D%3Cbr%3ELarissa%20Carvalho%20(BRA)%20v%20Elin%20Oberg%20(SWE)%0D%3Cbr%3ELightweight%0D%3Cbr%3EHussein%20Salem%20(IRQ)%20v%20Arlan%20Faurillo%20(PHI)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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RACE CARD
6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Meydan Sprint – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (Turf) 1,000m
7.40pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (D) 2,200m
8.15pm: UAE Oaks – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
10pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m
Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox
“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite
“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
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.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
WORLD CUP FINAL
England v South Africa
Yokohama International Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday, kick-off 1pm (UAE)
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THE LOWDOWN
Romeo Akbar Walter
Rating: 2/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Robby Grewal
Cast: John Abraham, Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff and Sikandar Kher
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
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
World Cup warm up matches
May 24 Pakistan v Afghanistan, Bristol; Sri Lanka v South Africa, Cardiff
May 25 England v Australia, Southampton; India v New Zealand, The Oval
May 26 South Africa v West Indies, Bristol; Pakistan v Bangladesh, Cardiff
May 27 Australia v Sri Lanka, Southampton; England v Afghanistan, The Oval
May 28 West Indies v New Zealand, Bristol; Bangladesh v India, Cardiff
if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Young girls thinking of big ideas'
Words come easy for aspiring writer Afra Al Muhairb. The business side of books, on the other hand, is entirely foreign to the 16-year-old Emirati. So, she followed her father’s advice and enroled in the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s summer entrepreneurship course at Abu Dhabi University hoping to pick up a few new skills.
“Most of us have this dream of opening a business,” said Afra, referring to her peers are “young girls thinking of big ideas.”
In the three-week class, pupils are challenged to come up with a business and develop an operational and marketing plan to support their idea. But, the learning goes far beyond sales and branding, said teacher Sonia Elhaj.
“It’s not only about starting up a business, it’s all the meta skills that goes with it -- building self confidence, communication,” said Ms Elhaj. “It’s a way to coach them and to harness ideas and to allow them to be creative. They are really hungry to do this and be heard. They are so happy to be actually doing something, to be engaged in creating something new, not only sitting and listening and getting new information and new knowledge. Now they are applying that knowledge.”
Afra’s team decided to focus their business idea on a restaurant modelled after the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Each level would have a different international cuisine and all the meat would be halal. The pupils thought of this after discussing a common problem they face when travelling abroad.
“Sometimes we find the struggle of finding halal food, so we just eat fish and cheese, so it’s hard for us to spend 20 days with fish and cheese,” said Afra. “So we made this tower so every person who comes – from Africa, from America – they will find the right food to eat.”
rpennington@thenational.ae
