There's something about packing a suitcase that cries out to be put off until the last moment. Often, on the night before a trip, you end up grabbing items at random and stuffing them haphazardly into a bag. As a result you travel overburdened and arrive with crumpled belongings. Better to start the trip with at least some semblance of organisation. Packing may be an art that takes years of practice to master, but these products will help you to make a start.
Made from waterproof nylon with sealed seams and reinforced stitching, this sack will not only keep your belongings orderly and compact but also protected from explosions of shampoo as well. It is very lightweight and has a drawstring mechanism that you can operate single-handed. Ideal for bulky items such as jumpers and, if nothing else, for dirty laundry and soggy swimwear. Available from www.amazon.com from US$11.90 (Dh44) plus shipping.
The Japanese are renowned, among other things, for deftly folded paper shapes and figures. So it is little surprise that a surfeit of packing paraphernalia hail from Japan. These mesh cubes, which vary in size and fit together, are useful for keeping everything from socks and underwear to toiletries organised. Available from Daiso, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Abu Dhabi, from $1.60 (Dh6).
The ironed shirt is a delicate creature that does not travel well. Folding and stacking shirts in this lightweight mesh envelope will help to protect them from the boisterous free-for-all going on in the rest of your suitcase or bag. The rigid board (also used for folding) helps to keep shirts and other garments neat and uncreased, while also making sure they take up less room in your luggage. Available from www.amazon.com from $29 (Dh107) plus shipping.
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The specs: 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Price, base / as tested Dh97,600
Engine 1,745cc Milwaukee-Eight v-twin engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 78hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque 145Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.0L / 100km (estimate)