A peculiarly British tradition is the Christmas Number One, the best-selling pop song of the season. Right now, number one in the charts is Last Christmas by Wham! The fact that the single was released in 1984 plays to a British adherence to tradition and fondness for recycling things from the past that at times amounts to ancestor worship.
While listening to the radio, in among the age-old Christmas carols and 1950s crooners such as Bing Crosby, I heard another old favourite: John Lennon’s Imagine. You would have to be more than 50 years old to remember when Imagine was released. In 1971, Lennon was imagining a better, peaceful world amid all kinds of grim news. That has obvious resonance right now as we contemplate the end of 2023 and imagine a better New Year.
Back in 1971 the world was in the depths of the Cold War. Europe was divided between East and West. Berlin had a wall which split families and friends. There was tension in the Middle East, a war in Vietnam that was spreading beyond its borders, domestic trouble across the US and – again, as usual – political divisions in many parts of the world.
And so now on the edge of 2024, rather than doing the annual look back on the highs and a lot of lows of 2023, with the sounds of Imagine still ringing in my ears, I wondered if it is possible to imagine the coming year in the spirit of John Lennon’s semi-optimism. Could we imagine a year in which, as another great visionary, Martin Luther King Jr put it, people are judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin?
Could we imagine a world in which people of the three great Abrahamic faiths come together to decide that it is acceptable to discuss religious differences but unacceptable to kill or persecute people because of those differences in faith?
The prospect of a re-match next November between Biden and Trump does not set the heart singing with joy
Could we imagine living up to the ideals of the 2017 Bahrain Declaration for a world in which no-one is subjected to violence or terror because of their gender, nationality or the way they choose to worship – or not worship? Perhaps.
What we can certainly predict is that 2024 will be the year of elections worldwide, with all the uncertainty that political divisions bring. Electoral contests are already beginning in the US, Britain and across the EU. There are dozens of others in countries right through the diplomatic alphabet from Algeria and Brazil to Venezuela. The British general election, some insiders say, will be in October. Others think it could be in May. Either way the UK faces months of uncertainty and argument.
So does the US. The prospect of a re-match next November between Joe Biden and Donald Trump does not set the heart singing with joy. And so, in light-hearted end-of-year conversations with some Washington friends and insiders recently, I have been trying to imagine (not always seriously) if among more than 350 million Americans some new talented person might break the mould and provide an alternative to the usual Trump-Biden politics.
In a discussion with a well-informed American lawyer, we joked about a star third candidate who might cheer us all up yet also be competent and highly regarded. And we came up with the obvious winner: Taylor Swift. No, seriously. Think about it. Does she break the mould? Yes. Brilliant communicator? Yes. Less than half the age of Mr Trump or Mr Biden? Popular? Successful in business? Yes, yes, yes. More successful in business than Mr Trump, you might say, and with less unpleasant baggage.
The only possible disqualification of a Taylor Swift presidency (apart from her not being interested) came when my American lawyer friend pointed out that presidents must be at least 35 years of age. Taylor Swift is 34. Then a quick check told us the good news. Under the US Constitution a president must be 35 years old but only when they take office. The inauguration is in January 2025 at which time Taylor Swift will be 35 years old.
So that’s it. Settled. The youngest US president in history and the first woman US president in history. Imagine. Of course, even in the land where almost anything at times seems possible, Swift is undoubtedly too smart to throw away a wonderful career as a superstar for the grind of political office. But maybe that reveals why so much of our politics around the world needs to be re-booted as less destructive and more positive.
We could start by imagining how we can build on the Cop28 process and the agreement reached. We could think how to reward leaders who at least try to solve problems rather than create them. We could then imagine a happier new year after what’s been an often-miserable 2023. After all John Lennon sang in Imagine that he was just a dreamer but then he added: “I’m not the only one.” Happy New Year. We can hope.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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The years Ramadan fell in May
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
The years Ramadan fell in May
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 630bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh810,000
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SPECS
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Where to submit a sample
Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Australia
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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
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
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The specs: 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn
Price, base / as tested: Dhxxx
Engine: 5.7L V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 556Nm @ 3,950rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
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Results
2.30pm: Dubai Creek Tower – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: Marmara Xm, Gary Sanchez (jockey), Abdelkhir Adam (trainer)
3pm: Al Yasmeen – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: AS Hajez, Jesus Rosales, Khalifa Al Neyadi
3.30pm: Al Ferdous – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Soukainah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
4pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah – Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: AF Thayer, Ray Dawson, Ernst Oertel
4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup – Handicap (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: George Villiers, Antonio Fresu, Bhupat Seemar
5pm: Palma Spring – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Es Abu Mousa, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mane points for safe home colouring
- Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
- Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
- When choosing a colour (especially a lighter tone), allow for a natural lift of warmth
- Most modern hair colours are technique-based, in that they require a confident hand and taught skills
- If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
