I possess exactly one pair of silver payals. And I wrap them around my ankles precisely once a year. The same goes for the colourful bindis stashed away in the bottom drawer of my dresser. And the embroidered potli that holds said bindis (and not much else), should one get swiped off my forehead during my sister-in-law's annual Diwali bash. I will, after all, be air-kissing close to 100 guests.
The Festival of Lights is (almost) here. And like millions of Indians, finding the right festive garb is high on my to-do list. As is cleaning the house from top to bottom to entice Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, to cross my threshold, and buying sweets by the platterful for gifts and eating purposes.
Buying new clothes is considered auspicious during Diwali, because the festival represents fortuitous beginnings. Several designer trunk shows come to town and desi stores in Old Dubai are ablaze with outfits encrusted with sequins, crystals, mirrorwork and even faux gemstones. All the more difficult to find one, though, if you’re on the prowl for apparel that is contemporary (not for me sleeves of pearls tipped with diamantes), wearable (sashaying about in a 10-kilogram lehenga isn’t my strong suit), and still manages to get a nod of approval from dozens of bling-tastic aunties.
Most years I rely on the intricate embroidery skills that Indian tailors the world over have mastered. I pick chikankari kurtas from Lucknow, with the simple white-work floral embroidery standing out against a maroon brocade or a yellow muslin.
Another time a Rajasthani gota patti shalwar with silver lace and shimmering sequins was suitable. My favourite thus far is the zardosi goldwork anarkali suit in raw silk, which I donned for a mid-November Diwali. But I fear the weather won’t permit the notoriously heavy fabric this year.
And so the search continues, although I have my eye on a sari-dress that does not require endless draping, and has a thick, raw-gold border that looks lush but is lightweight.
The sari-dress is but one of the many “Indo-western” outfit options to choose from. From evening dresses with intricate embroidery, to skirts and tops interwoven with metallic threadwork, this category of Indianwear is ideal for those who want to repeat the outfit for other, less-Indian occasions. Simply forgo the bindis and jootis, and put on a beret and boots instead.
Accessories, then, go a long way towards completing a Diwali outfit. From ethnic choker necklaces and swinging jhumkas to cocktail rings that resemble the sun, sparkling jewellery (real or costume) is half the festive-wardrobe battle won.
One has to be careful not to overdo it, though. A heavily embroidered choli will clash with a statement necklace, while abstract-shaped rings and clasp bangles will snag on certain fabrics ― your own and, worse, those of others. I once spent 15 mortifying minutes disentangling my spiky square bracelet from an unamused aunt wearing a netted bustier. It was a mesh.
This is why I swear by earrings ― my weak spot and, arguably, the most effective piece of jewellery to pair with an Indian outfit, and with low chances of snag. Visible whether you’re standing or sitting, chandelier earrings lend an air of elegance and flatter most face shapes and hairstyles (just remember to prep the lobes with baby oil a few hours ahead).
Another hack I rely on is to pair a simple outfit with a luxe-looking dupatta, tassels and all. It doubles as the ornamentation against a solid colour fabric and photographs beautifully to boot.
All this planning (and agonising) aside, donning traditional garb is a great deal of fun, both for its novelty and cultural value. To those of us living abroad, Diwali provides a rare chance to pick up and put on Indian clothes in all their finery, as well as promoting a sense of community when everyone comes together to celebrate in their sparkling best.
Plus, it’s a blessing that the drapes and folds of most Indian clothes hide the evidence of all that gorging on all those plattersful of sweets, which is almost par for the course during this most hedonistic of festivals.
Scroll through the gallery below to see the mithais commonly eaten during Diwali
Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier
Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
UAE group fixtures
Sunday Feb 23, 9.30am, v Iran
Monday Feb 25, 1pm, v Kuwait
Tuesday Feb 26, 9.30am, v Saudi
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza, Rohan Mustafa, Alishan Sharafu, Ansh Tandon, Vriitya Aravind, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Karthik Meiyappan, Basil Hameed, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Ayaz, Zahoor Khan, Chirag Suri, Sultan Ahmed
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
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
From exhibitions to the battlefield
In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.
It was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to modify the Shaded Dome to make it suitable for ballistic protection. Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the companies which designed the dome, is an independent international engineering and project management consultancy, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation.
It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.
It aims to minimise the impact on the environment by leading by example in its projects in sustainable development and innovation, to become part of the solution to a more sustainable society now and into the future.
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
