Embarking on a journey to the Sharjah International Book Fair is like diving into a sea of literary possibilities. It's a tempting adventure despite my busy schedule and the continuing Israel-Gaza war, which persistently tugs at my thoughts.
As a journalist, my eyes have become protest signs, demanding a break after enduring more than eight hours of screen and reading time. Who in their right mind would willingly subject themselves to more ocular adventures?
Yet, with no time or energy to read, here I am at the heart of Expo Centre Sharjah, drawn to the world of words.
Lost in the crowd
Among the diverse crowd at the entrance, I wonder if today's children share the same excitement for tangible books as I did in my youth. In the age of digital distractions, I question whether the magic of flipping through pages can still rival the fascination of screens.
Swiftly dismissing sociological musings, I focus on my mission – a brief yet purposeful visit – prompting me to have a moment of reflection: what books currently interest me, and how have my literary tastes evolved with time?
As I explore the bookshelves in the halls, I grapple with an aversion to “true story” books.
It's not a disdain for reality. Rather, my scepticism arises from authors spicing up narratives with drama or embellishment. While not doubting their sincerity, this suspicion lingers, driven by a craving for life's unfiltered truth, free from artistic varnish.
A captivating journey from Mata Hari to my own war-torn odyssey
Breaking my own rules, I find myself captivated by the partly true story of Mata Hari in The Spy by Paulo Coelho. Hari was a Dutch woman who defied societal norms and faced the consequences of her choices.
I become intrigued by the idea of writing my own life story, shaped by surviving a multifaceted 17-year war in Lebanon. I'm convinced that if I were to pen an autobiography, I'd attract a horde of readers eager to explore the rollercoaster of my life.
I walk away with the book in my hand, feeling victorious.
Navigating wisdom beyond self-help books
Next are self-help books, which are not my cup of tea. I've got my own personalised guide to navigating life. And although I'll keep my age a mystery, I've got a few decades of wisdom under my belt.
However, let me drop a plot twist.
Skimming through The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest at Al Rewaya Books stall, I discover how it unravels the mysteries of self-sabotage while offering strategies to kick those self-destructive habits to the kerb permanently.
In one part, Wiest asks readers to imagine a life free from the addictive clutches of social media. “If social media didn't exist, what would you do with your life?” she writes. It's enough to get me to take a copy.
My victory is now doubled with two books in my hand.
A book that lets you take the lead
Yet another self-help book catches my attention: The Art of Thinking, by Rod Judkins.
Although I've always believed that each person is a unique case, and advice from others may not necessarily be tailored to individual needs, I decide to give this book a chance.
Its book's appeal lies in the author's unconventional approach: encouraging readers to engage with it randomly.
“This book is not meant to be read in a linear way. When your creativity is running low or you feel the need for inspiration, open it at any page at random.”
Confessions of a bookworm
Self-help, poetry that doesn't resonate, fiction and non-fiction just do not strike a chord with me. I'm starting to wonder if I'm just an eccentric bookworm or if I've become a pro at finding creative excuses to dodge reading.
Cultural books, however, always find a place in my heart.
If Only They Didn't Speak English by Jon Sopel explores the current state of Anglo-American relations, particularly in the era of Trump and Brexit. Because I'm from Lebanon, I'm keen to grasp how people from diverse backgrounds respond to conflicts in a broader sense.
I hastily bag my fourth book and then, with the excitement of a child in a sweet shop, continue on for my final discovery.
Despite all the tempting literature, I just can't resist a Sudoku puzzle book.
A mindful retreat from the digital chaos, it offers a way to detach from the world. The decision to dive into Sudoku isn't just about distraction; it is a conscious choice for mental clarity and stress relief.
Back home, reality makes a comeback
Back at home, I carefully lay out the books on the table, thinking: “I conquered the book fair!”
But, in a plot twist, instead of starting to read, I find myself turning on the TV then catching up with what I missed on social media while at the event.
Because, let's face it, even the most intriguing literary journeys can't compete with the daily drama of online updates and the incessant stream of news.
I relish the anticipation of diving into the books I've purchased, but with all the current overwhelming war news, I'm patiently waiting for the perfect moment when I can fully immerse myself with a tranquil mind.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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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
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
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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
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
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
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile
Name: Tharb
Started: December 2016
Founder: Eisa Alsubousi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Luxury leather goods
Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
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
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
HOW TO WATCH
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TikTok: @thenationalnews
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Race card
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; 5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; 6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
MATCH INFO
Manchester United v Brighton, Sunday, 6pm UAE
The five pillars of Islam
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 0
Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')
Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
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