As we enter the season of festivities and cheer, there are plenty of novels to add to your reading list before the end of the year.
From classic tales of ghostly warnings regarding bad behaviour, to a cosy crime mystery at a family reunion and a funny, grumpy green creature who wants to steal Christmas, here are The National’s pick of festive stories to read this holiday season.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
One of the most well-known, beloved and influential Christmas novels of all time is also a story about changing for the better. First published in 1843, Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted older man who despises Christmas.
Ebenezer is visited by three other ghosts that night, each representing a different facet of time – the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Each presents a vision to Ebenezer that makes him rethink his actions and attitude, forcing him to reflect on how he wants to live out the rest of his life.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The classic coming-of-age story may not seem like the typical festive read, but Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is considered a novel for the holidays because it begins and ends with Christmas scenes. This focus on themes of family, generosity, and the spirit of the festive season is experienced throughout the novel, which delves into the lives of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy –against the backdrop of the American Civil War.
The plot sees the family face financial difficulties as their father serves away in the Union Army. The sisters, along with their mother, attempt to navigate the challenges of poverty while still holding true to their hopes and values, despite their very different personalities, as they grow from adolescence into adulthood.
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
From the author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood comes one of the most nostalgic stories of the festive season.
The semi-autobiographical short story by Truman Capote, set in rural Alabama in the 1930s, is a peek into his childhood through the friendship between a boy named Buddy, seven, and his older eccentric cousin during the last Christmas before he is sent off to military school.
Since its publication in 1956, the story has touched many readers because of its deep nostalgia and ability to bring to life the joy of giving during the Christmas season.
Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle
One of the 56 short Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes short story collection, this tale of mystery sees the detective solving a strange crime during Christmas in London.
The story begins when Mr Peterson, a commissionaire, brings Holmes a battered hat and a Christmas goose found during a fight on the street, asking him to find the owners. It seems like a silly case until a priceless blue carbuncle hidden inside the goose is found.
This is the same gemstone the newspapers have reported missing from the Countess of Morcar's hotel suite and a plumber at the hotel had been accused and arrested for stealing. Now it’s up to Holmes to find out who the real thief is and free John Horner before it’s too late.
The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter
Perfect for a festive read or to be given as a gift, this anthology includes a diverse selection of Christmas-themed short stories from various renowned authors around the world. Featuring 32 short stories – from classic tales to contemporary stories – this collection showcases the many themes, tropes and emotions connected to the holiday season.
Stories include The Fir Tree by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, A Christmas Party and a Wedding by Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky, One Christmas Eve by the American poet and writer Langston Hughes, The Christmas Turkey by the Brazilian poet and novelist Mario de Andrade, and many more.
Christmas Holiday by W Somerset Maugham
For Christmas, a young Englishman, Charley Mason, has been gifted an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris by his father. With plans to spend the holiday season in the most romantic city in the world, Charley’s life takes a strange turn when, on his first night in Paris, he meets Lydia, whose story will change him forever.
Lydia is homeless and displaced by the Russian Revolution, and for reasons Charley cannot understand, she is in love with a murderer and drug dealer whom she believes she can change, even if it means hurting herself in the process.
Set in the years between the two World Wars, Charley becomes more entranced by Lydia as he seeks to save her during the festive season.
Nutcracker and Mouse King by ETA Hoffmann
One of the world’s most famous ballets was inspired by the endearing story of Marie Stahlbaum and her adventures.
On Christmas Eve, seven-year-old Marie receives a nutcracker as a gift from her eccentric godfather, Drosselmeyer, a clockmaker and inventor. Marie is incredibly fond of the Nutcracker and is shocked to see that he comes to life that very night. Maria is then swept up in a world of fantasy where there is an ongoing war between the nutcracker, leading an army of toys, and the seven-headed Mouse King and his mouse arm.
The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen
Part fairy tale, part social commentary, The Little Match Girl is a poignant story by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1845.
The story follows a young girl who attempts to sell matches in the streets. But when no one buys any matches, she's too afraid to go home and face her abusive father. As she huddles between two houses in order to stay warm, she lights one by one to warm herself and starts to see a series of comforting images that change her.
Hercule Poirot's Christmas: A Hercule Poirot Mystery by Agatha Christie
First published in 1938, Agatha Christie’s classic locked-room mystery with her famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, is a cosy crime novel to delve into this season.
Simeon Lee is a cruel and tyrannical millionaire who has demanded that his four sons and their families return home for Christmas, where he announces that they will be cut off from his will. Soon after, Simeon is found dead in a locked room.
Poirot is then called to investigate the family and find out why and how they committed the murder on Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss
One of the world’s most popular and loved children’s stories, How the Grinch Stole Christmas explores themes of redemption, community and the spirit of Christmas.
The story centres around the Grinch, a green, furry creature who lives in a cave overlooking the cheerful town of Whoville. The town is inhabited by people called The Whos, who love preparing for and celebrating Christmas. The Grinch, who hates the holiday, sets out with a plan to stop Christmas from happening.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Champions League Last 16
Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) v Bayern Munich (GER)
Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Manchester City (ENG)
Benfica (POR) v Ajax (NED)
Chelsea (ENG) v Lille (FRA)
Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG)
Villarreal (ESP) v Juventus (ITA)
Inter Milan (ITA) v Liverpool (ENG)
Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid (ESP)
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Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?
Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.
They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.
“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.
He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Revival
Eminem
Interscope
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. Your rights as an employee
The government has taken an increasingly tough line against companies that fail to pay employees on time. Three years ago, the Cabinet passed a decree allowing the government to halt the granting of work permits to companies with wage backlogs.
The new measures passed by the Cabinet in 2016 were an update to the Wage Protection System, which is in place to track whether a company pays its employees on time or not.
If wages are 10 days late, the new measures kick in and the company is alerted it is in breach of labour rules. If wages remain unpaid for a total of 16 days, the authorities can cancel work permits, effectively shutting off operations. Fines of up to Dh5,000 per unpaid employee follow after 60 days.
Despite those measures, late payments remain an issue, particularly in the construction sector. Smaller contractors, such as electrical, plumbing and fit-out businesses, often blame the bigger companies that hire them for wages being late.
The authorities have urged employees to report their companies at the labour ministry or Tawafuq service centres — there are 15 in Abu Dhabi.
North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E268hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E380Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh208%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Florida: The critical Sunshine State
Though mostly conservative, Florida is usually always “close” in presidential elections. In most elections, the candidate that wins the Sunshine State almost always wins the election, as evidenced in 2016 when Trump took Florida, a state which has not had a democratic governor since 1991.
Joe Biden’s campaign has spent $100 million there to turn things around, understandable given the state’s crucial 29 electoral votes.
In 2016, Mr Trump’s democratic rival Hillary Clinton paid frequent visits to Florida though analysts concluded that she failed to appeal towards middle-class voters, whom Barack Obama won over in the previous election.
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
