Spanish writer Carlos Ruiz Zafon, who penned internationally bestselling novels such as The Shadow of the Wind, has died aged 55.
It has been widely reported in Spanish media that Ruiz Zafon had been diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago.
The novelist, who has in the past been described as the most-read Spanish author since Cervantes, died on Friday at his home in Los Angeles, US.
His eight novels have been translated into more than 40 languages, selling over 38 million copies worldwide. He's also won multiple awards over the course of his decades-long career.
He's best known for The Shadow of the Wind, the first instalment in his Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, which concluded with 2016's The Labyrinth of Spirits.
People were quick to pay tribute to the author on social media, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. He wrote in Spanish on Twitter: "We have lost one of the world's most read and most admired Spanish writers ... a key novelist of our epoch, made a significant contribution to modern literature."
“Today is a very sad day for the entire Planeta team that knew him and worked with him for 20 years, in which a friendship that transcends professionalism has been forged,” a statement from his Spanish publisher said.
It also quoted a line from his most famous book: "Every book, every volume you see here, has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it."
His English-language publisher, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, also paid homage to the author on Twitter, saying: "We are deeply saddened to hear of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.
"W&N are intensely proud to publish such a masterful writer, whose stories brought joy to millions and will continue to inspire and delight future generations."
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
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- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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The biog
Favourite colour: Brown
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Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices
Favourite food: Pizza
Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon
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Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
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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