Jurgen Habermas is the 2021 Sheikh Zayed Book Award's Cultural Personality of the Year.
The German philosopher and author, 91, will receive the award in an online ceremony as part of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, running from May 23 to 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
The award includes a cash prize of Dh750,000 ($204,220).
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, offered his congratulations to Habermas in a tweet that also highlighted the importance of culture and creativity in acting as a common language that transcends borders.
Given annually as part of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, the Cultural Personality of the Year accolade highlights a prominent Arab or international figure or organisation whose work expands culture regionally and abroad.
Habermas joins Jordanian-Palestinian poet and anthologist Salma Khadra Jayyusi, Lebanese author Amin Maalouf and late Chinese professor and translator Xhong Jikun in winning the award since it was first established in 2007.
A pioneer in modern philosophy
Habermas is being honoured for his five-decade career in which he has been hailed as a pioneer of critical theory, promoting rational society built on dialogue and mutual understanding, as well as studies and publications in disciplines including cultural studies, moral theory, linguistics, literary theory and political science.
“Rarely do we find prominent figures in the philosophical, cultural and intellectual field like Jurgen Habermas,” said Ali bin Tamim, secretary general of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
“His career has been full of accomplishments and distinguished works, which have made him the most present and influential voice in German cultural life for more than 50 years.
“Him being named Cultural Personality of the Year is a fitting affirmation of the excellence of his career and significant philosophical works, which have influenced international culture, including Arabic.”
Ten of Habermas's books have been translated into Arabic and a selection will be available at the Sheikh Zayed Book Award stand at the book fair.
Some of the translated works include 1995's Al Qawl Al Falsafy Lel Hadatah (The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity), 2001's Al Maarefah wa Al Maslaha (Knowledge and Human Interests) and 2012's Al Akhlaq wa Al Tawsol (Ethics and Communication).
Germany is guest of honour
Haberman’s achievement comes on the back of Germany being announced as the guest of honour of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
As well as having its own marquee stand in Adnec, the German book fair pavilion will host a number of cultural initiatives across the capital.
This will include a series of German film screenings at Manarat Al Saadiyat Park from Thursday to Saturday, May 27 to 29, in addition to the exhibition From Cinderella to Sinbad: German and Arab Timeless Tales, at the Cultural Foundation, which is running from May until September. Specific dates for the latter are yet to be announced.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: Audi e-tron
Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)
Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack
Transmission: Single-speed auto
Power: 408hp
Torque: 664Nm
Range: 400 kilometres
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
