Henry Lawfull as Nikolas and Kristen Wiig as Aunt Carlotta in 'A Boy Called Christmas'. Photo: Netflix
Henry Lawfull as Nikolas and Kristen Wiig as Aunt Carlotta in 'A Boy Called Christmas'. Photo: Netflix
Henry Lawfull as Nikolas and Kristen Wiig as Aunt Carlotta in 'A Boy Called Christmas'. Photo: Netflix
Henry Lawfull as Nikolas and Kristen Wiig as Aunt Carlotta in 'A Boy Called Christmas'. Photo: Netflix

New holiday movies to stream in 2021: 'A Boy Called Christmas' to 'Love Hard'


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  • Arabic

Christmas is right around the corner, as the stores full of decorations will attest to, so it's not too early to curl up with a hot chocolate and watch a warm and fuzzy festive film.

Every year, a new batch of holiday hits land on UAE streaming services, and 2021 is no exception to the rule. This year, Netflix has a bumper crop of flicks to choose from, featuring a host of Hollywood heavyweights, including Maggie Smith, Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Brooke Shields, Kristen Wiig and Jennifer Coolidge.

Here we round up all the new Christmas films for 2021, and collect the classics from years gone by that you can also catch on various UAE streaming sites, including Amazon Prime and OSN Streaming.

'Love Hard', Netflix

Nina Dobrev as Natalie Bauer in 'Love Hard'. Photo: Netflix
Nina Dobrev as Natalie Bauer in 'Love Hard'. Photo: Netflix

Release date: November 5

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O Yang, Darren Barnet, Harry Shum Jr

A Los Angeles girl, unlucky in love, falls for an east coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for Christmas, only to discover that she’s been catfished. This light-hearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.

'The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star', Netflix

Release date: November 18

Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Nick Sagar, Remy Hii

The third instalment of The Princess Switch is here. The film starring Vanessa Hudgens has become a modern festive fixture. This time around, when a priceless relic is stolen, Queen Margaret and Princess Stacy (Hudgens) enlist the help of Margaret's cousin Fiona (also Hudgens), who teams with a man from her past to retrieve it. Naturally, you can expect a touch of romance, which results in an unexpected switch.

'A Castle for Christmas', Netflix

Release date: November 26

Starring: Cary Elwes, Brooke Shields, Vanessa Grasse

If you're a fan of Made of Honour, this is the Christmas film for you. To escape a scandal, bestselling author Sophie Brown (Shields) travels to Scotland, where she falls in love with a castle, which she tries to buy, and falls for the grumpy duke (Elwes) who owns it in the process.

'A Boy Called Christmas', Netflix

Release date: November 26

Starring: Maggie Smith, Kristen Wiig, Henry Lawfull, Jim Broadbent

Oh, what a cast! Netflix's high-budget Christmas offering for 2021 tells the story of Nikolas, who sets out on an adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Miika (Stephen Merchant), Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical story that proves nothing is impossible. The film is based on Matt Haig's novel of the same name.

'Single All The Way', Netflix

Michael Urie as Peter and Jennifer Coolidge as Aunt Sandy in Netflix's 'Single All The Way'. Photo: Netflix
Michael Urie as Peter and Jennifer Coolidge as Aunt Sandy in Netflix's 'Single All The Way'. Photo: Netflix

Release date: December 2

Starring: Jennifer Coolidge, Kathy Najimy, Michael Urie

Desperate to avoid his family’s judgment about his perpetual single status, Peter (Urie) convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to join him for the holidays and pretend that they're now in a relationship. But when Peter’s mother (Najimy) sets him up on a blind date with her personal trainer, the plan goes awry.

Christmas films from years gone by that you can find on UAE streaming sites:

‘Holidate’, Netflix

Starring: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey and Kristin Chenoweth

Strangers Sloane (Roberts) and Jackson (Bracey) share one thing in common – they both hate being single during the holidays … any holidays!

Fed up with their families constantly asking when they’re going to settle down and get a partner, after they meet by accident, the pair hatch a plan to pretend to be a couple for every holiday season throughout the year. Bet you can’t guess what happens?

‘Elf’, Amazon Prime

Starring: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel and James Caan

When little orphan baby, Buddy, crawls into Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve, he gets taken back to Lapland and raised among the elves. However, it’s soon pretty clear Buddy’s not one of them, given that he’s about three feet taller for starters.

So, he heads to New York in search of his real father, armed only with his elf-ish naivety and unshakeable belief in Christmas. Guaranteed you'll be laughing at the "Santa's coming!" freak out scene for years to come.

‘Operation Christmas Drop’, Netflix

Starring: Kat Graham, Alexander Ludwig and Virginia Madsen

Vampire Diaries star, Kat Graham swaps the supernatural goings-on in Mystic Falls for a US Air force base, starring as a congressional aide, Erica Miller.

She's sent to the base, which just so happens to be on an island by her boss, Congresswoman Angie Bradford (Madsen), Erica has secretly been assigned the trip to earmark the base for closure.

Having to forgo her Christmas for work, pretty soon she’s clashing with Air force hottie, Captain Andrew Jantz (Ludwig) who has suspicions about her visit.

‘It's A Wonderful Life’, Amazon Prime

James Stewart stars as George Bailey in this enduring favourite. Moviestore / Shutterstock
James Stewart stars as George Bailey in this enduring favourite. Moviestore / Shutterstock

Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore

One of the most famous (and famously tear-jerking) Christmas movies of all time is available on the streamer. Starring Stewart as George Bailey, we meet the savings and loan clerk on Christmas Eve as he contemplates ending it all amid money and life struggles.

Luckily, an angel, Clarence (Henry Travers) is sent down to earth to show George what would have happened to the people of his home town of Bedford Falls, had George never existed to carry out the good deeds he is so loved for.

Watch this, and you’ll know what happens every time a bell rings. I’m not crying, you are!

‘Arthur Christmas’, Amazon Prime

Starring: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy

With a stellar A-list cast providing the voices, including Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton, Eva Longoria and Sanjeev Bhaskar, this hilarious animation follows Santa as he makes his annual Christmas Eve round. But this isn't the Santa from the storybooks. Christmas has become a big, corporate operation involving a spaceship-style sleigh and technology that Apple would kill for.

However, when one little girl in England doesn’t get her present, Santa’s son Arthur, fires up the old-school sleigh and gets his jingle on to ensure no child is left gift-less.

‘The Princess Switch: Switched Again’, Netflix

Vanessa Hudgens returns to play both Stacy and Margaret in 'The Princess Switch: Switched Again.' Courtesy Netflix
Vanessa Hudgens returns to play both Stacy and Margaret in 'The Princess Switch: Switched Again.' Courtesy Netflix

Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Nick Sagar and Lachlan Nieboer

Fans of 2018's sweetly entertaining The Princess Switch will be thrilled to see Hudgens back, doing double duty as both down-to-earth Chicago girl, Stacy De Novo, and the heir to the throne of Montanero, Lady Margaret Delacourt.

In this sequel, Lady Margaret inherits the throne, but her relationship with Kevin hits the skids, and once again it’s Stacy to the rescue.

– This article was first published on November 3, 2020

The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
Translated from the German by Charlotte Collins
Sceptre

Winners

Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona

Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

FROM%20THE%20ASHES
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Khalid%20Fahad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Shaima%20Al%20Tayeb%2C%20Wafa%20Muhamad%2C%20Hamss%20Bandar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

360Vuz PROFILE

Date started: January 2017
Founder: Khaled Zaatarah 
Based: Dubai and Los Angeles
Sector: Technology 
Size: 21 employees
Funding: $7 million 
Investors: Shorooq Partners, KBW Ventures, Vision Ventures, Hala Ventures, 500Startups, Plug and Play, Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, Jonathan Labin

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Roll of honour

Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?

Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles

West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles

West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles

Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens

Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins

THE SPECS

      

 

Engine: 1.5-litre

 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 

Power: 110 horsepower 

 

Torque: 147Nm 

 

Price: From Dh59,700 

 

On sale: now  

 
Match info:

Leicester City 1
Ghezzal (63')

Liverpool 2
Mane (10'), Firmino (45')

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

GOODBYE%20JULIA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohamed%20Kordofani%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiran%20Riak%2C%20Eiman%20Yousif%2C%20Nazar%20Goma%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPECS
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Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

The specs: 2018 Maserati GranTurismo/GranCabrio

Price, base Dh485,000 (GranTurismo) and Dh575,000 (GranCabrio)

Engine 4.7L V8

Transmission Six-speed automatic

Power 460hp @ 7,000rpm

Torque 520Nm @ 4,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 14.3L (GranTurismo) and 14.5L (GranCabrio) / 100km

The%20Specs%20
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Venom

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed

Rating: 1.5/5

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMaly%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mo%20Ibrahim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%20International%20Financial%20Centre%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.6%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2015%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%2C%20planning%20first%20seed%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20GCC-based%20angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A