An Atlas of Countries That Don’t Exist by Nick Middleton
From Africa’s last colony to Crimea, to the European republic that enjoyed just a day of independence, this is an engaging and funny tour around contested borders and forgotten peoples. This is also beautifully illustrated with 50 maps. (Macmillan, November 5)
Shanghai Blue by Yue Tao
Lan returns to Shanghai after years abroad. But much has changed. An orphan, she has come back from Europe to China’s sprawling metropolis to find her parents. But the city is an enigma, the people odd and the mystery of her parents turns sinister. (World Editions, November 5)
Beatlebone by Kevin Barry
John Lennon travels to a remote island off the west coast of Ireland in 1978 in an attempt to escape his demons. Barry takes on the difficult task of fictionalising a real-life musical icon in this exploration of solitude, love and death. He won the Impac Dublin Literary Award for his debut, City of Bohane. (Canongate Books, November 5)
Between Enemies by Andrea Molesini
Austrian troops advance into northern Italy in 1917 and the aristocratic Spada family find their estate requestioned. Then, an act of violence against some local girls sparks their desire for revenge. But who will follow through and who will fold? This is was a prize-winning bestseller in Italy. (Atlantic Books, November 5)
The Global Transformation of Time: 1870 to 1950 by Vanessa Ogle
The advent of railways, cars and steamships brought much anguish about discrepancies in time-telling. Here, Ogle charts the struggle to standardise clocks and usher in “time reform”. (Harvard University Press, October 29)
Dietrich and Riefenstahl: Hollywood, Berlin and a Century in Two Lives by Karin Wieland and Shelley Frisch
Marlene Dietrich and Leni Riefenstahl both sought fame in Germany’s film industry. But both reacted very differently to the Nazis and ended up on opposite sides. Newly translated dual biography. (Liveright, November 13)
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.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
ICC Intercontinental Cup
UAE squad Rohan Mustafa (captain), Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Saqlain Haider, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Naveed, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Boota, Amir Hayat, Ashfaq Ahmed
Fixtures Nov 29-Dec 2
UAE v Afghanistan, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Hong Kong v Papua New Guinea, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Ireland v Scotland, Dubai International Stadium
Namibia v Netherlands, ICC Academy, Dubai
Januzaj's club record
Manchester United 50 appearances, 5 goals
Borussia Dortmund (loan) 6 appearances, 0 goals
Sunderland (loan) 25 appearances, 0 goals
WITHIN%20SAND
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Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
