#ArabSecrets is the hashtag being used to market Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi's first book, The Black Book of Arabia.
The paperback collects new, extended versions of the candid real-life stories, which were originally columnised in Velvet Magazine, the fashion and lifestyle magazine of which Sheikha Hend is editor-in-chief.
The stories leap across social class, strata and gender, zeroing on private tales of love, betrayal ad heroism from across the Gulf.
The Black Book of Arabia will be launched with a public signing at Book World by Kinokuniya in The Dubai Mall on Thursday, October 22, at 5.30pm.
Amongst the stories promises are: “A princess’s best friend tries to steal her wedding, right down to her nuptial shoes.
“A bride mysteriously goes blind on her wedding day.
“A girl is kidnapped by her abusive mother from her home in LA and held hostage in the Egyptian desert.
“A man tiring of his marriage decides to take a second wife – but receives a nasty shock when he underestimates her.”
Sheikha Hend is an Emirati writer, artist, photographer, entrepreneur and philanthropist who divides her time between Sharjah and Doha.
She is editor-of-chief of high-end global fashion magazine Velvet, runs the fashion label House of Hend, and was chosen as the World Fashion Organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador for Qatar.
The Black Book of Arabia is published by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing.
rgarratt@Thenational.ae
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
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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
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