The Sony DSC-RX1 is priced at Dh12,999. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Sony DSC-RX1 is priced at Dh12,999. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Sony DSC-RX1 is priced at Dh12,999. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Sony DSC-RX1 is priced at Dh12,999. Antonie Robertson / The National

Retro-look camera for bigger budgets


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The Sony DSC-RX1 is a camera designed for someone with more money than expertise. The sort of person who wants a unique camera that will take stunning photographs without the need to enrol in a photography course.

This is no point-and-shoot camera, but nor is it a DSLR, so the hefty Dh12,999 (US$3,539) price tag places it out of reach of most users. It is a handy tool for a professional photographer wanting a second, smaller and more compact camera.

The RX1 is a 24MP camera with a fixed 35mm Car Zeiss Sonnar T* full-frame lens that is incredibly capable and takes beautiful shots.

Frustratingly, with any fixed-lens camera, you cannot zoom in or out.

If you want a close-up, you have to get up close to the object or the face you are photographing. Where this is not possible, or awkward, you will have to make the necessary changes later, a time-consuming process for someone who wants to just point and shoot.

This can be very constricting unless you're after one certain look all the time. It is not for someone who will want variety and different focal lenses to push their photography. The RX1, which has a large sensor and an ISO range of 100-25600, takes excellent lowlight photos. It has a full range of manual control modes as well as automatic settings and autofocus.

It also supports full HD video with a choice of 50p/60p or 25p/24p frame rates.

The camera lacks a touchscreen, so you'll have to make do with toggles and buttons. With its retro look, Sony has drawn from older-style cameras for an almost vintage feel.

The pop-up flash, leather case and thumb grip and slot for an optical viewfinder gives the camera a sturdy look and feel.

It comes equipped with a range of accessories including a leather carry case and an 8 gigabyte memory card.

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Profile of RentSher

Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE

Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi

Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE

Sector: Online rental marketplace

Size: 40 employees

Investment: $2 million

Specs%20
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Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

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

BABYLON
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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 Dark Blue Winter Overcoat & Other Stories From the North
Edited and Introduced by Sjón and Ted Hodgkinson
Pushkin Press 

Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”