Surplus stock – courtesy of the various work-from-home situations that ensued in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – has led Starbucks to make a decision that may upset fans of its seasonal pumpkin spice latte: there will be none this year.
Not in the Middle East, anyway.
Rachel Partington, creator and admin of the Best Bites Dubai Facebook group, sought confirmation from a Starbucks Middle East representative, who said: “Unfortunately, our pumpkin spice latte won’t be available in the region this year.”
The reason, says Partington, is that Starbucks is still using up stock because of the lockdown, and “chose the toffee nut over the pumpkin”.
It's a surprising decision, given the drink's popularity. Forbes estimated that the pumpkin spice latte alone was bringing in more than $100 million (Dh367.2m) of revenue each season, with sales in more than 50 countries. It's also grown to become the cultural signifier that the summer is over and cooler weather is on its way.
As one member of the Best Bites group put it: “Pumpkin spice lattes are the only things that make it feel like fall here.”
The latte even has its own dedicated Instagram page.
For those who prefer their cups half full, the silver lining here would be to focus on the sheer volume of calories you’re not consuming (380 a pop) by swerving the pumpkin spice.
As The National outlined the official ingredients in the latte, says Starbucks, are "pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavours combined with espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice". The key to why people crave the drink, then, is not just the hit of caffeine, but also the combination of sugar (close to four tablespoons), fat (40 per cent of the recommended daily total) and a dash of salt (a tenth of the daily recommended amount).
If you’re still craving a pumpkin-flavoured fix, a number of restaurants have launched their own offerings: Keto Bowl’s pumpkin spice latte is made with pumpkin puree, coconut milk, chia seeds, nutmeg and cinnamon; Skinny Genie does a dairy-free pumpkin chocolate brownie; and Black Tap will bring back its pumpkin pie milkshake come November for Thanksgiving.
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Top tips
Create and maintain a strong bond between yourself and your child, through sensitivity, responsiveness, touch, talk and play. “The bond you have with your kids is the blueprint for the relationships they will have later on in life,” says Dr Sarah Rasmi, a psychologist.
Set a good example. Practise what you preach, so if you want to raise kind children, they need to see you being kind and hear you explaining to them what kindness is. So, “narrate your behaviour”.
Praise the positive rather than focusing on the negative. Catch them when they’re being good and acknowledge it.
Show empathy towards your child’s needs as well as your own. Take care of yourself so that you can be calm, loving and respectful, rather than angry and frustrated.
Be open to communication, goal-setting and problem-solving, says Dr Thoraiya Kanafani. “It is important to recognise that there is a fine line between positive parenting and becoming parents who overanalyse their children and provide more emotional context than what is in the child’s emotional development to understand.”
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
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The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela
Edited by Sahm Venter
Published by Liveright
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