Thailand
Amari hotels have launched two- and three-night packages to celebrate Loy Krathong, the Thai festival that coincides with Eid Al Adha.
The Amari Watergate in Bangkok has a two-night stay in a standard room with an upgrade to a grand deluxe room, including a Thai set dinner for two, breakfast, a complimentary krathong (banana-leaf float), a welcome drink and late check out. From 9,298 Thai baht (Dh1,105) for two nights. The package is available from November 7 to November 14.
The Amari Coral Beach Phuket has a three-night package, including a buffet Thai dinner by moonlight at the Rim Talay restaurant, breakfast, a complimentary krathong, an upgrade to a deluxe room, airport transfers and taxes.
Prices start from THB19,900 (Dh2,364) for a three-night package, available from November 8 to 12. To book, visit www.amari.com.
The Canaries
Stay in a luxurious yurt by a beach on the Canary Islands for a secluded break. The eco retreat Finca de Arrieta in Lanzarote runs on wind and solar power. Each yurt has a skylight and hardwood Mongolian furniture. The bathrooms have a walk-in shower and the outdoor area has a fully fitted kitchen and decked patio. Facilities include a 10m-long pool, a lounge area, sea and mountain views, gardens, Polynesian-style day beds for sunbathing and internet access. Things to do in and around the area include exploring the nearby fishing village, surfing and sailing, paragliding, fishing, horse riding, golf and yoga. The resort is family friendly, with a gated pool area especially for families, a play area and babysitting services.
From €665 (Dh3,295) per yurt per week (self-catering; sleeps up to four). Visit www.lanzaorteretreats.com or call 00 34 928 826720.
Cyprus
The Troödos mountains in Limassol are the setting for this Cyprus holiday in a 20-year-old stone house with a large courtyard and private garden. The recently restored house has three large one-bedroom apartments to choose from, each fitted with modern facilities and sleeping three - ideal for families. The apartments have fully equipped kitchens, an en-suite bathroom, TV and home cinema, internet access and wonderful views over the mountains. Excursions to the neighbouring villages and the beach - a 20-minute drive away - can be arranged. Baby cots can be made available on request. Over 50s: The location is also perfect for treks in the mountains and birdwatching. From £45 (Dh256 per apartment per night or €280 (Dh1,388) for two persons for one week. Linen and towels are provided for weekly stays. Book through www.responsibletravel.com.
Jordan
The eight-day Treasures of Jordan package from Bales Worldwide offers a historical insight into the country, from the preserved remains of Jerash to the splendour of Petra. Visitors will travel along the ancient and scenic King's Highway route, stopping along the way to visit Mount Nebo and the mosaics at Madaba, plus a trip across the rolling deserts of Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
The eight-day trip costs from £1,070 (Dh6,076) per person, including the services of an experienced guide, local transport by private vehicle, all sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to sites, hotel accommodation and most meals. Departure on December 15. International airfare is not included. Visit www.balesworldwide.com for more information and to book.
travel@thenational.ae
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ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
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.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
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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
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”
Warlight,
Michael Ondaatje, Knopf
The 10 Questions
- Is there a God?
- How did it all begin?
- What is inside a black hole?
- Can we predict the future?
- Is time travel possible?
- Will we survive on Earth?
- Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
- Should we colonise space?
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
- How do we shape the future?
The biog
Name: Ayisha Abdulrahman Gareb
Age: 57
From: Kalba
Occupation: Mukrema, though she washes bodies without charge
Favourite things to do: Visiting patients at the hospital and give them the support they need.
Role model: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
