Lifestyle

Famous Christian symbols explained

When we think about Christian symbols, the cross usually comes to mind. Indeed, it's safe to say that the cross is the most recognizable Christian icon in the world, but the truth is that there are a lot more. Did you know, for instance, that the Eye of Providence is actually a Christian symbol? Browse through the following gallery and learn more about enigmatic Christian symbols.

Things you shouldn’t do while staying in a hotel

Staying in a hotel can be a great experience, but there are some behaviors you want to avoid during your stay. And while most of us know the dos and don'ts of staying in a hotel, there are a few things that will leave you surprised. For example, did you know that you shouldn't touch the remote control? The hotel staff, and even your wallet, will thank you for most of these. Check out the gallery for more.

Slab City: Life in the 'Last Free Place in America'

In California's Sonoran Desert, about 50 miles (80 km) north of the US-Mexico border, lies a squatter's paradise. Over 600 acres of rent-free land left over from a military base is now a well-established off-the-grid community where the living conditions are tough, but where freedom is guaranteed. Slab City, also called The Slabs, is a home for social outcasts, and a hot tourist spot for those who are curious about outcasts. It offers a very different alternative to how most North Americans’ daily lives work. It’s equally ambitious and artistic as it is challenging, but it has managed to maintain the spirit that it started with decades ago with every generation of transient, freedom-seeking people. The community has both been a home for people who had to run away, and also a home for people who wanted something to run to. Click through to see what life is like in this fascinating community, what challenges they face, and what they've been able to achieve so far.

This is the world's stupidest airport, according to a famous British 'Top Gear' presenter

International Museum Day offers in the UAE, from free entry to workshops

International Museum Day on Saturday will be a special one in the UAE – with a new cultural attraction set to open in Dubai. To celebrate the launch of Expo 2020 Dubai Museum, visitors will be able to enter for free. In a similar vein to mark the annual celebration on May 18, museums across the UAE will offer complimentary access. The day is also a...

The most iconic rock couples ever

Hulu's hit show 'Pam & Tommy' reignited the world's interest in famous rock and roll couples of the recent past. Indeed, there was a time when these two and other rock couples made the covers of magazines, and later, the internet. Their whirlwind romances and wild lifestyles fascinated fans everywhere. In honor of these fiery flings, we bring you the most iconic rock couples through the years. Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee are just one of the many famous duos you'll find in this gallery. Click on!

11 amazing things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: May 17 to 19

Weekend wonders in the capital… And just like that, the weekend is here. Abu Dhabi weeks may be fun, but the weekends are even more fun. You’ll see, just from this list. Three days, unmissable events, foodie experiences, outdoor fun and more. Thank God it’ll be Friday soon. Here are 11 exciting things to do […]

The world's most stunning archipelagos

Scattered around the globe are some truly amazing archipelagos, island groups, or chains of extraordinary beauty and incredible biodiversity. Many are popular tourist destinations, while others are remote and remain in the realm of wildlife. Browse the gallery for a fantastically colorful journey to some of the world's most stunning archipelagos.

The scent of attraction

Have you ever had it where you are instantly attracted to someone? Or you walk by someone on the street and they smell so good, but it’s not cologne or perfume? Well, pheromones are to blame! Almost everyone is under the aromatic influence of bodily chemicals. Although it takes more than smell to make a relationship work, the initial attraction is usually due to our unique fragrances. Our sense of smell brings us memories, helps us have group reactions, and lures us to certain individuals, according to our genetics. The amazing science of pheromones is not yet very advanced, but here are the basics of odor appeal. If you want to know how you can literally sniff your partner out, click through this gallery.

Another of the world's best airlines is giving its staff a huge bonus after a 2nd year of record profits

Singapore Airlines posted record profits for the second year running. Bloomberg reports it will give staff a bonus of eight months's salary.

India’s 'underwater' temple in Chennai is country's first green energy tourist attraction

Shaded by a 1,300-year-old Hindu temple, I peered into the Indian Ocean imagining the fury unleashed here in Tamil Nadu by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. For all their destruction, those waves left behind one extraordinary, puzzling gift. Excited archaeologists soon swarmed this coastal town of Mahabalipuram, 50km south of Chennai. They studied ancie...

Mist rains down on airplane passengers, utterly soaking their clothes

An aircraft bound for New York appeared to dump a thick mist on its passengers through it's air vents, drenching their clothes and leaving them wet for the duration of the flight.

These Resort-ready Styles Look Way More Expensive Than Their Under-$45 Price Tags, Per Target Shoppers

Score styles for as little as $8.

Where to travel based on your personality type

The Myers-Briggs personality test has been used for many years to assess people's personalities. It assesses different preferences to determine key aspects of our personality, and its results are often quite accurate. People look for different things when they travel, and these things are often influenced by their attitudes and actions in life. These influence the way they perceive the world and what they enjoy doing during a trip. An introverted person will most likely have a different approach to traveling when compared to an extroverted one, for instance. With this in mind, we've compiled a number of destinations specifically tailored for each Myers-Briggs result. If you haven't taken the test, do so to find the perfect travel destination for your bucket list! Click through the gallery and get to know the best destinations based on your personality type.

5-day break for Eid Al Adha in UAE: Europe flight deals from Dh980

Residents seen making full use of vacation, with bookings made one day before the holiday starts

The tallest trees in the world, and where to admire them

Some of the tallest trees in the world easily beat man-made structures like the Statue of Liberty, the United States Capitol, and London's Big Ben for height. Indeed, Nature's natural towers are truly majestic in their grandeur, with some standing over 100 m (more than 325 ft) from top to toe. But who is the king of the canopy, and what are its nearest rivals? Click through and gaze up at the tallest trees in the world, then find out where to admire them.

Step back in time with these historic images of the world's capital cities

Take a trip back in time with us as we dig through some of the oldest photographic images ever taken of the world’s capital cities, ranging across six continents.

QF Showcases Offerings at Doha International Book Fair

Doha, Qatar, 16 May 2024: Qatar Foundation is offering visitors to this year’s Doha International Book Fair the opportunity to play fun and educational games, engage with local authors, and learn more about the Arabic language.Through Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, visitors can meet their favorite authors during book signing sessions and scheduled meet-and-greets. Additionally, Siraj – QF’s 3D edutainment TV series...

Eternal youth: The myth and mystery of the fountain of immortality

We've all heard about the fountain of youth, but how much do we know about it, really? What are the origins of the story, how did it spread, and, more importantly, is it real? Is this a mythological place, or is there such a thing as a fountain with rejuvenating properties? If so, where is it? Browse through the following gallery and discover the answer to these and many more questions about the fountain of youth.

Fun facts about wildlife that will surprise and delight you

Are you wild about wildlife? Then click through this gallery of fun facts about animals that will surprise and delight you.

Today's best photos: From buffalo herding in Sudan to skateboarding in Shanghai

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

EasyJet CEO Lundgren Explains Why He's Stepping Down

EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren will step down and leave the low-cost airline in early 2025, to be replaced by CFO Kenton Jarvis. Lundgren, who has been running EasyJet for seven years, explains the decision in an interview on Bloomberg Television as the carrier reported a pretax loss £350 million ($444 million) in the six months through March.

Darkness ahead: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destination to be an International Dark Sky Reserve

In the Middle East, there has long been a special association with the night sky. For millennia, stories of star-filled inky skies have been told by explorers, pilgrims and trade caravans, all of whom used the celestial map to navigate these desert lands. Hundreds of stars have names derived from Arabic, including some of the brightest in the sky, ...

30 illegal things nearly every American has done

So you don't steal or murder or light things on fire, but you're not as innocent as you think! Approximately 70% of the US population has done something that could've landed them in jail, according to The Infographics Show. Are you part of that population? Click through this gallery to find out.

Canada's most beautiful natural beauty spots you need to visit

These parks, refuges and natural areas are ideal for anyone looking for the ultimate Canadian experience.

How high jewellery cashed in on Cannes as the film festival became a fashion stage

The scene is set. Superyachts are anchored in the bay, movie moguls are arriving on their private jets and the grand hotels of Cannes are fully booked with Hollywood stars. The red carpet has been rolled out from La Croisette to the Palais des Festivals for this year’s international film festival. Beginning this week and running until May 25, the F...

Keep America weird: unusual facts about each state

The United States is a big, vast place where sometimes (a lot of times) weird things happen. Jokes about Florida's strangeness abound, as evidenced by the amount of Twitter accounts dedicated to poking fun at the absurd things that take place in the Sunshine State. But Florida is far from being alone. Check out these strange facts about American states that will increase your random knowledge and your chances of winning trivia games.

Celebrating 100 years of Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures was founded in 1924. In its early years, the studio was a minor player in Hollywood, a low-budget start-up whose small-time reputation became the subject of scorn among Tinsel Town's elite. By the early 1930s however, Columbia Pictures was producing and distributing what would become some of the most celebrated and lucrative pictures made during Hollywood's Golden Age. Today, Columbia Pictures is the world's third-largest major film studio, and chances are one of your favorite movies was made by this very same studio. In its centennial anniversary year, the studio is celebrating 100 years of filmmaking. To celebrate the occasion, click through the gallery and meet the men and women, and the movies, that put Columbia on the cinema map.

The best, most beautiful boutique hotels in the UAE for cosy stays

Boutique hotels should be all the rage… In for 2024: boutique hotels. These unique, mostly heritage experiences are worlds away from the large, lavish, luxurious properties that keep opening on repeat here – something about how small the space is makes it feel more exclusive, more homely, somehow more peaceful. While not as many as […]

Bad beauty tips you should never follow

We've all spent hours browsing the web for the latest beauty tips, and while there are some good ones out there, we sometimes come across some pretty terrible advice. The world of beauty is filled with myths, DIY hacks, and alternatives to achieve our goals. But how many of these are actually reliable solutions? In this gallery, you'll find common beauty tips that you shouldn't follow. And because we want you to feel and look great, we offer you alternatives too! Click through to find out more.

The 30 countries with the best weather in the world

Welcome, weather enthusiasts! Let's embark on a global weather tour, shall we? From pristine beaches to charming cities, we'll explore the top 30 countries where Mother Nature has mastered the art of perfect weather. Whether you're seeking perpetual sunshine or a balanced climate, this guide is your passport to ideal conditions. So get that sunblock ready and start your adventure engines as we dive in! Swipe through to see this list of 30 countries that have the most welcoming weather.

The most outrageous things Americans actually believe

From the origins of chocolate milk to the shape of the Earth, the notions held by certain Americans consistently amuse people on the internet. Some of these beliefs are well-known conspiracy theories, while others are just straightforward misinformation. Interested? Click through this gallery of the most intriguing public opinion survey results in America. They're sure to make you raise an eyebrow.

Disneyland performers complain about painful costumes, low pay, and inflexible management as part of push to unionize

Disneyland performers in California say they face painful costumes, inadequate pay, and inflexible management, in a video pushing for a union.

Could you live on one of the world's most remote inhabited islands?

From palm-fringed atolls in the blue Pacific to scientific research outposts in the frigid Antarctic wastes, these are the most remote islands that people call home.

40 Things That Didn't Exist 40 Years Ago

The world really was a different place back then.

Game over: abandoned sports venues that will never host again

Natural disasters, economic hardship and safety failings can spell the end for even the grandest sports venues. Find out why these desolate stadiums, arenas and complexes filled with history have been left to rot.

The Mirage casino on Las Vegas Strip which opened in 1989 is closing

The Mirage hotel-casino which opened in 1989 in Las Vegas will close on July 17 for major renovations, reopening in 2027 as Hard Rock Las Vegas with a guitar-shaped tower.

As a parent, I make the most of work trips to turn them into vacations. I schedule lunches instead of dinners so I can sleep.

I love traveling for work, but I do business trips differently now as a parent. Instead of dinner, I network over lunch and get good sleep.

Incredible Hindu temples: architecture of exquisite beauty

Hinduism, originating from ancient Vedic culture around 3000 BCE, is one of the world's oldest religions and ranks as the third-largest globally, after Christianity and Islam. Followers refer to it as Sanatana Dharma, meaning Eternal Law in Sanskrit. With its primary presence in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, Hinduism influences social and political structures, including the caste system. Temples of diverse styles and colors in various locations are central to Hindu worship, embodying the beauty of this ancient faith. Explore this gallery and wonder at these remarkable religious structures.

Are you brave enough to ride one of these record-breaking roller coasters?

From the world's fastest roller coaster to the oldest, we've rounded up the rides that have made the record books.

Mind-blowing answers to things you’ve always wondered about

There are so many things in our everyday lives that we take for granted, partly because we don't have time to learn how everything works, and partly because we never had to think too hard about it. But when you start paying attention, you're sure to find many questions and not many answers. Centuries of developments, technologies, and phenomena have informed the experiences, gadgets, and large-scale cultures of today, and it's absolutely fascinating to try to wrap your head around the reasons why things are the way they are—especially when the answers are so unexpected! Curious? Click through to see all the things you've ever (or never) wondered about, explained.

Do you remember these tourist spots being completely empty?

While most of us would rather forget it ever happened, the COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on everyone's lives not so long ago. Governments around the world tried to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus by decreeing lockdowns. Almost everything was shut down, and most people stayed home, including tourists. Some of the busiest tourist spots on Earth became deserted, yet photographers were there to capture those unique moments. In this gallery, we look back on what some of the world's most popular tourist spots looked like during lockdown. Click on to revisit the not-so-distant past.

East coast under storm and tornado watch as vicious weather continues

Powerful thunderstorms and tornados are expected to hit southern states in the US this week. Tornados, large hail, floods, lightning and damaging wind gusts have been predicted.

EasyJet sees 'positive momentum' going into the summer travel season, CEO says

EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren says he anticipates "positive momentum" going into the summer after the low-cost airline posted a slight narrowing of losses in the first half of the year.

The best cities to visit with kids

City breaks tend to be hugely popular with child-free singles, couples, and groups of friends, but parents with young kids often ditch the big cities in favor of beach resorts or trips to the countryside. But having kids, toddlers, or babies along for the ride really doesn't have to mean taking city breaks off the travel agenda. Many cities around the world have a host of attractions aimed squarely at family visitors, along with stroller-friendly sidewalks and restaurants that make junior diners feel like valued customers. Ready for some inspo for your next family trip? Click through the gallery to discover the best cities to visit with kids.

Essential items to pack in your travel backpack

There's an art to packing a backpack. The idea is to save space while making sure that everything you need is at hand. But knowing how to pack isn't always easy, and the destination itself often dictates what to include and what to dismiss. However there are some items that should always be ticked off your travel checklist, no matter where you're going. Browse the gallery and find out how to pack like a pro.

8 abandoned homes rescued from ruin

These abandoned mansions, homes and castles were saved from the wrecking ball and faithfully restored and renovated by their resourceful new owners

Why Don’t People Use Their BMW Adventure Bikes To Go Off-Road?

It’s a heckin’ great off-roader. Use it.

7 fabulous Dubai spa day deals for your next girls’ day out

Complete with lunch, pool access and some much-needed pampering… If you’re looking for a relaxing day that doesn’t break the bank, then look no further than these spa day deals in Dubai. As well as offering a pampering choice of treatment, many come with lunch or afternoon tea included, and some also offer pool and […]

Invest Qatar, Boeing Partner to Boost Aerospace Industry

Invest Qatar and Boeing have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering Qatar's aerospace sector growth. The agreement, inked during the Qatar Economic Forum, establishes Boeing Aerospace Doha LLC as a permanent legal entity in Qatar, as per an emailed press release to Inc. Ara