Lifestyle

Countries with the most beauty queens and kings in the world

QM marks World Heritage Day 2024 with focus on Al Zubarah archaeological site

Qatar Museums (QM) shines a spotlight on the nation’s inaugural Unesco World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah, highlighting ongoing excavations and conservation efforts to mark World Heritage Day 2024.In a post on its social media pages, QM noted that in 2023, numerous visitors witnessed the restoration endeavours firsthand, underlining Qatar’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.In collaboration with the Arab Regional Centre for World...

In Pictures: Dubai flooded after historic rains

Astrotourism: Visit these incredible dark sky reserves around the world

In many parts of the world, especially those most densely populated, it's becoming increasingly difficult to be able to view the galaxy surrounding us in all its primordial glory, like our ancestors could for millennia. Rising levels of industry emissions and light pollution have obstructed many people's ability see one of the universe’s greatest and most awe-inspiring nightly gifts: a sky full of stars. Fortunately, organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) are working to preserve the night sky for its cultural, environmental, and scientific value, by working with countries around the world to designate protected dark sky reserves and parks. Even more fortunately, many of these places are also being made accessible for visitors, prompting a forthcoming "astrotourism" trend. An area can earn its designation by meeting a minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, plus an evaluation of the peripheral area, which should also support dark sky preservation. Many of these reserves and parks also offer specific stargazing-related education opportunities, so they're perfect even for those who don't know much about it! Click through to see some of the most beautiful places to witness the dark sky with its original illumination.

Fur-tastic hacks: time-saving tricks for pet parents

Having a pet is one of life's great joys, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities and hard work. Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or new to the game, we could all use a few tips to make our days easier. From grooming to feeding, this gallery covers it all, ensuring your pets are happy while saving you precious time. Click through to learn how you can save big on your furry friends!

'We've never seen anything like this': Dubai Airports CEO expects normal service within 24 hours after flood chaos

Dubai Airports CEO said he expects services to return "close to normality" soon as the major transit hub deals with the fallout from unprecedented flooding.

Iran president Raisi to visit Pakistan on 22nd

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on April 22 for a two-day trip, according to sources.The visit comes amid escalating tensions in the region following Iran's recent drone and missile strikes on Israeli territory.During his visit, President Raisi will hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.Discussions are expected to cover topics such...

Spiritual sanctuaries to visit for inner peace

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, finding moments of inner peace and spiritual serenity can be a rare treasure. Fortunately, our planet is dotted with sacred places that have drawn pilgrims, seekers, and wanderers for centuries. These spiritual sanctuaries offer a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a palpable aura of tranquility. Whether you're seeking solace, introspection, or simply a deep connection with the divine, our journey begins now. Join us on a quest to discover the profound and transformative experiences awaiting those who venture to these hallowed grounds.

UAE rains: Some hotels hike prices after tourists, residents stranded

Some hotels quote Dh1,000 to Dh8,000 for standard hotel room that would usually start at around Dh345 per night

10 'coolest' vacation spots to escape the heat this summer

Whether you want to hike through mountains ablaze with wildflowers, ski in the Southern Hemisphere, visit one of the world's best restaurants or find solitude amid Arctic wilderness, here are some of the best destinations to escape the heat this summer.

The richest fictional characters of all time

Mansions, private jets, and vacations on exotic islands–the ultra-rich certainly seem to have it all! But while the celebrities and tech giants of the real world have been amassing their millions and billions in ways we can somewhat grasp, there are other, less real characters that have impressive fortunes of their own. These fictional characters may not be real, but their bank accounts will make you believe they belong among the glittering crowd of the mega rich. Curious? Click through this gallery to see which characters are worth their weight in gold! All amounts in USD.

Final Trades: Samsara, Delta Air Lines and VGSH

The Investment Committee discuss their top stocks to watch for the second half.

Fascinating vintage photos of the world's most beloved tourist landmarks

We’ve rounded up the most interesting vintage photos from the late 1800s to the 1990s to show you these tourist hotspots in times gone by.

Inside eerie Canadian ghost town left to rot - with just 10 residents

Kayville, in Saskatchewan, Canada , was once a bustling village with over 100 citizens and 30 businesses. But now, the dwindling community is a shell of its former self.

10 super fun things to add to your summer wishlist in the UAE

Sun’s out, fun’s out… As much as we’d like to live in denial, the temperatures are most definitely rising. Summer is almost here, folks, right at our doorstep, nearly knocking and making a sweaty, sweltering arrival. So, if we’re to tango with summer anyways, might as well embrace it. Here is your summer wishlist of […]

Railways operating record-breaking 9,111 trips during summer season of 2024

This marks a substantial rise compared to the summer of 2023, where a total of 6,369 trips were offered.

Pearl Jam, Dark Matter review: The band wisely abandon the pursuit of relevance in search of something timeless

Pearl Jam, Dark Matter review: The band wisely abandon the pursuit of relevance in search of something timeless - 4/5 Musically, this album is some of the band’s catchiest and punchiest material in years

Flydubai cancels flights to Iran

Flights were suspended across swathes of Iran as Iranian state media reported explosions in the central province of Isfahan

How to Make Working Conditions Better in Palworld

Palworld, the famous action, adventure, and survival online game is becoming more popular over time.If you have been playing the game for a while now or if you are a new joiner, you must learn some tips and tricks to help you play the game!In this article, we will walk you through how to make working conditions better in Palworld.How to Make Working Conditions Better in Palworld: Easy Steps1. Construct furniture and beds.2. Ensure your Pals are...

The most productive countries in the world, ranked

How do we judge which countries are the most economically productive? Economists use metrics such as gross domestic product (GDP) and gross national income (GNI), which measure the monetary value of all of the goods and services of any type created by a country (GDP) or its people (GNI). GDP is typically measured in US dollars (US$) or international dollars (INT$), which measure output. To measure efficiency, GDP needs to be divided by the number of people in a country, to determine a country's output per person. It's important to bear in mind when considering the figures that some places have a head start. For example, Luxembourg, Singapore, Bermuda, Switzerland, and the Cayman Islands are all among the world's leading tax havens. So, intrigued? Click on to learn which countries are the most productive in the world.

Protect yourself: Essential crime prevention tips and techniques

Safety is of the utmost importance. In crowded places, online, or just alone at night at a bus stop, the threat of crime is ever-present. So, the next logical question to ask is this: what can we do to protect ourselves from these threats? Whether it's avoiding pickpockets or making sure you're always prepared for emergencies, these tips and techniques for crime prevention are a must-knows for anyone looking to smarten up! Curious? Then click through this gallery to learn how to keep yourself and your family safe.

Everything we know so far about Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

The nautically-inspired hotel will complete the Jumeirah trilogy in the second half of 2024… Among the most exciting new hotel openings in the UAE in 2024 is Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Completing the oceanic-inspired trilogy on the Jumeirah beachfront alongside Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab, the new resort is set to open later […]

Anti-war artwork 'looks like a crime scene', city dwellers say

Locals have been left unimpressed by the 'This is not a Minefield' display, which features a white sheet of decorated with red tape and images of a skull and bones, in Winchester, Hampshire.

The most popular holiday spots the year you were born

Where should you travel to this year? Well, if you're looking for inspiration, why not take a look at top destinations throughout the years? You might even end up visiting the most popular tourist destination in the year you were born! Click on to find out which were the most popular vacation spots from 1950 to 2009.

Things every home in the '70s had that you rarely see today

Feeling nostalgic about the '70s? Well, it's time for a reminder of how we used to live back then. From floral patterned furniture to record players and colored Pyrex dishes, there were certain items most modern homes had at the time. But whether good, bad, or just plain tacky, homes in the 1970s were certainly unique! And if you didn't live it, then you should definitely take a look at how it was. So, if you want to step inside the time machine, click through this gallery of 30 things homes in the '70s had that you rarely see today.

How to decorate your home based on your personality

Architect Bill Hirsch has come up with a personality test which can help you discover the best way to decorate your living space. He believes people can be divided into four different categories based on their personalities, and each category has an ideal style of home decor. His approach goes beyond aesthetics. It allows us to curate our spaces in a way that suits our personality and lifestyle. Curious to find out your decoration style? Click through the gallery to learn more about this new psychological approach to home design!

A tale of cross-dressing and wild adventure from the golden age of piracy

Born to destitution in late-17th-century England, Mary Read – the real-life pirate and fictionalised narrator of Francesca de Tores’s new novel, Saltblood – wears the identity of a boy from birth. Disguised by her mother as Mary’s deceased older brother, so that they might hang onto an allowance from a step-grandmother, Mary maintains the pretence ...

Hidden attractions of South and Central America

South and Central America—often collectively referred to as Latin America— are well-trodden destinations. But hidden away in some of the 20-odd countries found from Mexico to the southern tip of the South American continent are places that still remain relatively unexplored. Click through the gallery and discover Latin America off the beaten track.

American landmarks: how many do you know?

The United States celebrates and commemorates its colorful and sometimes turbulent history with a collection of truly remarkable monuments and memorials. How many have you visited? Scroll through the gallery – and several hundred years of history – for a journey to some of America’s most dramatic and evocative cultural landmarks.

The cheapest summer holiday getaway destinations are revealed... which could save you hundreds of pounds

Families after a cheap summer getaway should head for the Costa Brava, Italy's Amalfi Coast or lesser-known Greek islands.

'We need everyone for the last push'

Liverpool travel to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, before trips to Everton and West Ham in the next nine days. The first two of those matches are before Manchester City play again in the Premier League, so Liverpool may have opened up a four-point gap to build some pressure. "We have to focus on the league and that is exactly what we will ...

Countries that will pay you to move there

Moving to a new country can be an exciting experience. However, it can also be a costly and daunting process. Fortunately, some states, cities, and even entire countries pay you to move there and offer incentives to attract new residents, including financial compensation and tax breaks. Whatever the reason, these incentives can be a great opportunity for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives. If you're looking for a change of scenery, check out this gallery for countries that will pay you to move there.

Weather UAE live: Dubai Airport passengers face further delays after record rainfall

Aftermath of Tuesday's storms in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Heavy rain hits Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The world's most dangerous cities to live in (five are in the US)

In a world brimming with diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, it's disheartening to recognize the presence of cities struggling with soaring crime rates. As we delve into this exploration of the world's most dangerous cities, we're faced with the stark reality that safety remains a distant dream for many. This gallery shines a light on 30 cities, each grappling with its unique set of challenges. Join us on this journey through the most dangerous cities in the world to live in, and the communities living there that are affected every day. Click on for more.

The most dangerous (and the safest) countries for female travelers

In an attempt to determine which countries are the most dangerous for female travelers, husband and wife journalists Asher and Lyric Fergusson studied and ranked the 50 most popular countries amongst tourists. The data was compiled using sources ranging from the 2018 Gallup World Poll to Equal Measures 2030's Gender Advocates Data Hub. The Fergusson's Women’s Danger Index ranked each country based on eight factors: street safety for women, intentional homicide of women, non-partner sexual violence, intimate partner sexual violence, legal discrimination, global gender gap, gender inequality index, and violence against women attitudes. Using these metrics, their list of the 20 most dangerous countries for women emerges. Intrigued? Take a look at their findings by clicking through the following gallery.

Random acts of kindness: spreading happiness through unexpected gestures

Every day, we have the opportunity to bring joy into someone else’s life. Whether the gesture is big or small matters less than the fact that you did it. Thinking of someone else’s happiness and going out of your way to positively impact their day can be the one thing they needed but were too afraid to ask for. Random acts of kindness can be anything, really, but are often things we do for others to make them smile without expecting anything in return. Simply knowing we did something kind for a fellow human (or fur baby) should make us smile in return. And just what can you do to make this happen? Click through the following gallery and get to spreading these random acts of kindness today!

Hamad International Airport Recognised as the "World's Best Airport" at the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards

DOHA, Qatar, April 18, 2024 /CNW/ -- Hamad International Airport (DOH) has again secured its position as the "World's Best Airport" by the prestigious 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards held at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany. The airport also clinched the title of 'World's Best Airport Shopping' for the second time in a row and "Best Airport in the Middle East" for the tenth consecutive year.Qatar Airways Group Chief...

What's really the purpose of Camp David?

Where do US presidents escape to when they've had enough of Washington? Well, hidden away in Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland is a rustic retreat called Camp David. This secluded sanctuary serves as a place of peace and solitude for tired and stressed-out White House incumbents. But it's not all about enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation. Camp David has over the years hosted some truly momentous meetings between world leaders; indeed, summits and conferences that have changed the course of history. But what exactly is the function of this humble country residence, and how do presidents unwind from the pressures of the job? Click through and visit this historic presidential retreat.

Flying taxis and luxury airships – this is what air travel will look like in 2030

From pilotless air taxis and robot-controlled airports to glass-bottomed airships, these futuristic innovations in air travel are all coming soon.

Intriguing and unknown facts about Air Force One

If you're curious about the lives of American presidents, then Air Force One has a plethora of fascinating facts waiting to be explored. To uncover everything you never knew about the White House in the sky, fasten your seatbelt and keep your seat upright. Don't miss out on the opportunity to delve into the intriguing world of Air Force One and its role in American history. Click through the gallery to get started.

Volunteers use kayaks to help residents stranded by flooding

Volunteers in Dubai have started using kayaks to get around the city after severe flooding brought the emirate to a standstill. The storm first hit neighbour Oman before striking the UAE.

Walmarts in St. Louis and Cleveland are the latest to yank self-checkout

Walmart says the move is aimed at improving the in-store experience and follows similar decisions last year at three New Mexico locations.

31 blissfully remote hotels in the UAE and beyond

Whether it's clinging to a mountain face in the Himalayas or hiding out in a tropical jungle in Belize, each of these hotels offers the chance to have a truly off-grid experience.

The mysterious beauty of ancient Maya monuments

The ancient Maya civilization left behind it a remarkable architectural legacy, a collection of fabulous must-see monuments found in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Browse the gallery and visit some of Central America's most outstanding archaeological sites.

Sharjah Archaeology Authority opens exhibition in Uzbekistan

SHARJAH, 18th April, 2024 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) inaugurated today the exhibition "From Arabia to Central Asia: treasures from Sharjah at the Silk Road" at the Silk Road Art House in Samarkand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan.The event was attended by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR)...

40 Things That Didn't Exist 40 Years Ago

The world really was a different place back then.

These Insanely Helpful Garden Plants Keep the Mosquitoes Away

Say goodbye to the outdoor pests. Bugs come with the territory when you’re outdoors, but some are more tolerable than others. If it feels like mosquitoes are invading your yard, it’s understandable to want to do what you can to get rid of them. Enter mosquito repellent plants. Here’s the thing: Experts say that the best way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to use personal repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But if you want to go a more natural route, you may be interested in selecting certain plants—they’re just not necessarily guaranteed to work as well as a spray. “The idea that planting certain plants around your home will successfully repel mosquitoes is only supported by anecdotal evidence and not empirical evidence,” says Eva Buckner, Ph.D., assistant professor and state extension specialist at the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. It’s important to note, though, that there is some evidence that certain plants may help discourage certain mosquitoes from setting up camp in your yard—they just don’t work as well as a chemical or spray. If it feels like your outdoor space is a haven to mosquitoes, it’s a good idea to “eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on and around your property by draining standing water from flowerpots, birdbaths, grill covers, baby pools, and other sources,” says Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Using a small fan outside may also help keep mosquitoes away since “they are not strong flyers,” Fredericks says. But if you like the look and smell of certain plants and want to see if they keep the mosquitoes away, too, there’s no reason not to try them. These are the plants fans swear are most likely to help get rid of mosquitoes. Snap up one or a few to enhance your outdoor space.

118 years ago: Unbelievable images of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake

The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 is the deadliest earthquake in the history of the United States, and remains high on the list of American calamities. The tragedy is among the most documented of natural disasters, its immediate aftermath captured by some truly pioneering photographers. Their images provide a grim record of the power an earthquake can unleash, and serve as a reminder that San Francisco sits on one of the most dangerous and unpredictable fault lines on Earth—the San Andreas Fault. With scientists predicting the next "big one" as likely to strike the city before 2032, it's perhaps time to remind ourselves of what happened on the morning of April 18, 1906. Click through the following gallery and be alarmed by the prospect.

A guide to Taylor Swift’s London: Everywhere the pop megastar has visited in the big smoke

A guide to Taylor Swift’s London: Everywhere the pop megastar has visited in the big smoke - From pubs in Highgate to kebabs in Kentish Town, Taylor Swift’s love of London goes deeper than you may think

The least free countries in the world

The amount of freedom experienced in a given country is not approached the same way across the globe. The Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. and the Fraser Institute in Vancouver, Canada, co-publish the annual Human Freedom Index Report, which observes the relationship between freedom and other social and economic phenomena. Personal freedom might be described as our ability to voice our opinion, equality experienced before the courts, and the ease of travel to/from a country. Economic freedom is the ability of people in that country to do well, without the need for government assistance or an economic authority. To calculate the final Human Freedom score, personal freedom and economic freedom are measured and combined, then compared to the scores of other countries. The nations in this gallery scored the lowest on the Human Freedom score, compared to countries in the rest of the world. Click on to discover which countries made this regrettable 'top' 30.