007 lands in Dubai

The latest 007 novel borrows little from local surroundings in its title, but set against the backdrop of Dubai, it is purported to carry plenty of local flavour.

The Burj is Not Enough. The Spy Who Loved Mezze. From Barsha With Love. The twittersphere was agog last week with title suggestions for the new James Bond book after it was revealed it takes place in Dubai.

Unfortunately, Carte Blanche borrows little from local surroundings in its title. Set against the backdrop of the bustling emirate, however, it is purported to carry plenty of local flavour.

As we reported yesterday, the author Jeffery Deaver chose the location because he was drawn to the juxtaposition of ancient culture and modern skylines. Areas such as Deira and Port Saeed also inspired him with their soulfulness. Dubai, he said, "retains at its heart an exotic core that permeates every aspect of life".

It certainly fits the bill for Bond, who has spanned Jamaica to Russia in his long career as MI6's agent extraordinaire.

Readers are anxious to see how Mr Deaver's version carries on the traits of Ian Fleming's stealthy sleuth. While the plot of the book is under wraps until the launch date in mid-May, we do know that Bond has just emerged from serving time in Afghanistan. How the mystery unravels and what villains will be vanquished remain to be seen. For the sake of the franchise, we hope that Mr Bond emerges victorious - and perhaps lives to dhow another day.