A movie still showing Galatea Ranzi and Toni Servillo in La grande bellezza / The Great Beauty. Gianni Fiorito / Janus Films
A movie still showing Galatea Ranzi and Toni Servillo in La grande bellezza / The Great Beauty. Gianni Fiorito / Janus Films
Five things to do today: see a screening of La Grande Bellezza or take comedy classes
See a screening of the Italian film La Grande Bellezza, get tickets to see Le Trio Joubran, sign up for Dubomedy stand-up and improv classes for adults and tweens or lose a few kilograms at Eastern Mangroves Hotel.
See a screening of the Italian film La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) about Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo), a journalist who lives a lavish life thanks to a successful novel, but after his 65th birthday – and a shock from his past – he decides to re-evaluate his life.
At 7.30pm, The Space Abu Dhabi, twofour54, Park Rotana building, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, registration available through a link at www.facebook.com/thespaceAD
Get tickets to see Le Trio Joubran. The three Palestinian brothers will perform the oud, and will be joined by the Emirati singer Arwa Ahmed, as part of the Sharjah World Music Festival. January 9, 9pm, from Dh150, the Flag Island Amphitheatre, Sharjah, www.ticketmaster.ae
Fulfil your resolution to try something new. Sign up for Dubomedy stand-up and improv classes for adults and tweens. All classes end with a show at which you perform. Saturdays from January 30 until March 12, 2pm to 4pm for Comedy 101; 4.30pm to 6.30pm for Improv Comedy, both Dh1,200 for early-bird registrations before January 12; 10am for Tween Comedy, Dh600; noon for Advanced Stand-up, Dh600, at Dubomedy, 1 Lake Plaza, Cluster T, JLT, Dubai, register at lol@dubomedy.com
Commit to a new you this new year and shed extra kilograms with the CoolShaping Trio package of three cryolipolysis sessions, three lymphatic drainage massages, a fitness and BMI assessment, a nutritional and exercise plan and one complimentary universal contour wrap. Available 10am to 11pm, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Abu Dhabi, 02 656 1146, easternmangroves_spa@anantara.com
Sign up to participate in the Rules of Golf Evening with Andrew Snoddy of the Professional Golfers' Association at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Through a presentation and an on-course session, get to know the rules that can be difficult to understand. January 14, 5pm to 7pm, Dh125 for members; Dh225 for non-members, also includes live music and a BBQ on the Falcon Terrace, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, 02 558 8990, www.adgolfclub.com
listings@thenational.ae
Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Power: 268bhp / 536bhp
Torque: 343Nm / 686Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
On sale: Later this year
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania Publisher: EA Sports Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S Rating: 3.5/5
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Price, base / as tested Dh274,000 (estimate)
Engine 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder
Gearbox Nine-speed automatic
Power 245hp @ 4,200rpm
Torque 500Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.4L / 100km
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: SimpliFi
Started: August 2021
Founder: Ali Sattar
Based: UAE
Industry: Finance, technology
Investors: 4DX, Rally Cap, Raed, Global Founders, Sukna and individuals
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
