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First Hindi novel ‘Tomb of Sand’ on International Booker shortlist

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Author Geetanjali Shree’s novel ‘Tomb of Sand’ has become the first Hindi language work of fiction to be shortlisted for the International Booker Prize.

Shree’s book, translated into English by Daisy Rockwell and described by the judges as “loud and irresistible novel”, will compete with five other titles from around the world for the £50,000 (Dh239,929) literary prize, which is split evenly between the author and translator, a PTI report said. “It is recognition of a very special kind. When a work appeals to unknown people sitting in faraway places, then it must have the ability to transcend its specific cultural context and touch the universal and the human,” Shree said. “That is true ratification. The work must be good, the translation must be excellent! It is a great moment for Daisy and me. Shows how rich our dialogue has been. That is what translation is about.”

Uttar Pradesh-born Shree has authored three novels and several story collections. Her work has been translated into English, French, German, Serbian and Korean.

The story of ‘Tomb of Sand’ is set in northern India as an 80-year-old woman slips into a deep depression at the death of her husband, then resurfaces to gain a new lease on life. To her family’s consternation, she insists on travelling to Pakistan, simultaneously confronting the unresolved trauma of her teenage experiences of Partition, and re-evaluating what it means to be a mother, a daughter, a woman, a feminist, according to the report.

“Rather than respond to tragedy with seriousness, Geetanjali Shree’s playful tone and exuberant wordplay results in a book that is engaging, funny, and utterly original, at the same time as being an urgent and timely protest against the destructive impact of borders and boundaries, whether between religions, countries, or genders,” the International Booker Prize judges noted.

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Don’t fall for it: Dubai Police warn against fake work-from-home job offers

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Looking for a side hustle? Be careful.

Dubai Police have warned residents not to fall for fake part-time job offers circulating on social media and messaging apps after uncovering a scam that tricked a young man into helping criminals move stolen money.

In a social media post, Dubai Police shared how the scam typically unfolds. The victim responded to an online advert promoting a work-from-home job with flexible hours and quick earnings. After being told he had been accepted, he was instructed to open a new bank account or use his existing one to receive and process what were described as customer payments.

Money was then deposited into his account, and he was instructed to transfer it to other bank accounts in exchange for a commission.

The scammers claimed he was working for an overseas financial services company, but investigators later discovered the transfers were linked to a criminal network.

The victim told police he believed the job was genuine and had no idea he was helping fraudsters.

How the scam works

Police said these scams usually begin with online job ads offering fast cash for simple tasks.

Victims may then be asked to:

  • Use their bank account to receive and transfer money.
  • Pay registration or activation fees.
  • Share personal or banking details.
  • Complete financial transactions for a commission.

Authorities warned that scammers often use unsuspecting people’s bank accounts to move illegally obtained funds, which could leave the account holder facing serious legal consequences.

How to stay safe

Dubai Police urged job seekers to:

  • Verify employers before accepting any job offer.
  • Never share bank details with unknown individuals or companies.
  • Avoid jobs that ask you to transfer money on behalf of others.
  • Ignore employers requesting upfront payments or registration fees.

Anyone who receives a suspicious job offer is encouraged to report it through Dubai Police’s eCrime platform or by calling 901 for non-emergency assistance.

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Dubai residents in Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif can now book Bus-On-Demand rides

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Getting around Dubai without a car just became a little easier.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus-On-Demand service to Al Satwa, Al Quoz and Mirdif, taking the total number of neighbourhoods covered across the city to 20.

The app-based service is designed to make short trips quicker and more convenient by connecting residential communities with nearby Metro stations and public transport hubs.

The expansion comes as more residents continue to use the service. During the first six months of 2026, Bus-On-Demand carried more than 527,000 passengers, a 25.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

June was the busiest month so far, with 105,990 passengers using the service.

To meet growing demand, the RTA has increased the fleet to 55 buses while expanding the service area by 54 per cent.

How to book

Booking a ride is simple. Download the Dubai Bus-On-Demand app, create an account and choose your pick-up and drop-off locations.

Passengers can pay using credit cards, debit cards or nol cards directly through the app.

Areas covered

The service is now available in:

  • Al Barsha
  • Al Nahda
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis
  • Dubai Academic City
  • Al Rigga
  • Port Saeed
  • Business Bay
  • Downtown Dubai
  • Oud Metha
  • Al Karama
  • Barsha Heights
  • Al Mankhool
  • DIFC
  • Al Warqaa
  • Dubai Investment Park
  • Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
  • Al Qusais
  • Al Satwa
  • Al Quoz
  • Mirdif

The RTA says it will continue expanding the service as part of Dubai’s plan to make public transport smarter, more convenient and more sustainable.

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Rain hits parts of UAE as NCM warns of more showers

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Rain continued to sweep across parts of the UAE on Wednesday, with showers reported in Bada Zayed in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region in the afternoon and early evening in Siji, Fujairah, as unstable weather conditions persisted.

The rainfall comes as convective clouds continue to develop across several parts of the country, creating the potential for more showers through the evening.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said unstable weather is expected until 10pm, with convective clouds likely to bring rainfall of varying intensity, strong winds and reduced visibility in some areas.

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and drive carefully, as sudden rain and blowing dust could impact road conditions.

Weather maps show the heaviest cloud cover over large parts of Al Dhafra, with additional cloud formations developing over parts of Al Ain and the Ras Al Khaimah-Fujairah border.

Videos shared on social media showed rain falling in the UAE on Wednesday afternoon, with local weather trackers reporting good rainfall across the area.

The NCM has advised residents in affected areas to stay updated with the latest weather alerts, as convective clouds can develop quickly and may bring sudden showers, gusty winds and blowing dust.

Forecasters continue to monitor the situation and are expected to issue further updates if weather conditions change.

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