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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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Abu Dhabi announces paid parking in parts of Mohamed Bin Zayed City from April 6

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Q Mobility has announced the rollout of a paid parking system in several commercial areas of Mohamed Bin Zayed City, starting April 6.

The initiative is being implemented under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

Where will paid parking apply?

In this phase, the system will cover:

  • Commercial sectors ME10 and ME11
  • Commercial areas along main streets within villa zones Z17-01, Z19, Z20, and Z27

The move targets areas with high traffic and commercial activity, aiming to improve parking availability and reduce congestion.

What about residential areas?

Parking in nearby villa zones will also be regulated:

  • Spaces will be reserved only for permit holders
  • Designed to protect residents’ privacy
  • Helps prevent misuse of residential parking by visitors

Q Mobility has emphasised that this step is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve parking management and ease traffic flow in Abu Dhabi. 

The plan will:

  • Better organise parking in busy districts
  • Improve traffic flow
  • Ensure fair access to parking for residents and visitors


The rollout is part of broader efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and enhance urban mobility across Abu Dhabi.

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Dubai RTA resumes key bus routes as conditions improve after rains

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced the resumption of several major bus routes following temporary suspensions caused by heavy rainfall and unstable weather conditions across the UAE.

The authority confirmed that services are now operating again, allowing passengers to travel safely and more smoothly, although minor delays may still occur as operations gradually return to full capacity.

Several key routes have resumed, including:

  • E315 between Etisalat Bus Station and Muwaileh (Sharjah)
  • E101 to Abu Dhabi, now operating from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station instead of Ibn Battuta Bus Station due to earlier waterlogging
  • E411 service to Ajman from Etisalat Bus Station
  • Route 201 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Ain

The service restoration comes after disruptions triggered by adverse weather, which led to the temporary suspension of multiple bus routes to ensure passenger safety.

RTA said all necessary safety and operational measures are in place to support a smooth return to normal services.

Advice for commuters

Passengers are encouraged to:

  • Allow extra travel time
  • Check updates through official RTA channels
  • Follow safety guidelines while commuting

Authorities added that services will continue to stabilise over the coming days as conditions improve.

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Dubai expands cycling network to promote eco-friendly mobility among residents

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Dubai is accelerating its push toward sustainable mobility, with the Roads and Transport Authority announcing the completion of 13 cycling tracks across the emirate as part of a broader 15-track master plan.

The newly developed network spans key corridors, linking areas such as Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and Dubai International Financial Centre to Jumeirah. The tracks form part of a long-term strategy to build a 162-kilometre network and ultimately expand Dubai’s cycling infrastructure to 1,000km by 2030.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, the goal is to create a fully integrated transport system where cycling connects residential communities with major destinations and public transport hubs. This approach is aimed at encouraging residents to adopt bicycles and other eco-friendly mobility options for short-distance travel.

Dubai’s efforts have already earned global recognition. The emirate was ranked among the top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index — becoming the first city in the Middle East to achieve this milestone.

The city’s cycling infrastructure has seen rapid growth, expanding from 560km in 2024 to 636km in 2025. During the same period, cycling trips surged by 23.5 per cent, reaching 57.3 million journeys, while user satisfaction climbed to 85 per cent. Today, over one-fifth of Dubai’s population has access to dedicated cycling facilities.

Further enhancing connectivity, several major pedestrian and cycling bridges are under construction. These include crossings over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road, and Al Khail Road, linking cycling routes across key districts such as Al Sufouh, Dubai Hills, and Jumeirah.

Additional developments include new cycling tracks in residential neighbourhoods like Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2, alongside infrastructure upgrades near metro stations, including BurJuman, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. Dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, as well as improved pedestrian pathways, are also being rolled out across multiple districts.

With more projects set for completion in the coming months, Dubai continues to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable urban mobility and active transportation.

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