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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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Ajman announces reduced working hours for private sector

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The Ajman Government has introduced a new flexible work schedule for public sector employees during the summer months, from July 1 to August 22, under the ‘Our Summer is Balanced’ initiative.

The move was announced during a meeting of the Ajman Executive Council, chaired by Crown Prince Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The initiative supports the UAE’s Year of Community, aiming to promote work-life balance and employee wellbeing during the peak heat period.

What’s Changing:

  • 100 per cent remote work on Fridays
  • Shorter workdays Monday to Thursday: 7:30am – 2:30pm (7 hours instead of 8)
  • Flexible internal arrangements to ensure vital public services continue smoothly

Sheikh Ammar said the decision reflects Ajman’s commitment to building a flexible, productive, and people-focused government, guided by the vision of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman.

The summer work model will serve as a pilot programme, with future expansions considered based on its impact.

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How to stay safe this summer: Abu Dhabi Police issue public safety tips

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Abu Dhabi Police, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, has launched the sixth edition of the Safe Summer Campaign, running until August 31.

The campaign aims to raise public awareness around essential summer safety precautions, with a focus on fire prevention, road safety, and accident reduction during the hotter months.

Using digital platforms, print media, videos, and community majlis, the campaign will deliver targeted messages to residents across the emirate.

Key safety messages include:

  • Home safety tips for families
  • Parental guidance on supervising children in swimming areas
  • Vehicle safety checks, especially tyre inspections
  • Fire and accident prevention protocols

Authorities urge residents to take extra precautions during the summer and follow safety guidelines to protect their families and communities.

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UAE travel alert: Airlines extend cancellations, suspension as regional tensions continue

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Travelling soon? Check your flight status. Tensions are rising in the Middle East after US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and UAE airlines are adjusting fast.

Due to regional airspace closures, several routes have been suspended or rerouted, especially over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel. Here’s what you need to know.

What UAE Airlines Are Doing

Etihad Airways

  • Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights suspended until July 15
  • Transit passengers heading to Tel Aviv will not be accepted

Emirates

  • Flights to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra suspended until June 30

Air Arabia

  • Flights to/from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan paused until June 30
  • Jordan flights suspended until June 25
  • No transit via Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to these destinations

flydubai

  • Flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg suspended until June 30
  • Transit passengers to these destinations are not allowed

Wizz Air

  • Flights to TelAviv and Amman suspended until September 15
  • Flights rerouted to avoid high-risk airspace
  • Refunds or rebooking options available

Global Airlines Also Affected

  • British Airways: Flights to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain paused through June
  • United, American Airlines: Suspended Dubai/Doha services
  • Air Canada, Air France-KLM, Finnair: Select Dubai routes affected

Travel Tips

  • Check your flight status before heading to the airport
  • Update your contact details in your booking for real-time alerts
  • Transit passengers to suspended destinations will not be accepted
  • Expect delays or reroutes, especially to the Middle East, Caucasus, and surrounding regions

Airlines continue to monitor the situation. Passenger safety is the top priority.

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