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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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Latest UAE travel update: What travellers, especially to India, need to know amid flight disruptions 

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Several UAE-based airlines have issued disruptions in their service and route changes as a precautionary response following heightened regional tensions after Iran attacks Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

UAE residents planning to travel this week are advised to double-check their flight status before heading to the airport, as ongoing regional tensions have led to disruptions across several major carriers.

Following Iran’s attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, airlines including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have rerouted or cancelled select flights to ensure passenger safety amid restricted airspace and rising geopolitical risk.

What UAE Airlines Are Saying

Etihad Airways

  • Cancelled flights on Tuesday (June 24) to/from Kuwait, Doha, and Dammam:
    • EY651/652 (Abu Dhabi – Kuwait)
    • EY663/664 (Abu Dhabi – Doha)
    • EY575/576 (Abu Dhabi – Dammam)
  • Flights to Israel remain suspended until July 15.
  • The airline confirmed it is using only approved airspace and warned that the situation is highly dynamic.
  • Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled destinations will not be accepted for travel.

Emirates Airline

  • Has rerouted flights away from conflict zones.
  • Temporary suspension of all flights to Iran and Iraq (Tehran, Baghdad, Basra) until June 30.
  • Warns of potential delays due to longer routes and airspace congestion.

flydubai

  • Flights on June 24 resumed, but delays remain possible.
  • Temporary suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg (Russia) until June 30.
  • Passengers heading to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted from their point of origin.

Air Arabia

  • Advises passengers of possible disruptions due to airspace closures.
  • Suspended services to Jordan (until June 25) and Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan (until June 30).

Dubai/Abu Dhabi Airport Updates

  • Dubai Airports said operations across DXB and DWC have resumed, but some delays or cancellations may still occur. 
  • Travellers heading to India are especially advised to confirm flight status in advance. “Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on X.
  • Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi echoed similar advice: check with your airline before traveling.

Impact on International Flights

  • flydubai, Etihad, Emirates, and Air Arabia have adjusted or halted flights across the region.
  • IndiGo Airlines suspended flights to several Gulf cities including Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, and Abu Dhabi until at least 10am Tuesday.
  • Pakistan International Airlines has halted services to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai.
  • EgyptAir also cancelled Gulf-bound flights from Cairo.
  • Air Canada extended its Toronto–Dubai flight suspension until August 4.

Additional Restrictions

  • Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian-operated aircraft, including military flights—until July 23, 2025.

Travel Tips for UAE Passengers

  • Check flight status online or via airline apps before leaving home.
  • Expect delays even if your flight is not cancelled—reroutings may extend travel time.
  • If you are transiting through the UAE to a suspended destination, contact your airline immediately to explore alternative arrangements.

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UAE residents urged to stay alert and report suspicious activity, says Al Ameen

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As tensions rise in parts of the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, the UAE’s Al Ameen Service is calling on the public to stay alert and take an active role in keeping communities safe.

In a message shared on Instagram, Al Ameen reminded residents that everyone has a role to play in protecting the safety and security of the UAE. The service urged people to watch out for any suspicious behaviour or unusual activity in their surroundings, and to report it immediately.

“Due to the unstable security and political situation in the region, Al Ameen Service urges the public to remain alert and attentive,” the post read. “Observe and report any suspicious behaviour or observations to the security authorities and Al Ameen Service, so that the necessary measures can be taken.”

Residents can report concerns through Al Ameen’s official channels or by calling their 24/7 hotline at 800 4444. All reports are kept confidential.

This call for public awareness isn’t just about emergencies; it’s a reminder that in the UAE, community safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re commuting, at the mall, or online, speaking up when something feels off can make all the difference.

Launched by Dubai Police, Al Ameen Service provides a safe and easy way for people to report anything that could affect public safety, from security concerns to cyber threats.

So, if you see something unusual, say something. One quick report could help keep your neighbourhood safe.

Need to report something?
Call 800 4444
Visit Al Ameen Service
Or message via their official app or social media channels.

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Announcements

Dubai Airports resume full operations after precautionary pause, travellers urged to check flight status

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Dubai Airports has announced the resumption of full operations at all its airports following a temporary precautionary pause, according to a statement from the Dubai Media Office.

“While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate according to approved schedules, some flights may experience delays or cancellations,” Dubai Airports wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

While the exact nature of the pause was not disclosed, authorities emphasised that the safety and well-being of all travellers and aviation staff remain the top priority.

Operations teams are now working closely with airlines to normalise flight schedules, but passengers may still encounter delays or cancellations as services stabilise.

“Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on its social media platform.

Travellers flying in or out of Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum International (DWC) are strongly advised to:

  • Check directly with their airlines for real-time flight updates
  • Arrive early to allow extra time for check-in and security
  • Monitor official channels, including @DXBMediaOffice and @DubaiAirports

The temporary disruption comes as the summer travel season picks up, with a high volume of passengers expected in the coming weeks.

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