#visiting dubai 2023

[traveltourguide]

Essential Travel Information for Visiting the Dubai in 2023

Before embarking on your journey to this vibrant city, it’s essential to gather some valuable information that will enhance your experience and ensure a smooth visit. This guide aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge about Dubai’s culture, visa requirements, local customs, weather, transportation, attractions, and safety tips. By familiarizing yourself with these aspects, you’ll be better prepared to make the most of your time in Dubai.

I. Culture and Etiquette :

Islamic culture: Dubai follows Islamic traditions and customs, and it’s crucial to respect local traditions and sensitivities.

Dress code: Modest clothing is expected in public places, especially when visiting religious sites or government buildings. Beachwear is acceptable at beaches and pools.

Ramadan: If your visit coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, be aware of the cultural practices and the impact it may have on dining, entertainment, and dress code.

Greetings and gestures: Handshakes are common, but it’s polite to greet people of the opposite sex with a nod or a slight bow. Public displays of affection should be avoided.

Religious sites: When visiting mosques or other religious sites, dress modestly and follow the guidelines provided by the place of worship.

II. Visa Requirements :

Visa types: Check the visa requirements based on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Common types include tourist visas, transit visas, and employment visas.

Visa application: Apply for a visa well in advance through the appropriate channels, such as the UAE embassy or an authorized visa processing center.

Visa validity: Ensure that your visa covers the entire duration of your stay in Dubai. Overstaying can result in fines or other legal issues.

Passport validity: Your passport should have a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into Dubai.

III. Weather and Best Time to Visit :

Climate: Dubai has a desert climate with scorching summers and mild winters. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).

Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months between November and April when temperatures are more pleasant for outdoor activities.

Peak tourist season: Dubai experiences a surge in tourism during the winter months, particularly around December and January. Book accommodation and attractions in advance during this period.

Ramadan considerations: Visiting during Ramadan can provide a unique cultural experience, but it’s essential to be mindful of the altered schedules and restrictions on dining and entertainment.

IV. Transportation and Getting Around :

Dubai International Airport: Dubai’s main airport is one of the busiest in the world and offers excellent connectivity to various destinations. Familiarize yourself with the airport facilities and transportation options.

Public transportation: Dubai has an extensive public transportation network, including the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis (abras). The Nol card is a convenient payment option for using public transport.

Taxis and ride-hailing services: Taxis are readily available in Dubai and can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. Ensure the meter is used or negotiate a fare in advance.

Renting a car: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Dubai and the surrounding areas. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws, obtain the necessary permits, and consider parking availability.

Traffic and peak hours: Dubai experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Plan your journeys accordingly and allow extra time for travel.

Dubai Metro: The Dubai Metro is a reliable and efficient way to get around the city. Familiarize yourself with the metro routes, timings, and fare structure.

V. Popular Attractions and Activities :

Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world, offering stunning views of Dubai from its observation decks.

Palm Jumeirah: An iconic man-made island featuring luxurious resorts, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Dubai Mall: One of the largest malls globally, housing numerous retail outlets, entertainment attractions, and the famous Dubai Aquarium.

Jumeirah Mosque: A beautiful mosque that offers guided tours to non-Muslim visitors, providing insights into Islamic culture.

Desert safari: Experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Arabian entertainment in the desert.

Dubai Marina: A vibrant waterfront area with stunning architecture, fine dining, and leisure activities.

Souks: Visit the traditional markets, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, to immerse yourself in the local shopping culture.

Dubai Creek: Explore the historic heart of Dubai through a traditional boat ride (abra) along the creek.

Dubai Museum: Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the museum showcases Dubai’s heritage and history.

Theme parks: Dubai is home to various theme parks, including IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and Aquaventure Waterpark.

VI. Safety and General Tips

Local laws and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the laws of Dubai and ensure you adhere to them, especially regarding public behavior, alcohol consumption, and photography.

Health and safety: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and following hygiene practices.

Currency and payment: The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and street vendors.

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

Photography: Respect people’s privacy and avoid taking photographs of government buildings, military installations, and locals without their permission.

Respect for the UAE flag: Treat the UAE flag with respect, as any form of disrespect is considered an offense.

Respect for Ramadan: During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those who are fasting.

Emergency contacts: Save important contact numbers, including your embassy or consulate, local police, and emergency services, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion : Dubai offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, and by equipping yourself with knowledge about the local culture, visa requirements, transportation options, attractions, and safety tips, you can make the most of your visit. Respect for local customs, adherence to laws and regulations, and a spirit of curiosity and adventure will ensure an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city. Prepare well, embrace the unique experiences Dubai offers, and enjoy your time exploring the wonders of this cosmopolitan destination.

[tripsawaytours]

Apply for Canada Visa from Dubai 👉👉👉👉👉https://www.tripsawaytours.com/visa/canada-visa/

[gastroenterologyucgconferences]

[marimayscarlett]

At this point, I have given up on Till. He clearly doesn't care about his image and how he's viewed regardless of the situation, so why should I care?

He's been a lost cause for many years now, and his Dubai/Russian friends will never stop enabling him for as long as he's around them, and that's simply not going to end.

My only concern is that he's further hurting the band as a business and the band as a family...but...that is between them 6. We can only observe and hope for the best outcome.

Hi 👋🏼

Till's behavior has stirred up quite a bit of dust - whether it’s with the Row Zero situation, his stay in Dubai, or now his visit to Mar-a-Lago. And that brings us to the heart of the matter.

This man is 62, an adult, in full control of his senses and his time. Logically speaking, he can, of course, do whatever he wants. But once an action is taken, there will inevitably be a reaction - that's how the world works. I think what many people find unsettling can be boiled down to a few things:

1. Till has undeniably changed a lot over the past decade. He has surrounded himself with a certain entourage, spends time in Russia, Dubai, and now the U.S. If he wants that, fine, but when compared to his public persona in earlier years, there really is a striking discrepancy.

2. The message his actions send in the eyes of others. Trump is a highly controversial figure, with views and actions that, while shared by many (otherwise, he wouldn’t be president again), conflict with values one would hope Till does not have, whether regarding foreigners or women (both areas where Trump has made his stance very clear with some infamous quotes) in the past. Of course, visiting someone's estate doesn’t necessarily mean one admires them, but at the same time, it raises the question: Would I go there if I really don't like Trump? Probably not. Because some things you can't separate. The history of this estate and Trump is so intertwined and recent - it's not like it's a historical sight with a 500 year history in the past, so with some distance to today.

3. Till has just come out of a massive scandal - one that still resonates deeply here in Germany and weighs heavily on many fans who stood by the band. I think a lot of those fans had the expectation that he would "pull himself together," that he would be aware of how his public actions are perceived.

Of course, we, as fans who disapprove of his behavior in Dubai and now in the U.S., are doing something similar to those who judged him in 2023: we’re imposing our moral compass on him because our values differ greatly from what we see in his actions. And because we hope that some part of the Till we once knew still remains.

I've let go of this. To me, it seems like he doesn’t care how he comes across, doesn’t care about the band's image. And I find that disappointing.

[operafantomet]

NATIONS HOSTING BOTH REPLICA AND NON-REPLICA POTO

United Kingdom: The UK saw the world premiere of ALW's POTO in 1986. They've also since seen the RAH staging (2011), the original UK Tours (1993-2000), the UK Tour Revival (2000), and the West End Revival (2021). It was also in the UK the new Restaged Tour was first launched (2012-2013).

United States: The US was the first opening outside the UK, premiering in 1988, and also had three national tours (1989-2010) and the Las Vegas Spectacular (2006-2012). They furthermore hosted the Restaged Tour (2013-2020).

Austria: Austria was the fourth country to host the original staging (1988-1993). In 2024 they welcomed back the musical, this time as the Restaged Tour.

Canada: Canada was the fifth country to host the original staging, in 1989. The production ran for a whopping ten years, closing in 1999. There were also various Canadian tours (1991-1998), touring nationally and internationally. They later hosted multiple visits of both US Tour and the Restaged Tour.

Australia: Australia was the eight country to host the original staging, opening in Melbourne in 1990 and later turning into a Australian and NZ Tour (until 1998). The musical would return many times as a leg of the World Tour. Uniquely, they also hosted the first out-door version at Sydney Harbour in 2022, as well as staging the Restaged Tour in Sydney and Melbourne (2022-2023).

Spain: The original Madrid production ran from 2002-2004. When POTO returned in 2023 it was in the form of the new "Mediterranean" version opening in Trieste in Italy the same year. The production also visited Bilbao, before returning to Madrid.

Dubai: The first POTO production to hit Dubai was the World Tour in 2019. In 2024 POTO returned, this time as a part of the Middle East Tour, presenting the Romanian/Norwegian production.

Switzerland: The original Basel production ran from 1995-1997. This year POTO returned in the form of the Romanian/Norwegian production, touring the Middle East and Europe.

Sweden: Sweden was the sixth country to host the original staging, in Stockholm for an impressive six years (1989-1995). They also later did a revival (2016-2017). They furthermore hosted the Finnish/Swedish version in Gothenburg (2017-2018), as well as a unique new staging in Kristianstad (2000-2003).

Soon to be added: Belgium (1999-2000 / 2025). Ireland was also meant to host the UK Tour Revival in May 2020, but for obvious reasons that was cancelled. They had previously hosted the Restaged Tour in 2012-2013. (Also, I have not included concert versions)

[dearweirdme]

I wasn’t there during it but what was happening with Taekook before and after the Paris thing? Were they hanging out? Any significant moments? Maybe them being extra loud? :)

Hi anon!

Tae and Jk were constantly hanging out in 2023. Jk flew to Hawaii to be with Tae, they went to Harry Styles, they went skiing with Wooga, they went to that Hotel after Jk at Dubai. Jk was heard in Tae’s live when they were playing games with friends. The insta live happened. Quite some mentions. Dream premiere was in april 2023. Tae posted this pic of them afterwards on the 14th of may..

And Paris dropped the 17th.. with the photographer claiming the footage was from the 15th. So 14th pic.. 15th walk… 17th drop… 22th Jennie at Cannes.

Tae was wearing the Sweetheart tshirt Jk wore in his mv.. at the same time the mv was recorded.. during Bruni Mars’s show in Seoul, which he attended with Wooga in june. Meaning they both have this shirt and it was timed.

We have Tae and Jk arriving together and close again at Yoongi’s show at the end of june. In July we had Tae visiting Disney Paris while wearing a Disney pride hoody.. and him posting a pic of that (though not the pride part of the hoody visibly) knowing Army finds out everything. Then later that year we have Tae missing Jk and playing Jk’s version of To find you. And another very telling thing imo are Tae’s posts on sm just before he enlisted.. only singling out Jk and not Jm (soulmate) or Namjoon.

I’m sure I’m even leaving out some stuff. But 2023 was a constant Tkk closeness vibe… and I’m opinion him posting that Dream premiere pic and the very public wearing of the Sweetheart shirt and the Disney pride hoody can be considered a statement.

Edit: something to add… Tae looked sad at his Cannes pics. Him and her were both in Cannes, yet Tae spent his time hanging out with Bogum and flying back with him. At one point people were saying him and J were to arrive back at SK at the same time, only for Tae to go live as soon as he was in his car.. showing he was alone.

[nalyra-dreaming]

https://www.tumblr.com/nalyra-dreaming/764198172090318848/so-if-the-teaser-is-canon-its-presumably-set

So. The timeline for season 3 present time can stretch from one year to a few months. Personally, I think the 1 year stretch is far better.

February 2022: Lestat founds/discovers a band and names it The Vampire Lestat.

Mid to late June 2022: the tour is green lit but not announced. The band has managers and all the equipment

June 14th 2022 — June 26th 2022: the Dubai interview.

Early July 2022: Louis searches for Lestat, finds him in NOLA, flies there and they reunite.

July 2022 - mid to late October 2022: Louis and Lestat rekindle their friendship, they have their own lives but are in contact. Armand starts stalking Daniel.

February 2023: Lestat’s band blows up all of a sudden. The tour is announced.

February 2023 — April 2023: Lestat and Louis talk to each other, check on each other and hang out. One time, they end up sleeping together and Louis leaves and ghosts Lestat the next day. They settle on a “casual”, no attachments relationship but both are jealous of the other. Because of this, Lestat writes long face.

April 2023: the book is out. Lestat reads it, is pissed at Louis, they argue. Lestat releases long face and it blows up even more. Meanwhile Armand reaches out to Daniel. They have a month long fling, but Armand disappears after turning Daniel

June (?) 2023: Lestat’s band releases the dates for their tour. Daniel proposes the documentary to Lestat and he accepts.

Late August 2023: the tour starts.

Late August 2023 — October 2023: Lestat is interviewed by Daniel.

October 2023: Louis, Daniel, Armand and Gabrielle + others begin to dream about Maharet and Mekare.

October 21st: the interview is over. Louis enters in possession of the uncut tape through Daniel and watches it. Meanwhile, Akasha awakens.

Roughly October 26th (?): Louis visits Lestat. They argue, communicate, and decide to try again.

October 31st: the San Francisco concert happens, Gabrielle arrives and saves Loustat.

November 1st: Akasha kidnaps Lestat.

I reasoned this way in regards of timeline stretch because editing a book, publishing it, having a four month margine that is already surpassed, interviewing a rock star on tour and editing a documentary take some time. A book needs 6-12 months to be edited and published, and a documentary a few months that they objectively don’t have, if they’re to keep the 31st October concert date.

I’m not sure about the whole angst thing and its magnitude, as I’ve inserted it only because of the loose context given by Long Face and Lestat wearing a wedding ring AND the slit throat chocker. Could also be that Louis tags along on the tour as “just friends” while pining and overcoming their communication issues (someone I don’t remember said Lestat should talk about Magnus in private with Louis and Daniel/only Louis and then a cut version to Daniel). Considering that Louis is already in his Prince Lestat era mindset, it would make sense for him to finally read, as a parallel to 2x08, his book before deciding to try again with Lestat (just for him to be kidnapped).

There’s also things I really liked as theories but wouldn’t know how to incorporate. Maybe Daniel interviewed Lestat as a human? Maybe after that Armand found them both and went after Daniel and turned him? Then Daniel would go to the talk show and talk about both the interview to Lestat and the book? But then how would Louis still be at the penthouse? Would that be before receiving the uncut interview or something?

Thoughts on all of this? What’s your own timeline prediction?

:) (Nice timeline!! Thank you for formatting btw, the email I got was not and I was sooo relieved when I checked here *laughs*)

Soooooo.... I personally think that there's even more time there.

I think editing the book and publishing it takes more time, maybe up to two years, and I would think they will use the "three years" they will have from 2022 to release in 2025 (fingers crossed!) for the show.

For your timeline the reunion would need to be the "contested" one, aka not having happened that way, because otherwise Lestat's state of mind would not fit I think.

But I also think that once they have met again that Louis and Lestat will fall into the "Netflix and chill" era that they have in later books, which you also describe here.

All in all I think the timeline makes sense, it will be very interesting to see what the show does with it!!

As I said, I am not convinced that Daniel is already a vampire for the documentary, but that will remain to be seen. I think the show might mix things up there (like they mixed Merrick in, for example) - because as you said(!) - Louis seems a bit in the PL era mind set in Dubai... and if he is, if they pull that up - then the whole story might be mixed up, re events. (Also they already introduced Fareed, and Amel, arguably).

Ahhh, I don't know^^. I like your timeline :), even if I am writing my own (a bit different one) in a fic right now, forgive me for not detailing here too much. It does keep to the elements you also pulled up^^, but shapes them a bit differently, because I have a different starting point.

It would be cool if you came back after season 3, to compare notes :))))

[groupfazza]

سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، ولي عهد دبي نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الدفاع رئيس المجلس التنفيذي لإمارة دبي 🔻

في إنجاز جديد يعكس جاذبية دبي السياحية، استقبلت الإمارة خلال العام الماضي أكثر من 18.7 مليون زائر دولي، مسجلةً نمواً بنسبة 9% مقارنة بعام 2023، كما بلغ متوسط الإشغال الفندقي 78% خلال عام 2024، مع توفير 832 منشأة فندقية تضم 154 ألف غرفة.

نُثمّن جهود فرقنا الحكومية في دائرة الاقتصاد والسياحة، وجميع شركائنا في القطاع الخاص، الذين أسهموا بتعاونهم في تعزيز مكانة دبي كوجهة سياحية عالمية، وكأفضل مدينة للعيش والعمل والزيارة، تماشياً مع مستهدفات أجندة دبي الاقتصادية D33.

أهلاً بكل ضيوفنا… وأهلاً بالعالم في دبي.

________________

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai 🔻

In yet another testament to Dubai’s growing appeal as a leading global tourism destination, the emirate welcomed 18.7 million international visitors in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023. The hospitality sector continues to thrive, recording an average hotel occupancy rate of 78% across 832 hotel establishments, offering a total of 154,000 rooms.

This achievement is the result of strong collaboration between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and our private sector stakeholders. Their concerted efforts have raised Dubai’s status as a premier global tourism hub and reinforced its position as the world’s best city to live, work, and visit - perfectly aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

To all our guests, welcome to Dubai — a city that brings the world together.

Sunday, 9 February 2025 الأحد

[ifreakingloveroyals]

Through the Years → Felipe VI of Spain (3,056/∞) 11 July 2023 | King Felipe VI receives in audience the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates and CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber (right), at the Zarzuela Palace, in Madrid, Spain. The Sultan is visiting Spain to participate in the European Union Environment Ministers' meeting to be held in Valladolid, in his capacity as President-designate for COP28, which will take place in Dubai in November this year. (Photo By A. Perez Meca/Europa Press via Getty Images)

[beardedmrbean]

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Moscow freed a Russian American convicted of treason in exchange for a Russian German man jailed on smuggling charges in the U.S., a prisoner swap that was completed Thursday as the two countries met to repair ties.

Ksenia Karelina is “on a plane back home to the United States,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on social media platform X. She was arrested in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg in February 2024 and convicted of treason on charges stemming from a donation of about $52 to a charity aiding Ukraine. U.S. authorities have called the case “absolutely ludicrous.”

Arthur Petrov was released as part of a swap in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, according to the Federal Security Service, or FSB, Russia’s main security and counterintelligence agency. Petrov was arrested in Cyprus in August 2023 at the request of the U.S. on charges of smuggling sensitive microelectronics to Russia and extradited to the U.S. a year later.

Karelina was among a growing number of Americans arrested in Russia in recent years as tensions between Moscow and Washington spiked over the war in Ukraine. Her release is the latest in a series of high-profile prisoner exchanges Russia and the U.S. carried out in the last three years — and the second since President Donald Trump took office and reversed Washington’s policy of isolating Russia in an effort to end the war in Ukraine.

CIA director John Ratcliffe hailed “the CIA officers who worked tirelessly to support this effort.” The CIA also emphasized that “the exchange shows the importance of keeping lines of communication open with Russia, despite the deep challenges in our bilateral relationship.”

Meanwhile, Russian and U.S. diplomats met in Istanbul for a second round of talks on normalizing embassies’ work following the first such meeting in February. The State Department said the delegations “exchanged notes to finalize an understanding to ensure the stability of diplomatic banking for Russian and U.S. bilateral missions.”

It said the U.S. reiterated its concerns about the Russian ban on hiring of local staff, “the key impediment to maintaining for stable and sustainable staffing levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.”

Alexander Darchiyev, Russia’s ambassador to Washington who led Moscow’s delegation in the talks, praised their “positive atmosphere” and noted the parties agreed to continue discussions to facilitate diplomats’ travel. He added that the Russian side also pushed for a quick return of its diplomatic property seized by U.S. authorities.

In February, Russia released American teacher Marc Fogel, imprisoned on drug charges, in a swap that the White House described as part of a diplomatic thaw that could advance peace negotiations. That same month, Russia released another American just days after arresting him on drug smuggling charges.

Karelina, a former ballet dancer also identified in some media as Ksenia Khavana, lived in Maryland before moving to Los Angeles. She was arrested when she returned to Russia to visit her family last year.

The FSB accused her of “proactively” collecting money for a Ukrainian organization that was supplying gear to Kyiv’s forces. The First Department, a Russian rights group, said the charges stemmed from a $51.80 donation to a U.S. charity aiding Ukraine.

Karelina’s lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, said on Instagram that she had been in touch with her family since her release.

“I am overjoyed to hear that the love of my life, Ksenia Karelina is on her way home from wrongful detention in Russia,” Karelina’s fiancé, Chris van Heerden, said in a statement. “She has endured a nightmare for 15 months and I cannot wait to hold her. Our dog, Boots, is also eagerly awaiting her return.”

He thanked Trump and his envoys, as well as prominent public figures who had championed her case.

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said on X that “President Trump and his administration continue to work around the clock to ensure Americans detained abroad are returned home to their families.”

The exchange was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Karelina was headed to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, according to a person familiar with the situation who insisted on anonymity to discuss her case.

The United Arab Emirates’ state-run WAM news agency released photos of Karelina boarding a plane and one of her standing next to Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAE’s ambassador to the U.S.

The FSB, which said President Vladimir Putin had pardoned Karelina before the swap, released a video showing her being escorted to a plane somewhere in Russia. The footage then featured of what appeared to be the scene of exchange at the Abu Dhabi airport, with Petrov walking off a plane and shaking hands with Russian officials on the tarmac.

The same video showed Petrov undergoing medical checkups on a flight to Russia. “I have no particular complaints, just a bit tired,” he said.

Petrov was accused by the U.S. Justice Department of involvement in a scheme to procure microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of a Russia-based supplier of critical components for the country’s weapons industries. He was facing a 20-year prison term in the U.S.

Abu Dhabi was the scene of another high-profile prisoner swap between Russia and the United States. In December 2022, American basketball star Brittney Griner was traded for the notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

The UAE has been a mediator in prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine, while the skyscraper-studded city of Dubai has become home to many Russians and Ukrainian who fled there after the start of Moscow’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

[houseofbrat]

The previous Princess of Wales is Queen Camilla and she was featured in the Royal Family post sooo…

Seriously though, it’s the hypocrisy! When Cathy did her pharma ad last year, The King who has cancer wasn’t mentioned. When Cathy posted a photo of herself on World Cancer Day, The King who is still actively fighting cancer wasn’t pictured or mentioned.

KP and their stans want to have it both ways. They never mention KC decades legacy of public service even to give him credit much less to say it inspires any of their public “work”. So why should BP mention them at all when they have their own channels? 🙄

PS: my bet is that the trip Willy goes on if he does one is a two day trip for the Expo happening in Japan this year. He went for the one that last happened in Dubai and it didn’t seem to have much Foreign Office involvement. I can’t see them using him anywhere given how clownish and indiscreet their operation is.

Of course, they want to have it both ways. They pretend that Will & Kate are the bestest royals who have ever royal-ed even though they hardly ever work. When they do work, they hardly ever leave their comfort zone.

Of course, they're going to pretend that no one else in the BRF has suffered or been treated for cancer, particularly when the timeline and details of Kate's "cancer" doesn't really hold up under minimum scrutiny. Will William actually get on a plane and go somewhere for something other than vacation? I'll believe it when I see it.

Of course, they pretend that BP committed an "obvious slight" to Kate instead of realizing that BP is DISTANCING themselves from the dumpster fire that is William, Kate, and the Kensington Palace comms team. It was a year ago this week that William picked a fight with the British Army over the Colonel's Review. KP and their principals are allegedly so noble yet their own actions reveal them to be completely asinine.

Did they realize that the ocean of space between Charles and William & Kate at the 2024 Field of Remembrance concert was intentional? Nope. Just pretend it didn't happen.

Did they bother to realize that Charles intentionally ignored Kate when she curtseyed to him in public at the Qatari state visit? Nope. Just pretend that was a momentary accident.

Did they bother to realize that Kate should never have been given the Order of Companions of Honour? No. Do they realize that if Kate was truly as sick with cancer last year as they think she was that Kate would have been given the Order of St. John instead? Also no.

Watching the Wales fandom, the Diana cultists, and their merry band of apologists at this point is like watching the chairs being rearranged on the Titanic. It's obvious there's a pr disaster happening in slow-motion, but they refuse to see it.

It’s going to be like this: You wake up. Start your day. Take a look at your phone. You see an alert about Will & Kate and think “WTF?!? Am I in The Twilight Zone?!? When the hell did that happen? 2023?! What? Is this a joke?!?” Which reminds me that I'm going to be posting The Pixies's most famous song in a few weeks.

ABOUT THREE WEEKS LEFT BITCHES!!!

[tripsawaytours]

Apply Now 👉 https://www.tripsawaytours.com/visa/canada-visa/

[thepastisalreadywritten]

5 February 2024

The King is being treated for cancer, Buckingham Palace has announced.

It has not said what type of cancer the 75-year-old has but confirmed that it was not prostate cancer. The King was recently treated for prostate enlargement.

King Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey in May 2023 alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.

How will the King's duties change while he is treated for cancer?

Buckingham Palace said:

"Regrettably, a number of the King's forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed.

His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence."

It said that he was receiving expert care and "looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

While the King is recovering, the Queen is expected to continue attending engagements.

"Her Majesty will continue with a full programme of public duties," Buckingham Palace said.

Despite stepping back from public events, the King will continue with paperwork and private meetings as head of state.

What does the King do?

The King is the UK head of state, but his powers are largely symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral.

He receives daily dispatches from the government in a red leather box, including briefings ahead of important meetings, or documents needing his signature.

The prime minister normally meets the King on a Wednesday at Buckingham Palace.

These meetings are completely private, and no official records are kept of what is said.

The King also has a number of official parliamentary roles:

Appointing a government — the leader of the party that wins a general election is usually called to Buckingham Palace, where they are invited to form a government. The King also formally dissolves Parliament before a general election

State Opening and the King's Speech — the King begins the parliamentary year with the State Opening ceremony, where he sets out the government's plans in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of Lords

Royal Assent — when a piece of legislation is passed through Parliament, it must be formally approved by the King in order to become law. The last time Royal Assent was refused was in 1708

In addition, the monarch leads the annual Remembrance event in November at the Cenotaph in London.

The King also hosts visiting heads of state, and regularly meets foreign ambassadors and high commissioners.

For his first state visit, Charles visited Germany, where he became the first British monarch to address the country's parliament, speaking in English and German.

The King then travelled to France for a three-day state visit in September and to Kenya for a four-day state visit in October, where he acknowledged the "abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans during their independence struggle."

He also delivered the opening address at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in December, where he said: "The Earth does not belong to us."

Charles is also head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries spanning 2.5 billion people.

He is head of state for 14 of these, known as the Commonwealth realms, as well as the Crown dependencies - the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The Queen supports the King in carrying out his work and undertakes her own public engagements on behalf of the 90 charities she supports.

Where does the Royal Family get its money?

The Royal Family receives an annual payment from the taxpayer, known as the Sovereign Grant, which is used to pay for official expenses, such as the upkeep of properties and staff costs.

The amount is based on a proportion of the profits of the Crown Estate, a property business owned by the monarch but run independently.

It had assets worth £16.5bn in 2022.

The Sovereign Grant was worth £86.3m in 2022-2023, the same as in 2021-2022.

But total spending for the year was £107.5m, a 5% increase on the £102.4m spent the previous year, with more than £20m drawn from financial reserves to cover the shortfall.

The King also receives money from a private estate called the Duchy of Lancaster, which is passed down from monarch to monarch.

It covers more than 18,000 hectares of land, including property in central London.

Worth £654m, it generates about £20m a year in profits.

The Duke of Cornwall (currently William, Prince of Wales) benefits from the Duchy of Cornwall, which mainly owns land in the south-west of England.

Worth £1bn, it generated a net surplus of £24m in 2022-23.

The King and Prince William receive the profits from the duchies personally, and can spend the money as they wish.

Both voluntarily pay income tax on the proceeds.

In addition, some other Royal Family members have private art, jewellery and stamp collections, which they can sell or use to generate income as they wish.

NOTE: Edited

[landinrris]

This is gonna get super long so sorry in advance but I wanted to put it out there that I would pay real good money to know what Lando and Martin's friends think of the whole thing.

Like on Lando's side you have his lifelong friends who are his safety bubble who he spends all his time with, he always tends toward his close known circle rather than throwing himself into a ton of new friendships (Carlos being an exception but the teammate bond plus the covid bubble was a big accelerator there and of the group only Sasha really seemed to embrace that friendship, the others even mock it at times). And since he's been in F1, they've watched Lando gradually start to be more outgoing and lose some of his shyness but its first half of 2022 and he still clings to their bubble, even now he has a serious gf. Also he lets them tag along on nights out with people like Max Verstappen so they're all happy with that. Then come Summer 2022 there they all are on their traditional yacht vacation this time in Ibiza, and Lando takes them to meet a famous DJ that Danny Ric has helped Lando to get them backstage at his gig. They know Lando's getting into DJ'ing so they likely don't think much of it beyond cool, we get to meet Martin Garrix.

And then pretty much from that moment on they would have watched Lando throw himself headfirst into a new friendship with this DJ, going to stay in his hometown after just a few weeks, they see this dude buy Lando a DJ'ing set up even tho he barely knows him, then Lando checks out early from their annual winter Dubai trip to go on vacation with the DJ taking only Martin K with him, he starts hanging backstage at this DJs shows and before his buddies know it they find they've been more or less ditched during any F1 breaks except for the odd bone of a week of attention here and there thrown their way. I remember Fewtrell in early summer 23 on a stream bemoaning with Connor about how their yacht trips no longer happened and Fewtrell was like it will again, I've had words, and I've never heard anything that made me think "ha you'll be lucky" quite so fast. I also remember Fewtrell trying to bring Martin up on stream once when Lando was staying at his, must have been like Feb/March time, Lando mentioned learning to produce and Fewtrell made a comment like 'oh is Garrix teaching you' a little sarcastically and Lando just went 'yes' and shut the conversation down in an instant, like he was saying no, you don't get to go there and Fewtrell's face was a picture, he looked like a kicked puppy for a second before remembering there was a camera on him. They also see Lando getting adopted by Martin's close circle of friends and him adopting them in return. And then having been ditched most of the year, Lando's group find an about turn this winter when Martin actually goes on vacation with them for once and they're permitted to get to know him, before they then watch Lando head off to be glued to Martin's hip for more or less the entire rest of the winter break.

And then on Martin's side you have his lifelong friends who yes have become friendly with some other people around him who Martin's good friends with, they know Danny Ric from when Danny goes to Ibiza and they've gotten to know Max over the years, but here Martin is in late 2022 suddenly parachuting this young F1 driver he's only known a handful of weeks right into their Amsterdam world, not even Ibiza but their hometown. They got to know him in that time I guess, and then just as suddenly Martin is going on vacation with this dude, making an effort to fit spending time with him into his hyper-busy schedule. Lando even makes another visit to their hometown mid-summer. And then come end of Summer 2023 they are all on vacation together in Ibiza, Lando is staying with them in a villa there and they have adopted him to the point he's part of their core group celebrating their birthdays. (As an aside, I can't help but think they must have spent much more time with Lando than we know prior to Ibiza 2023 for him to be staying in a villa with them and them calling him family at that stage and for Lando to look so comfortable and at home around them. There has to have been time they have spent with Lando when he has been with Martin that we have no idea about for them to consider him part of their group that way).

Then this winter they've not only watched Martin be essentially glued to Lando's side for a vast majority of his free time and going on vacation with Lando's close circle but have also been witness to their entire carryon, things like the matching clothing, the vacation couple postcard pics etc all of which seems quite out of character even for someone as affectionate as Martin is. Like I've only followed Martin since he became friendly with Lando but I don't see him doing this kinda thing with anyone else. Thinking about it, his friends have likely been witness to their carryon for a while if those loud shirt & shorts combos from Ibiza were anything to go by.

I'll end this now as it's got out of hand (Sorry!) but I really truly would love to know what both sets of friends thoughts are on it all. Like I wonder if they all just realized gradually over time the way things were going or if they've actually had moments of sitting back and going wtf??!!

While I love the idea of an outsider's pov on the insanity of the trajectory of Lando and Martin's relationship, I hesitate to make it sound like Lando's older friends are leaches or that he's abandoned them, and that's something they feel spite for.

Lando did spend time with Max F during the first bit of Summer this year, and I believe Tom was in Ibiza at one point. He's had dinner with Max and Pietra and Pietra's family a few times. We've also seen them together (Tom specifically) in Monaco a few times during non-race weeks with a few of Lando's newer friends. As practically lifelong friends who find themselves on different career and relationship paths, it probably takes a bit of adjusting to changes in plans (e.g., Lando and co not going on the yacht this year).

Meeting someone new and involving yourself with their friends to the point where they become your own doesn't necessarily mean you drop your childhood ones. Sometimes friend groups don't mix and you do different things with each one.

I'm sure both parties though recognize how important each of them are to each other, especially when Lando is so firm with his boundaries and not wanting to talk Martin up. Martin bringing Lando into his group and introducing him to everyone in itself seems to be a very pointed and powerful stance on what he thinks in the first place. It is indeed a little crazy to think about when you stop moving for a minute and let your brain run.

[operafantomet]

The Romanian / Norwegian / Greek / Middle East + European Tour version is really starting to hit many countries and cities now. Along with some photos of the current cast (from the respective webpages I have linked to underneath), here's a complete overview to where it has played so far, and where it will play in 2024-2025 (*):

JAN 2015: Teatrul National de Opereta, Budapest, ROMANIA. This was the prototype, directed by Stephen Barlow and designed by Andrew Riley. Leading trio was Adrian Nour, Irina Ioana Baiant and Florian Ristei, and it was performed in Romanian.

SEPT 2018 - MARCH 2019: Folketeateret, Oslo, NORWAY. This was a much updated version of the original Romanian production, with new costumes, and revamped sets and effects. Leading trio was Espen Grjotheim, Mira Ormala / Astrid Giske and Carl Lindquist, and it was performed in Norwegian.

JAN - MAR 2020: Thessaloniki Concert Hall and Christmas Theatre in Athens, GREECE. This was pretty much the Oslo production, but with some changes for tourability. From Greece on it has only been performed in English, regardless of the location. The original leading trio in Greece was Ben Forster, Celinde Schoenmaker / Amy Manford and Nadim Naaman. The production closed earlier than announced due to Covid.

FEB - MARCH 2023: Christmas Theatre in Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Hall, GREECE. Back in Greece, still in English, still an international cast, even more set and costume changes. This time the leading trio was Tim Howar, Harriet Jones / Georgia Wilkinson and Nadim Naaman.

OCT - DEC 2023: The Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Continuing most of what was the case in Greece, except Nadim Naaman took over the role of the Phantom from Tim Howar, and Dougie Carter took over as Raoul. Was now dubbed "The Middle East Tour". It was the first time a full-scale production of Phantom of the Opera was done in Saudi Arabia.

FEB - MARCH 2024: Dubai Opera, Dubai. Same cast and overall set-up as Riyadh. This production followed in the footsteps of the World Tour (original version), visiting Dubai in 2019.

APRIL 2024: National Palace of Culture, Sofia, BULGARIA. Same cast and overall set-up as Riyadh and Dubai. This was, I think, the first time a city has housed two different non-replica productions. Not at the same time, mind you, as this version touring has meant the local productions are now allowed to perform for some time. This was at least what was announced from the producers in Bulgaria, Serbia and the Czech Republic. Curious.

AUG - SEPT. 2024: National Palace of Culture, Sofia, BULGARIA. The production has announced its return to Sofia this autumn. This due to the sold-out initial run.

OCT 2024: Sagros Campo Pequeno, Lisbon, PORTUGAL. The production has announced a run there from October 15-27, 2024. A concert version has previously been performed in Portugal, but it will be the first time a full-scale production is done.

NOV - DEC 2024: Musical Theater Basel, Switzerland. The production has announced a run there from Nov. 6 to Dec 22, 2024. The original Swiss production 1995-1997 did a hardcore thing of perfoming in both German and English. It will therefore not be the first time POTO is performed there, nor the first time it is performed in English. But it is the first time this exact version visits, and the 1995-1997 one was the original version.

FEB - MARCH 2025: Stadsschouwburg, Antwerp, Belgium. The production has announced a run there from Feb. 6 to March 7, 2025. The original Belgian production ran from 1999-2000, and was performed in the local language, but it will be the first time it is performed in English. It will as such also be the 10th anniversary for this specific touring version, as it premiered in Romania in January 2015.

MARCH 2025: Kongresove Centrum, Prague, Czech Republic. The production has announced a run there from March 19-27, 2025. This means the local production 'Fantom Opery' at Goja Music Hall has been paused. According to the official website the Phantom will be Nadim Naaman, the role of Christine will be shared between Georgia Wilkinson and Bridget Costello, and Raoul will be Dougie Carter.

(*) More dates will likely follow. Kuwait was announced some time back, but cannot be found anywhere now. Also, the local Serbian production announced a break because another version was visiting, so I won't be surprised if Belgrade is added to the list later on.

[hamdan-fazza]

Sheikh Hamdan (فزاع 𝙁𝙖𝙯𝙯𝙖) approves Dubai Marine⚓ Transport Master Plan 2030

During the visit, His Highness met with Hanadi Mohammed Al Doseri, the first Emirati woman to captain a mass marine transport vessel. Al Doseri recounted her journey towards securing the qualifications needed to pilot sub-200 tonne ships on coastal voyages. His Highness expressed his appreciation for the outstanding example set by Emirati women in various fields and their relentless pursuit of excellence. He commended Al Doseri for her accomplishments and wished her continued success in her career. 10 Sep, 2023