Boston is a place that doesn't need much introduction. It may not be the biggest city in the US, but it is one of the oldest. It was the scene for several pivotal events in the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783 and has many sites dedicated to the conflict, including the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere's house, the Bunker Hill Monument and more. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's only for history buffs. With world-class universities, including Harvard, MIT and Berklee College of Music, plus major museums and sports teams, this Massachusetts city always buzzes.
My top tours
Sports fans can head to Kenmore Square for a Red Sox game at Fenway Park (the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball) or go to North Station and TD Garden to see the Bruins or Celtics play. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants around the bustling district.
If food is your thing, discover Boston's Chinatown and enjoy some dim sum or grab a milk tea at Gong Cha, Chatime and Tea-Do, which are all located within walking distance of one another. If the weather is nice, you can also walk up to the Boston Common and take in this beautiful park.
There are plenty of museums to visit as well. Take your pick from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Children's Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History and John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, to name a few of my favourites.
My hidden gem
Check out the Institute of Contemporary Art in the Seaport District in South Boston and enjoy the outdoor amphitheatre that faces the Boston Harbour. It’s a quiet spot away from the city, offering a peaceful place to simply sit, relax and people-watch.
My one must-do
Attend or even participate in the Boston Marathon. The event began in 1897 and is one of the oldest marathons in the world. It takes place every third Monday in April. The 42-kilometre race sees most of the city and surrounding towns close. Despite the tragic bombings of 2013, the event still has a great turnout. It captures the Boston spirit and you might even see a world record set.
My favourite eats
Boston has taken full advantage of being home to people hailing from so many different cultures, especially in the food scene. Hei La Moon and China Pearl are two eateries with delicious grub in Chinatown. Grab some cannoli at the famed Mike's Pastry in the North End – you'll probably face a wait, but it's worth it. Boston is also home to the chocolate dessert bar Max Brenner, just one of three in the US. Finally, for something with more New England flavour, head to Legal Seafoods, Atlantic Fishing Co or Legal Harborside in the Seaport district. At the latter, you can enjoy dinner with gorgeous panoramic views of the harbour.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: CVT
Power: 170bhp
Torque: 220Nm
Price: Dh98,900
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
How to volunteer
The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
