From the Editors: Take advantage of World’s largest book sale in Dubai

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WORLD’S LARGEST BOOK SALE IN DUBAI: More than one million books are up for grabs with huge discounts at the Big Bad Wolf Books – the world’ biggest book sale—in Dubai from April 14 to 24. The event reinforces Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for knowledge enthusiasts. The Big Bad Wolf Books aligns with many of Dubai Culture’s sectoral priorities to promote the reading habit. Readers can access a variety of high-quality books, from bestseller titles, novels, science fiction, romance, literature and graphic novels, to books on business, self-help, architecture, cooking among many others. Book lovers must take advantage of the mega book sale and visit the event with their families as it offers books for everyone in the family. [Ashfaq Ahmad, Senior Assistant Editor]

UAE RETIALERS MUST MAKE THE RAMADAN OFFERS COUNT: This Ramadan and the Eid holidays, retailers in the UAE need to work harder to convince shoppers that they getting real value-for-money deal. The same applies to anyone thinking of offering promotions, because consumers are getting extra sensitive about price movements since the start of the year. As for shoppers in the UAE, this is the time to truly check the merits of any offer they come face to face with – because there are genuine deals out there. And they needn’t come with a straight X per cent discount. [Manoj Nair, Senior Assistant Editor]

CUPSETS GALORE IN EUROPA LEAGUE: It was a night of huge shocks in the quarterfinals of the Europa League. First of all, Barcelona were knocked out of the competition on home soil by Eintracht Frankfurt who secured a dramatic victory. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Germans raced into a 3-0 lead at the Nou Camp before the Spanish giants hit back with two goals to set up a tense finish but they went out 4-3 on aggregate. Barca have been on a great run of form since Xavi took over from Ronald Koeman as coach but they came undone by the Bundesliga club. Meanwhile, West Ham beat Lyon 3-0 in the other surprise result of the night and will now meet Frankfurt in the semi-final. It is the London club’s first European semi-final in 46 years and they deserved their spot after a brilliant second-leg performance. The first leg ended 1-1 in London but goals from Craig Dawson, Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen gave the Premier League club a memorable win. It’s been a superb season for the Hammers under David Moyes as they remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot, and it could still get a lot better with some silverware to show for it come the end of the campaign. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

LOVE CONQUERS ALL: Bollywood A-listers Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who got married yesterday in an intimate traditional ceremony in Mumbai, has taught us a thing or two about keeping things simple. There was a time when garish display of wealth and gold were the highlights of most celebrity weddings, but Alia and Ranbir seems to have strayed from the usual bling-filled path. The dreamy pictures, revealed by Bhatt on her social media, showed a couple who wanted to celebrate their love for each other rather than their material possessions. They got married in their balcony of their home, a place that was close to both of them rather than choosing some destination in an exotic European locale. And, you can’t help admire them for keeping things non-fussy and frill-free. Here’s hoping more celebrities – who are idolised and mimicked by millions of fans globally – join this trend of keeping weddings understated and classy.[COMMENT BY: Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features ]