Sketchbooks

A cozy, no-pressure book club. **What to Expect:** Welcome to a cozy, relaxed book club built around conversation, curiosity, and community. There is no assigned book and no pressure to finish anything. Come share what you’re currently reading, a past favorite, or a book you’d love to read in the future. We’ll start with casual mingling, move into a light icebreaker, and then open the space for organic book talk and discussion. Expect thoughtful conversations, different perspectives, and a welcoming mix of like-minded and not-so-like-minded readers. **What to bring:** • Yourself • A book you’re reading (or one you love or want to read) • Curiosity and an open mind **Location:** Art & Dine @ The Springs Souk (Near Emirates Hills, Springs, Meadows, Lakes, Hattans) **Policy:** • Attendees are required to avail any item from the menu • Please be respectful and listen when someone else is speaking **Parking:** Free mall parking available **Contact:** Rinku — WhatsApp +971 50 558 2680 This is a warm, judgment-free space to meet new people, exchange ideas, and enjoy stories together.

### No pressure. No judgment. Just books, curiosity, and good company. **What to Expect** This is a relaxed, judgment-free book club created for people who love books, are getting back into reading, or simply enjoy being around curious minds. There is **no assigned book** and **no expectation to finish anything**. Read at your own pace — whether it’s one page, one chapter, or a book you’re still thinking about months later. Come share what you’re currently reading, something you’ve read before, or even a book you hope to start someday. The focus is not on how much you’ve read, but on the conversations, perspectives, and connections that unfold. We’ll begin with casual mingling, ease into a light icebreaker, and then let the discussion flow naturally. Expect thoughtful conversations, diverse viewpoints, and a welcoming mix of readers — fast, slow, and somewhere in between — all while enjoying coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage. **What to Bring** • Yourself • A book you’re reading, have read, or want to read • Curiosity and an open mind **Location** Art & Dine @ The Springs Souk (Near Emirates Hills, Springs, Meadows, Lakes, Hattans) **Policy** • Attendees are required to avail any item from the menu • Please be respectful and listen when someone else is speaking **Parking** Free mall Parking **Contact** Rinku — WhatsApp +971 50 558 2680 This is a warm space to slow down, meet new people, exchange ideas, and feel inspired — without pressure, deadlines, or judgment.

**Basketball 5on5 pick-up game in Dubai.** Every tuesday and thursday. Level is amateur and intermediate. Mixed level. Sign up to participate in whats app +971568723607. Only whats app registering. Adults only. Stats and referee included. Parking, water: available. Баскетбол 5на5 Дубай. Запись через ватс ап +971568723607. Взрослые. Паркинг доступен. Make new friends, socialize, networking, competition, friendship.

Southwest Kazakhstan, called **Mangystau, is a land of vast, wind-whipped deserts and stunning limestone mountains** that form the bottom of deep depression basins. The area boasts an unparalleled variety of desert landscapes and geological wonders, making it a hidden surprise of a **truly extraterrestrial character,** **in a remote Kazakh corner.** At first glance, it may appear as a remote desert wilderness, but take a closer look and you’ll see something more profound: a vast, **natural geometry curved by time**, offering a journey not just across space, but deep into Earth’s prehistoric past. **Here, the nature played an inspired architect** and created colorful canyons, peaks and towers, which are translated today into rainbow castles, yurt mountains or tiramisu valleys. The northern part of the peninsula is covered by fields of limestone concretions and fossils of ancient sea creatures. These fossils provide evidence of the region's connection to the prehistoric sea, housing remnants of fish, sponges, corals, and even whales. You are standing at the shores of Sarmatian Sea, remnants of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean, and the Paratethys, that 250 to 50 million years ago covered the Caspian and Black Seas, to the Aral Lake. **Mangystau is also known for its sacred places**, making it famous in the region. What sets the local mosques apart is that they don't resemble typical Muslim temples with domed roofs and minarets. Instead, their facades are predominantly shaped by nature, showing little evidence of human interference. Today, standing on the ancient seabed under a wide Kazakh sky, **it’s hard not to feel both humbled and awed**. Where forms has been sculpted into infinity, there is no need for sound. **Desert speaks directly to your soul, through its vast and timeless geometry.** [See the clip here](https://vimeo.com/1015662135?share=copy) **Let’s go!** **DAY 1 // Tuesday** Direct flight to Aktau. Arrival, immigration clearance and check-in to hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure. **Day 2 // Wednesday** We will kick start our 4WD expedition into wilderness with **Kapamsay Canyon** \- chalk oasis of white cliffs standing against the azure sky\. In fact it’s a bottom of a dry riverbed\, an amazing hideout with rare but resilient plants\. Further on we continue to **Shakpaktysai Canyon** where will visit first the underground mosque Shakpak-Ata. The underground mosque is carved into a chalky rock mountain. It is known that Sufis who once lived in this cave practiced healing rituals. They helped people who came here seeking a cure for their illnesses. To do this, the sick person was left in the cave overnight. It was believed that during the night, a benevolent spirit would visit the sick person and drive the illness away. Even today, people continue to come here with the hope of being healed. On our list of curiosities of the day, next one is **Valley of Balls** in Torysh. The stone formations of Torysh stretch for hundreds of kilometers on both sides of the hills, creating a unique landscape. Where the rock layers were broken vertically, long ridges made of stones of different sizes were formed. Where the layers were broken horizontally, the stones formed fields filled with round shapes that look like balls, eggs, mushrooms, UFOs, cylinders, nesting dolls, and even animals. Such unusual and imaginative stone fields can be found in the area of Torysh. We continue to **Sherkala rock**, which was once a fortress of the eldest son of Genghis Khan, Jochi. This legendary place was built in the Middle Ages, to secure the paths of Great Silk Way. “Sherkala” – by the translation from Turkmen language means “lion fortress” (“sher” – lion, “kala” – fortress). Time to wrap up and head to our camp for a night in yurts. **DAY 3 // Thursday** Today we are set to explore **Sor Tuzbair, salt flats desert** with chalky hills and limestone cliffs. After rain the salt flats transform into a reflective surface mirroring the sky and the nearby dazzling white cliffs. This sight will stun even those who are not easily impressed. Here you ll learn the names of belemnite and ammonite, while if you re lucky you may come across fossilized prehistoric shark teeth. First we head to **Airakty Mountains,** which look like a magical castle, with spires, towers, columns, and fortress-like walls. The main sights of the valley include mysterious grottos, unusual caves, and formations that resemble palaces with colonnades, temples with domes, and Gothic-style spires. A winding trail, formed by wild horses, leads up one of the mountains. From the top, there is a stunning viewing platform overlooking the distant Aktau Mountains and the fairy-tale castles of Airakty. Next, we’ll stop in **Shetpe village**, where we’ll visit a modern caravanserai and taste local food. From here we continue to **Tuzbair**, a breathtaking natural wonder. This salt flat is a place of pure beauty, defined by just two colors: the brilliant white of the salt and limestone, and the deep blue of the sky on clear days. Approaching Tuzbair from the west offers spectacular views, with three major viewpoints along the way. Today we sleep in **Bozzhira canyon**, where we set up our camp and spend a night under the stars. **DAY 4 // Friday** On the last day of our expedition, its time for well-deserved dessert in the desert! First Tiramisu layers start appearing at **Mt. Bokhty**, which in fact in Kazak means “a pie”. The road passes along the picturesque Ustyurt Plateau. Mount Bokty lies at the bottom of a dry salt flat, bordered on the north by the small hill of Golbanshe, through which a graded road leads to the Becket Ata Mosque. Bokty Mountain is remarkable for its changing appearance. From different angles, it looks completely different — from one side, it resembles a giant ship turned upside down, while from the south, it looks like a wide, multicolored pyramid stretching across the horizon. Further on, **Kyzylkup will not leave any doubts to tiramisu lovers!** Gentle layers continue their horizontal alignment as far as your eye can reach. A last stop at **Karagiye depression (-132 MUSL)** which is one of the deepest places in the world. Its time to head back to the city for farewell dinner and last overnight in the hotel. **DAY 5 // Departure** Its time to head to airport for our return back home. Bye, bye Mangystau! **Level:** Easy with limited facilities. **Activities:** off-roading, striking sightseeing, trekking, yurt and desert camping 2 nights. **Accommodation & meals:** Hotel (dbl sharing) and desert camping. Local meals included, except meals on transfers (in Aktau). **Cost: AED 2,850 excl.** **flights or 7270 AED incl. flights until MAY 20.** **Specifically excluded:** Visas, meals during transfers (in Aktau). **Visas:** cost not included in trip budget: **At the time of writing 60 nationalities are visa free:** EU, GCC, UK, USA, AUS Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Singapore, Turkey, Ukraine. Visa support available through third party. *It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.* See yah at Mangystau x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) // Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Floating in the upper reaches of the Arctic Ocean, far north of mainland Norway and only **about 1000 km from the North Pole**, the Svalbard archipelago feels like the very frontier of the inhabited world, blanketed in snow and ice for much the year. Yet in May, this frozen realm begins to soften. The long polar night is over, daylight returns in full force, and the landscape begins to wake up from winter. Snow still covers the mountains and glaciers, but on lower ground, the **tundra slowly emerges as the thaw sets in**. Bright flowers like purple saxifrage and Arctic poppies dot the otherwise stark scenery, while birds return in growing numbers, reindeer graze on new vegetation, Arctic foxes roam the valleys, and walruses rest on drifting ice. In this magical month of transformation, winter loosens its grip and summer starts edging in. If you’ve ever wanted to unleash your inner Arctic adventurer, this is the perfect time and place to do it. Unlike the deep freeze of colder months, May in Svalbard brings milder temperatures, usually between -5°C and +5°C. **Days stretch longer and longer as the midnight sun approaches**, creating excellent conditions for outdoor exploration. This doesn’t just mean speeding over frozen ground by snowmobile or dogsled. May is also one of the best periods for marine excursions, as retreating sea ice sees fjords begin to open up, making it possible to travel by **boat along glacier walls and remote coastlines**. It also provides us with even more opportunities to spot the true king of the Arctic — the polar bear — roaming along the ice edge. **To visit Svalbard in May is to enter another world:** one that is frozen yet full of life, where darkness never falls, and you’ll feel like you’ve reached the very edge of the planet. Pack your snow boots, and get ready for the spring break of a lifetime. **Let’s go!** **DAY 1 // Arrival in Longyearbyen & ATV Safari** Morning flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, which holds the title of the northernmost town on Earth. It may be small, but this fascinating settlement is humming with life, home to residents, researchers and visitors from around the world. After check-in and a short rest, we’ll waste no time in heading out for our first adventure: exploring the rugged Arctic terrain by four-wheel ATVs. We’ll leave civilization behind as we navigate gravel tracks through wide valleys, surrounded by mountains and vast open landscapes. In the evening, we’ll venture out again, gathering in a remote outpost to enjoy a hot meal and hear stories about life in the High Arctic. As the light lingers late into the night, we’ll keep an eye out for wildlife passing by. **DAY 2 // Fjord Cruise** Today we trade wheels for water and head out onto the fjords. With the ice gradually retreating, May is a prime month for exploring Svalbard’s spectacular coastline by boat. As we sail through Isfjorden, passing icy glacier walls which plunge into the sea, keep your camera ready: seabirds circle above, seals rest on floating ice, and walruses may be spotted along the shore. As we sail through some of the most impressive scenery in the archipelago, our guide will share insights into Arctic ecology, geology, and the delicate balance of this environment. **DAY 3 // High-Speed Coastline Expedition** This day is for the thrill-seekers! We’ll board inflatable polar boats and set off along the wild western coastline of Spitsbergen, heading towards the shifting boundary where solid pack ice meets open sea. Riding low in the water, surrounded by monumental glaciers and ice formations, the scale of the environment can truly be felt here. We’ll keep our eye peeled, as this is prime territory for Arctic wildlife – polar bears often patrol here in search of seals, while seabirds gather in enormous colonies along the cliffs. **DAY 4 // Dogsledding** Our final full day connects us with one of Svalbard’s most iconic traditions: travelling with Greenland dogs. On wheels rather than snow (due to spring conditions), these strong and incredibly energetic dogs will guide us along the valleys and open terrain outside Longyearbyen. We’ll learn more about this quintessentially polar form of transportation, and feel like the Arctic explorers of old as we race through this ancient landscape. Afterwards, we’ll return to town for an afternoon at leisure for souvenir shopping, visiting the local museum, or simply soaking in the extraordinary atmosphere of the High Arctic one last time. **DAY 5 // Departure** Breakfast at the hotel, then we’ll say goodbye to this magical, frozen wilderness, heads and hearts full of memories as we head to the airport for the return flight to Oslo. \*\*\*\* **Level of difficulty:** Moderate **Activities:** ATV drive, boat and RIB cruise, husky dog sledging, sightseeing. **Accommo & meals:** 4 nights in 4 star hotel double sharing, meals excluded. **Cost: 8,350 AED** **excl. flights until APR 17th.** Past this date cost will change. **Flights (excluded from trip budget):** Dubai - Oslo Oslo – Longyearbyen: approx. 450 USD - book early to avoid price hike. **Specifically excluded:** Schengen visa, insurance, flights, meals. See yah in Arctic Circle x **Trekkup Crew** [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [docs@trekkup.com](mailto:docs@trekkup.com) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

​🌊 EID ESCAPE: Turtles, Mountains & Chilly Pools! 🏔🐢 ​Eid break is just around the corner, and the big question is... what’s your plan? ​Is it getting too hot? Worried about the risks of flying or getting stuck far from home? Forget the airport chaos and the heavy flight prices. We have the ultimate holiday escape ready for you—no flights required, just pure adventure! ​MAG promises to make things happen, and this Eid, we are delivering the ultimate mix: Turtles, refreshing water splashes, pristine beaches, and cool mountain weather, all packed into one epic 5-day journey. ​To keep the budget low and the adrenaline high, we are focusing on camping! It means quick movement, absolute freedom, and zero hotel boundaries. Why spend on walls when you can spend on experiences? ​🗺 THE ITINERARY AT A GLANCE ​May 26 (Day 1) – Touchdown & Mountain Tops: We kick off day one by crossing into Oman and landing right on top of a mountain. We’ll pitch camp under the stars, feeling that crisp mountain breeze, getting ready for the action ahead. ​May 27 (Day 2) – Crazy Pools & Turtle Magic: Wake up and dive into a day of pure fun! We are hitting crazy, chilly natural pools for a massive swim and splash session. Once we've cooled off, we head straight to the coast to catch the refreshing ocean breeze and visit an incredible, world-class turtle observation site. Tonight, we camp right on the beach, falling asleep to the sound of the waves. ​May 28 (Day 3) – Sunrise Swim & New Heights: Start your morning with an unforgettable sunrise swim in the ocean. After drying off, we conquer another mountain range to escape the heat, ending the day immersed in a full-day, action-packed pool adventure. ​May 29 & 30 (Days 4 & 5) – The Grand Finale & Chill Drive Back: We cap off our final adventure night camped high on a mountain peak, sharing stories under the night sky. On May 30, we start our easy, relaxed drive back, ensuring everyone is comfortably back in the UAE by the end of the day (or morning of the 31st), completely refreshed. ​🎒 TRIP THEME ​🐢 Turtle Observation | ⛱️ Pristine Beaches | ⛰️ High Mountains | 🏊‍♂️ Deep Pool Swimming | 🏕️ Wild Camping ​💰 INVESTMENT ​Full Adventure Pass: 1,475 AED ​Sightseeing & Chill Pass (No technical water activities): 990 AED ​📝 WHAT'S THE DEAL? ​What’s Included: ​Expert guiding and convoy leadership ​Technical tools and safety equipment for all adventures ​Nature reserve entry fees and crossing logistics ​What’s Not Included: ​Accommodation: Bring your own camping gear! ​Food & Drinks: We keep it flexible—everyone pays for their own meals at local restaurants or brings their campfire favorites. ​Visas: Standard Oman entry/exit fees. ​Transportation: Carpooling is king! However, we have a few seats available in our convoy vehicles for a fee of 450 AED if you want to sit back and enjoy the ride. ​⚡ ARE YOU IN? ​Space in the convoy is limited, and the turtles are waiting. Don't let overthinking trap you at home this Eid. Stop planning, start living, and let's make this holiday unforgettable! ​Drop a message to secure your spot now! 00971558877970

This Eid, we’re offering **the combo trip of your dreams** with this journey across two of Central Asia’s most beautiful and intriguing countries. **Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan** each offer many incredible sights, but **the** **loudest “wows” are usually heard by their pristine, high-altitude lakes,** ranging from deep blue to green to electric turquoise. So we’ve cooked up a trip which takes in the most stunning bodies of water in the region, sure to take your breath away – especially if you decide to take a dip! **Mysterious, mountainous Kyrgyzstan** awes visitors with its idyllic backdrops of green pastures, **alpine lakes and glaciers**, surrounded by dense forest and jagged mountain peaks. Exploring these untouched landscapes on foot and by horseback, traversing hills and valleys where nomads roam, it’s possible to witness a **traditional Kyrgyz way of life which continues as it has for centuries**. **Scenic vistas abound in the magnificent Tchu Valley**, in the northern part of the famed Tien Shan Mountains, a massive mountain range that runs throughout the ‘stans’ and all the way to China. This beautiful, forested river valley stretches more than 100 km from east to west, and is **home to an array of wildlife** such as alpine ibex, ermines, snow leopards, deer, golden eagles, saker falcons, and bearded vultures. Enjoying the pure air and clear, starry skies, our adventure will take us to verdant ***jailoos*, high-altitude summer pastures** that Kyrgyz nomads take their flocks to for grazing in the warmer months. Staying with friendly locals, we’ll learn about the nomadic way of life and spend our nights in cozy yurts. **Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth largest country,** is a rugged natural wonderland of steppes, mountains, woodlands, canyons and lakes. Within its borders lies a section of the Tien Shan range, offering up the gorgeous **Alpine terrain of forests, valleys and snowy peaks** found in the Kolsay Lakes National Park. In this magical landscape shaped by time and tectonics, more than 100 years ago, **a great earthquake** shook these mountains, resulting in the formation of a new body of water: **Lake Kaindy, with its eye catching,** **bright turquoise waters**. What makes this lake really stand out are the **partially submerged spruce trees** which stand in its waters to this day. Ghostly, bare trunks rise out of the chilly waters, making for a striking panorama – and amazing pictures! Nearby are the **Kolsay Lakes, known as the "Pearls of Tien Shan"**, reached by a hike through dense, tranquil forest. Trails connect these stunning bodies of water which range from altitudes of 1800 to 2850 meters, making for a great excuse to stretch our legs. We’ll descend from green heights to dusty depths as we trek into the gorge known as Kazakhstan’s **Grand Canyon**. Known for its stunning similarity to its bigger brother in States, **Charyn Canyon National Park’s** red sandstone rock formations are a stark contrast to the country’s mountainous regions. The **second largest canyon in the world**, Charyn Canyon stretches about 154 km (96 mi) along the banks of the Charyn River. Over millennia, the elements have weathered and shaped the sedimentary rock into **pillars, winding corridors and crevices** just begging to be explored. **Ready to lake it all in? Let's go!** **DAY 0 // TUE MAY 26 // DXB DEPARTURE** Meet at DXB Terminal 3 at 20:30 for our 22:45 flight to Bishkek. **DAY 1 // WED MAY 27 // KYRGYZSTAN ARRIVAL, JAILOO VISIT & KÖL-ÜKÖK LAKE HIKE** Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! We’ll arrive in Bishkek in the early hours. Once we’ve cleared immigration, we’ll grab some breakfast before hitting the road to spend time visiting nomadic villages and immersing ourselves in the rhythm of rural life. We’ll make the 2-hour drive to Kochkor village, heading towards the valley to Tez-Tör *jailoo* (summer pasture). There, we will hop on our horses and make the 3-hour journey to our yurt camp (2400 m). After lunch and a short rest, we’ll discover more about the flora and fauna of the high mountains, and learn how nomadic communities have thrived here for generations. In the afternoon, we’ll tackle the hike to Köl-Ükök lake (3000 m), offering a beautiful view of the glacier. Dinner at the camp and overnight in our yurts. **DAY 2 // THU MAY 28 // NOMAD LIFE, ISAKEEV HIKE & TCHU VALLEY** This morning we’ll enjoy a traditional nomad breakfast and the warm hospitality of our hosts, sharing in the daily life of a Kyrgyz family in their environment. After, we’ll hit the trail for a 3-hour hike to Isakeev, then transfer to Kochkor village, where we’ll enjoy another local welcome with lunch at a home stay. In the afternoon, we’ll make the drive through the beautiful Tchu Valley before arriving back in Bishkek, where we’ll visit the market for a bit of souvenir shopping, followed by dinner. Overnight in hotel. **DAY 3 // FRI MAY 29 // INTO KAZAKHSTAN & ALMATY** Today we’ll set off on the drive to Almaty, taking in the stunning scenery along the way. We’ll make the land border crossing into Kazakhstan and stop for lunch. Upon arrival, we’ll take a quick city tour of Almaty, then head to our hotel for overnight. **DAY 4 // MAY 30 // KOLSAY LAKES & LAKE KAINDY** After breakfast we’ll hit the road to Kolsay Lakes National Park. Today we’ll power through two treks, first making our way between the Kolsay lakes, taking in the fresh air and natural beauty that surrounds us. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, then follow the trail to Lake Kaindy, where there will be plenty of time to get some incredible pictures of this submerged forest. In the afternoon, there’s an option to do some horse riding at the village. Overnight at a homestay. **DAY 5 // SUN MAY 31 // CHARYN CANYON** Today we head into a completely different landscape, driving through semi-arid desert to reach Charyn Canyon. Home to a large number of rare and endangered species of animals, and featuring impressive cliffs and dramatic rock formations, we’ll trek inside the gorge to see it from various angles and marvel and at the multicolored layers of sediment, worn and shaped by weather and time. In the afternoon we’ll return to Almaty and enjoy dinner in local restaurant followed by airport transfer for return flight to Abu Dhabi. **Level of difficulty:** easy, available for beginners. **Activities:** trekking, sightseeing, optional horse riding. **Accommodation. & meals:** included - accommodation in yurts, hotel, guesthouse - double sharing, local meals. Single room at extra cost, subject to availability. **Cost: AED 4,900 excluding flights, until MAY 20th.** Past this date please inquire about cost and availability. **Specifically excluded:** Any costs related to visas, insurance, restaurant meals on transfers (Almaty, Bishkek), optional horse riding, entry fees if any. **Visas:** cost not included in trip budget. *It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination at the time of travel.* **Kyrgyzstan:** Many passports get visa free entry, for the rest [e-visa](https://www.evisa.e-gov.kg/): Visa free entry for UAE residents, holders of passports such as Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan. **Kazakhstan:** At the time of writing **60 nationalities** are visa free, such as: EU, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, UK, US, Vietnam. **Other Passports:** Consulate or [Evisa](https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service), third party support available. See yah at Lakes x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 - 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)

Join us for the very first gathering of the Bookends Business Book Club. This opening meetup will be a relaxed introduction to the new club. No specific book has been chosen, this session is all about getting to know each other, sharing ideas, and shaping the direction of the club together. We’ll talk about: * What kind of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth books members are interested in * How the club will be coordinated going forward * What everyone hopes to gain from the discussions * Books we’ve already read and would recommend to others * Possible themes and book choices for future meetups Whether you enjoy biographies, leadership lessons, startup stories, strategy books, or practical business reads, this is a chance to help build a thoughtful and engaging business book community from the start. Come ready to share what you’ve been reading, what inspires you, and what you’d like this club to become.

Join us for our next **Freehands art** meetup! - Free 🖌️☕ 📍 **Location:** Le Pain Quotidien, Dubai Marina Mall ⏰ **Time:** 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Unwind, sketch, and let your creativity flow in a cozy, inspiring atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just love to doodle, this is the perfect space to express yourself, meet like-minded creatives, and enjoy great conversations over coffee. Bring your sketchbook, enjoy a warm drink, and let your imagination take over! No experience needed—just your passion for creativity! **📩 RSVP Now!** Let us know you're coming, WhatsApp: +971554413995, so we can save you a seat. Can't wait to see you there! 🎨✨ Check our previous gatherings photos: https://www.meetup.com/freehand/photos/35584362/ #FreehandImagination #ArtMeetup #DubaiArtists #SketchAndSip

*Canvas & Contemplation: Deep Reflections Through Paintings* **Fee:** AED 30 **Duration:** 2 hours **Format:** Two paintings, one per hour — deep group discussion follows each What happens when philosophy meets paint and canvas? Welcome to **Canvas & Contemplation: Deep Reflections Through Paintings**, a unique gathering where we explore the profound connection between visual art and the human experience. Each session, we’ll sit with two powerful artworks — not to critique them like art historians, but to let them speak to our minds and souls. You'll be surprised by the range of interpretations one painting can evoke — where one person sees despair, another may find hope; where one sees chaos, another finds divine order. This is a space for meaningful, respectful conversation that opens us up to new perspectives and helps us see more — in the art, and in ourselves. Whether you're a philosopher at heart, an artist in spirit, or simply curious about how we see and feel, this event offers a space to slow down, look deeply, and think together. **Come with an open mind, leave with new eyes.** **Whatsapp link**: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FytQQgS85I61vS6nkduLm5

Hello All if you like to join our what'app group to receive our monthly updates. Please join under this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KriZ3ly93rsJz9LrD3bhVd Books and Booze Rana

These readings can help you see situations and problems from a different perspective. Sometimes, that's all you need to solve a problem. I'll draw cards to offer insights. Please note that these readings are for **ENTERTAINMENT** only and are **NOT to be taken seriously**. **AED 200 for an hour** **AED 100 for 30 minutes** **Note: Please message me privately to book your slot. First come, first served!** You may also book an online reading if you find that more convenient. **Whatsapp group link**: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FytQQgS85I61vS6nkduLm5

**Basketball training and coaching for beginners and intermediate.** Training and coaching adults basketball. Beginners and intermediate. Whats app +971568723607. S-Basketball. Тренировки по баскетболу в Дубай. Начинающие и опытные. Запись через ватс ап +971568723607 #basketball #dubai #баскетбол #дубай

Big Ohio Book Con "A convention for book lovers all over Ohio (and beyond)! Author panels, signings, bookish vendors, meet & greets, and more!" Featuring more than 100 authors, more than 50 bookish vendors, and plenty of exciting activities throughout the event! Travel with fellow book lovers or meet us at the event. Park for free at the Medina Convention Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Ohio 44256, then hop aboard one of the free shuttles whenever you’re ready for your next bookish adventure! The convention spans three neighboring locations, giving you even more to explore and enjoy.

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.