#pre school in dubai

[diamondnursery]

Preparing Your Child for Success: The Importance of Pre-KG Education in Dubai 

In the vibrant and rapidly evolving city of Dubai, parents constantly seek the best opportunities for their children. One of the most crucial steps in laying a strong foundation for future success is pre-kindergarten (Pre-KG) education. This early stage of learning is not just about playing with toys and making friends; it is a pivotal period that shapes a child's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Here’s why Pre-KG schools in Dubai is indispensable for your child's growth and future success. 

The Foundation of Learning 

Pre-KG education is designed to nurture a child’s natural curiosity and love for learning. At this tender age, children are like sponges, absorbing information from their surroundings. A structured Pre-KG environment provides them with the tools to explore and make sense of the world around them. Through age-appropriate activities, children develop essential skills such as: 

Language and Communication: Exposure to rich vocabulary and structured interactions helps children develop strong language skills, which are critical for reading and writing in later years. 

Cognitive Skills: Engaging activities that involve counting, sorting, and problem-solving lay the groundwork for logical thinking and analytical skills. 

Motor Skills: Fine and gross motor skills are honed through activities like drawing, cutting, and outdoor play, which are essential for physical development. 

Social and Emotional Development 

Pre-KG education also plays a significant role in shaping a child’s social and emotional well-being. In a Pre-KG setting, children learn to: 

Build Relationships: Interacting with peers and teachers helps children develop social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy. 

Understand Emotions: Through guided activities and play, children learn to recognize and manage their emotions, leading to better self-regulation and resilience. 

Develop Confidence: A supportive and nurturing environment boosts a child’s confidence and self-esteem, encouraging them to take on new challenges and be independent. 

Preparation for Formal Schooling 

The transition from home to formal schooling can be challenging for many children. Pre-KG education serves as a bridge, easing this transition by familiarizing children with a structured routine and classroom environment. By the time they enter kindergarten, children who have attended Pre-KG are often more adaptable, attentive, and ready to engage in formal learning. 

Cultural Awareness and Diversity 

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and Pre-KG classrooms reflect this diversity. Children are exposed to various languages, traditions, and perspectives from an early age, fostering a sense of global awareness and inclusivity. This multicultural exposure not only enriches their learning experience but also prepares them to thrive in a globalized world. 

Parental Involvement 

In Dubai, many Pre-KG programs actively encourage parental involvement, recognizing the critical role parents play in their child's education. Workshops, parent-teacher meetings, and regular communication between educators and parents ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom. This collaborative approach helps reinforce learning at home and creates a supportive network for the child. 

Choosing the Right Pre-KG Program 

Given the importance of Pre-KG education, selecting the right program is crucial. When choosing a Pre-KG in Dubai, consider the following factors: 

Curriculum: Look for a curriculum that balances academic learning with play-based activities. 

Teacher Qualifications: Qualified and experienced teachers are essential for providing high-quality education and care. 

Facilities: Ensure the school has safe, clean, and stimulating environments that support various types of learning and play. 

Reputation: Seek feedback from other parents and visit the school to get a sense of the environment and culture. 

Conclusion 

Pre-KG education is a vital investment in your child's future. In Dubai, where educational standards are high and the competition is fierce, providing your child with a strong start through Pre-KG can make all the difference. It sets the stage for lifelong learning, equipping children with the skills, confidence, and adaptability they need to succeed in school and beyond. As a parent, choosing the right Pre-KG program is one of the most significant decisions you can make to ensure your child's bright and successful future. 

[atamityschool]

Selecting the best Pre-KG Indian school in Dubai requires in-depth investigation, individual evaluations, and interaction with the school community. Following admissions deadlines, comprehending course offers, assessing school amenities, and matching values are all essential components of making an informed choice for your child's educational path. Ideally, contact schools directly or visit their official websites to understand procedures involved in school admission in UAE. https://amityschooldubai.com/admissions-process

[wondercubsnursery]

Discover the best daycare preschool and nursery in Dubai, offering a British curriculum, located in Mamzar and Al Nahda.

[bluebirdnurseryae]

Nursery Tours

Discover the fun world of Blue Bird Nursery on our easy, guided Nursery Tours. Explore where kids play and learn happily. Join us for a joyful adventure!.

[bestdaycaredubai]

Montessori schools play a pivotal role in nurturing students with well-rounded personalities and distinct learning abilities. Witness your child develop a profound passion for learning that not only establishes a strong educational foundation but also ignites a blend of knowledge and curiosity, setting the stage for a remarkable future via our Montessori school in Dubai.

[leadsnursery]

For a child, going to playschool is a small but very significant step in the overall scheme of things. It gives them a huge amount of exposure to the outside world, away from the confines of their homes, where they are pampered and treated as babies with no responsibility. Many research has been conducted on the importance of playschool or nursery, and they all show that those children who are taught from an early age always have a greater tendency to be more confident.

[kp777]

By Damian Carrington

The Guardian

June 15, 2023

Rich countries are signing a “death sentence” for millions of poor people around the world by failing to phase out fossil fuels, the climate activist Greta Thunberg has told governments. She warned on Tuesday that with annual greenhouse gas emissions at an all-time high, only a “rapid and equitable” phaseout of fossil fuels would keep global temperatures within the scientifically advised limit of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. “The coming months and years – right now – will be crucial to what the future looks like. It is what we decide now that will define the rest of humanity’s future,” she told a press conference at UN talks in Bonn, where governments are meeting to discuss the climate crisis. “If we do not [phase out fossil fuels], it will be a death sentence for countless people. It is already a death sentence for countless people,” she said. Thunberg last Friday announced the end of her school strikes, which she has been undertaking on Fridays since 2018 in protest at political inaction on the climate crisis. The campaigner has left school but intends to carry on speaking out on climate issues, while also giving the spotlight to youth voices from the developing world. She said a lack of political will to halt fossil fuel exploration and use was threatening to raise global temperatures by more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, which could lead the climate to pass “tipping points”, a cascade of impacts that could create runaway global heating. “We are still rushing towards the cliff. We could trigger feedback loops that are beyond human control, that would throw countless billions under the bus,” she said. The question of phasing out fossil fuels is expected to be a flashpoint at the Cop28 UN climate talks later this year. The summit will take place in Dubai, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, a major oil and gas producer. Many countries would like to see Cop28 produce a formal resolution to phase out fossil fuels, or at least to discuss such a phaseout as an official agenda item at the summit. But some countries, chiefly fossil fuel producers including Saudi Arabia, are staunchly opposed, and the UAE presidency has been cautious, saying there is not yet agreement on the agenda. Chairing the talks will be Sultan Al Jaber, a minister in the UAE government who is also chief of the country’s national oil company, Adnoc, which is planning a massive expansion of fossil fuel production capacity. Eric Njuguna, a climate justice organiser from Kenya, speaking with Thunberg, said Al Jaber’s dual role was a conflict of interest, and called on him to resign. “It is a stab in the back for poor countries to have a fossil fuel CEO on top of efforts to constrain the climate crisis,” he said. Al Jaber has told the Guardian he will bring a “business mindset” to the talks, and pointed to his role as co-founder of the Masdar renewable energy company in UAE. He visited the Bonn talks last Thursday, and told a public meeting: “The phase down of fossil fuels is inevitable.” But he stopped well short of promising to put a phaseout of fossil fuels on the Cop28 agenda. The talks in Bonn, which started last Monday and will end on Thursday, are to lay the groundwork for Cop28, the conference of the parties under the UN framework convention on climate change, which begins on 30 November. Progress at Bonn has been slow. Last week’s discussions were characterized by disputes over rich countries that are failing to provide financial assistance to developing countries, to help them cut their greenhouse gas emissions and cope with the impacts of the climate crisis. Alden Meyer, a senior associate at the thinktank E3G, said: “Much more work remains to be done to land an agreement at Cop28 for a just and equitable reduction of fossil fuel production and use in a time frame that’s consistent with the Paris [agreement] 1.5C goal.”

[leftnotright]

A TEXTBOOK EDUCATION

"This will be a skill-building experience. You've had it too easy. You've had your Family name to back you, and your Right Hand at your every call. It's time you learn to carry yourself, to build from the ground up." Dino Cavallone, the Cavallone Don, fresh out of high school.

Reborn, the deadliest hitman of the modern era, has a special kind of torture up his sleeve for his dear struggling student. Dino will have to see how well he handles alienation, isolation, and worst of all, class participation. “Now, go on, my useless student Dino. Let’s continue your education.” (Or: Reborn sends Dino to Australia. It goes better than he could have ever hoped.)

Parings: N/A Characters: Dino (Katekyou Hitman Reborn!), Vic Hunt (OC - Original Character), Reborn (Katekyou Hitman Reborn!), Romario (Katekyou Hitman Reborn!), Cavallone Famiglia, Enzo (Katekyou Hitman Reborn!), Original Characters Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, University, Pre-Canon, Financial Issues, Fluff And Angst

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7

CHAPTER 5: EVEN IF WE GOTTA RISK IT ALL

Dino’s coffee table was covered in papers, every page of debt he had available on display with their numbers highlighted and circled. Open on his computer was an internet window with several tabs all squashed together along the top. Dino reached over and moved his cursor across the words: ‘MELBOURNE CUP 2022 WINNINGS FIRST PLACE: $4,400,000’. 

“A bonus of $500,000 for the owner, if their horse won the group one Irish St. Leger run the previous September,” Dino uttered slowly, reading the details of the Melbourne Cup with slow, careful eyes. He penned it down.

The Melbourne Cup didn’t have the largest purse in horse racing, just a bit of skimming had told Dino that. On a notepad, Dino had written down: ‘ DUBAI WORLD CUP $7.2MIL, KENTUCKY DERBY $1.8MIL, THE EVEREST $6.2MIL (IN SYDNEY!)’

But out of all the horse races, especially in the catchment of Australia, the Melbourne Cup had, by far, the greatest reputation. ‘The race that stops the nation’. What a title.

If Dino were to try and get more bang for his buck, he’d have been wiser to go for the Everest or Dubai. However, Dino wasn’t trying to be a one-hit wonder. With the Melbourne Cup came fame, a name backing his horses and the Cavallone brand. If Dino won the Melbourne Cup, it would only make enrolling in richer races all the more simple. 

A meagre four million wasn’t going to put much of a dent in the Cavallone’s debts. No, winning one race wasn’t going to pull them out of the red. Dino was going to be in this for the long haul, participating in one race after another. 

 He needed numbers. As many hooves on the track as possible to increase his chances of winning high positions if not first place. The more horses Dino had in the races, the more prize money he could rake in - and hopefully, break even.

Racing costs money. 

Training, for both jockey and horse. Transportation, feeding, accommodation, equipment and uniforms. All of that came after the original enrollment payments, and for the Melbourne Cup, there were rounds of it. Three to be exact. 

And that was just the Melbourne Cup. 

Dino grimaced and sipped a cup of water, blessedly cold after Dino had found the ice rack in the freezer. He put the glass against his temple and sighed.

There wasn’t much more he could do by himself. Before Dino ran off with this idea, with all his hopeful ‘what if’s and ‘we could’s, Dino would have to present his case to the Family. And since this was going to involve the horses and a whopping portion of the Cavallone funds, he was going to have to talk to the Stable Master and the Vault Keeper. 

That was a full-blown Family Meeting, Dino had never called one of those before! The last time Dino had even seen the Vault Keeper was-

Dino took a slow breath and concentrated on the feeling of cold perspiration dripping down the side of his face. 

The last time Dino had seen the Vault Keeper was the day of his succession and within the hour of his father’s death. 

The Stable Master, at least, Dino knew quite well. 

“Okay,” Dino murmured to Enzo who peeked out from under the coffee table. “For a formal Family Meeting, who do I need to call? Right Hand, Stable Master, Vault Keeper, probably the Head of Housekeeping to keep them in the loop and-” Dino winced, “Available Guardians.”

The Cavallone Don groaned as he flopped back on the couch, still holding that glass to his forehead to try and ward off that headache he felt creeping up on him. 

It wasn’t working. 

☁ ☁ ☁

 The first thing Vic noticed when Dino stumbled into class was that he was all but dead on his feet. The poor guy was slumped over in his seat, resting heavily on the desk in front of him. 

 Vic came and found her seat next to Dino at their group’s table. She unpacked her laptop and produced a folder, full of the handouts and the straws and blu-tack for their activity. 

“How’re you doing?” Vic asked, and gave Dino a gentle nudge.

Dino’s arm slipped out from under his jaw and his head hit the desk with a ‘ bang! ’. Vic cursed as heads snapped around and quickly moved to scoop up Dino’s head, hissing at the red mark on the boy’s forehead.

“Fuck,” she wheezed and Dino blinked widely, very much awake now. “You’re in a fucking state! When did you go to bed?”

“Uuuh,” Dino squinted as he rubbed his head, “The, uh-”

Vic had the sudden and horrible feeling that this boy hadn’t actually gone to sleep that night. She looked to her folder, then to the lesson’s tutor who was setting up the projector for the day’s rostered presentation: Social Class.

Oh fuck.

Where the hell was Jess? Vic looked at her phone and saw a text in the group chat.

Jessica Cheng

Hi guys, really sorry the trains are being replaced by buses, I’m gonna be like 10 minutes late. 

Jessica Cheng

Can we just move the activity after Vic and I’ll come in last?

Jessica Cheng

I’ll sprint it, I promise

Vic twitched and looked at the clock. They were only required to speak for three minutes each. Dino looked like he could speak for less. 

She groaned and rubbed her head before sending a text back.

Vic Hunt

Sure, we’ll buy you time.

Jessica Cheng

Kk see you soon

Jessica went abruptly offline then and Vic only hoped she was able to get across campus fast enough. 

“I will be okay,” Dino grumbled from inside his pillow of arms. “May speak, uh, slowly. But it will be done.”

Vic looked to Dino and then slumped in her chair. She took a breath through her nose and out her mouth, her feet pressed hard into the carpeted floor. 

“Yeah. Yeah, sure, we’ll be fine.”

“Dino, Jessica and Vic,” the tutor called and Vic grimaced.

By the end of their tutorial, Jess had scampered off to catch her bus home and Dino and Vic had chosen a sunny patch of grass by the Macquarie University's lake to wallow on. Vic was laid out on her back, her limbs still throbbing with nerves after public speaking adlib with Jess coming not ten, but fifteen minutes late to class. 

Vic was sure she had covered the same point twice with multiple stutters and ‘uh’s. 

“That sucked,” Vic whined loudly.

Dino appeared in her peripheral, sat at her side, and gave a weak smile of agreement. Vic had no idea what he was talking about. Despite his loose hold on English - that was only getting better, she kept reminding him - he had spoken with some kind of damning confidence in his voice that made Vic want to kick him in the shins for making her think he was going to all but faint on her. He spoke like he was used to presenting to groups of people! The bastard!

Vic frowned at him severely, before rolling over in the grass and burying her face in her backpack.

“I believe we- we did very well!” Dino assured and Vic huffed when he gave her a pat on the back. Then under his breath she heard him whisper, “How are you not sweaty?”

“Not everyone had pores like a waterfall,” Vic answered before turning her head and asked, “And what the fuck Dino? You were acting like you were going to die when we got up to speak but as soon as we got that slide up you might have well have been Steve fucking Jobs releasing the new iPhone!”

Dino blinked, and then he curled in on himself. His ears flushed red and Vic had the sudden and intense urge to ask if he had put sunscreen on them today. 

“I, uh, hesitated a lot.”

“No more than I fucking did,” Vic pointed out, “And dude your projection. The teacher had to ask Jess to speak up -- and asked me to slow down. Your pacing was spot on!”

Once again, Dino ducked his head and Vic was reminded of Enzo recoiling back after bumping into her thermos during a study session. 

“You know what? Fuck it, you’re helping me with my public speaking skills from now on. You could sell water to a drowning man.” Vic demanded, before reaching out and poking at Dino’s cargo shorts’ pocket. “Now, release the baby.”

Dino laughed and unpacked Enzo from his pocket, the little turtle stubbornly hiding in his shell even when he was placed on the grass between them, safely in Dino’s shadow. Vic grinned and rolled over to her side, cooing happily as the presence of Enzo soothed her academically injured soul.

 “Hello! Oh hello,” Vic chirped, a complete one-eighty flip from the grumpy, huffy mood she had been in before. “He’s not coming out.”

“Too much sun,” Dino offered, gesturing to the heat that bathed the whole lake despite the students that spotted the valley.  

Vic hummed, it didn’t feel too hot to her. But then again, Enzo had spent most of his life in Italy with Dino. Then she poked Enzo’s shell and saw an eye peeking out at her in great disgruntlement.

“Wait,” Vic sat up and stared at the lake. “Wait, he's a turtle, he can go in the lake! A nice swimmy!” 

Dino’s head snapped around. 

 “After being in your stuffy-ass pocket, a good swim must be exactly what he needs!” Vic insisted, grinning with teeth again.

Dino snatched Enzo up off the ground before Vic could grab him, a nervous smile on his face and a whole new sheet of sweat going down his neck. 

“No! No, uh, Enzo is a- a saltwater turtle! I do not know if the lake water will agree with him.”

Vic paused. Fuck he was right. She winced and scratched the back of her head, feeling bits of grass and leaves come out. 

“Right, sorry, didn’t think about that.” 

God that was a dick move. What was she going to do, grab someone’s emotional support turtle and dump it wherever? Think it through Vic!

“It is okay,” Dino assured, and Vic nearly jumped when he touched her arm -- wow, his hand was moist. “It wouldn’t have hurt him. Enzo is a strong boy.”

Then he reached across and gently placed Enzo in her lap, still once again in his shadow. 

“I don’t think he is liking how warm I am,” Dino laughed.

Vic looked down at Enzo in her lap, then to Dino’s open face. She tucked her chin into her chest and bit down on her smile.

Vic spun and flopped back onto her back with a huff, relaxing all over as she lay in the sun. On her stomach, she felt Enzo shuffle around until he settled on the soft, pillowy space of her stomach.

Dino reached into his pocket and fed the still-hiding Enzo a pellet at a time.

“So, what were you even doing for the whole night?” Vic asked.

Dino shrugged, “Uh, I’ve been investigating. Learning about horse racing, and dealing with some Family issues.” 

Vic hummed lowly, “You’re really keen on that racing idea.”

Dino smiled, and leant back on his hands, voice quiet as he said, “If we can race again…It may save my Family.”

Vic blinked, then tilted her head as she observed him. Vic had only known Dino for little over just a month now, but she felt like she had a loose, if not a reasonable, grasp on one of Dino’s core values: Family.

To Dino, family always comes first. In fact, most of their conversations had at some point turned to family. Dino, at this point, could list off all of Vic’s cousins, aunts and uncles, and Vic was sure she would have to fight Romario for adoption rights.

The ‘Dino Adoption’ debate had become a rather hot topic in the Hunt Houses, a split between factions: To-Adopt, and Not-To-Adopt. Not-To-Adopt was dwindling in numbers, however, with every Dino or University-centric rant Vic sent home. Robbie’s crown was slipping, and Vic’s mum had started a guest bedroom Pinterest inspo-board. 

Vic, her mum and her grandma had been steadfastly ignoring Robbie’s screaming voice messages that ‘we don’t even have a spare room!’

Her dad had always liked carpentry, Vic was sure he’d come up with something. He was always rather smart with his hands — something Vic’s mum liked to sing praises of until someone begged her to shut up over a sea of gagging children. Maybe he’d build a barnyard style granny-flat. Speaking of barns—

“So, like, you’ve been breeding horses for years. You got any cute ones? Like, ones that are fluffy?”

Vic felt like she had at least a loose grip on Dino, and nothing got ‘horse girl’ Dino talking like his horses. Only ask for photos if you’ve got the next few hours free. Dino’s Econ tutorial had been cancelled, they had the whole day.    

The things Vic did to keep her soon-to-be-adopted Dino happy. 

Dino was already fumbling for his phone by the time Vic had uttered the words ‘fluffy’. 

“We have this Przewalski Mongolian! Ah! Beautiful coat! So good to brush, and when she’s freshly bathed!?” 

Dino turned his phone and Vic wheezed at the horse, covered in thick packed fuzz and fur. 

“Oh God, hugging that? Fuckin’ bliss,” Vic all but swooned. “I wanna be squished between two.”

Then she paused, sat up and squinted at the corner of Dino’s screen.

“Gimme that.” Vic took Dino’s phone despite the squawk of alarm and zoomed out to see what Dino had tried to hide. 

In the background of the photo was an early highschool-aged Dino, sporting braces on his teeth and several bandaids all over, and being dragged by the waist of his pants by some huge stallion. The panic and flurry of multiple stablehands and Romario himself attempting to save Dino, a direct contrast to the peaceful grazing of the Mongolian in the foreground. 

Vic snorted before wheezing out her whole lung capacity. Enzo gave a disgruntled click and slipped off Vic’s jumping stomach as she continued to laugh, only fuelled by Dino’s betrayed and indignant babbling. 

Dino lept to take his phone back, but their squabble of hands shifted and zoomed until baby-Dino’s face, crumpled and folded in unflattering fear, took up the screen. Vic doubled over again, cackling with belly and teeth.

Dino huffed as he stole back his phone and moved the picture on screen safely back into his camera roll. He crossed his arms and waited for Vic to be done.

 She took a huge breath, glanced at Dino's face, and then promptly let out another belt of laughter.

 “It was not that funny!” Dino scolded, helping Enzo up into his lap.

 “It was!” Vic gasped, and Dino gave her a smack on the arm.

 “Ah! Abuse! In front of the child!”

 “Enzo has seen worse.”

 “No, my baby,” Vic cried quietly, and rolled over to mourn the sweet turtle’s lost innocence.

 Dino huffed and shifted on the spot, phone in his hands.

 “...We also have a new Haflinger foal,” he said and, this time with an iron grip on his phone, showed Vic the knobbly-kneed foal beside its mother.

 Vic snorted and settled down in the sunbathed grass to be once again regaled of the Cavallone’s prized herd. As always, Dino spoke rapidly. Stumbling over words, ‘ahs’ and ‘ums’, repetition and mistakes not slowing him down in the least as he raved about the last Spring’s yield of four new foals. What Vic couldn’t understand through a thick accent or patchy English-Italian half-words, Vic could fill in with the side gestures Dino made. Vic had heard that Italians spoke with their hands, and Dino was only supporting that stereotype as he drew the shape of a massive mare.

 “Nearly two me’s!” Dino exclaimed.

 Vic imagined a horse that stood well over her own height and immediately felt the need to climb on one. She’d never ridden a horse before, but surely you just, like, clamber up and hold on for dear life.

Dino’s great tale was interrupted, however, when a shrill, aghast voice cut through the afternoon.

“ What the fuck is that!? ”

Dino’s head snapped around and Vic sat up as she saw a girl break off from her group and come storming over. The rest of her group were calling out to her, one of them tried to grab her by her bag.

Vic blinked slowly as the girl came to a stop at Dino’s side, her hackles raised with some kind of righteous anger in her eyes. 

Vic glanced to Dino and asked, “Ah, this your ex or something?”

Dino looked to Vic with wild confusion, “I do not know, I-”

“This is illegal!” The girl snapped and Dino let out a yelp as her hand lashed out and scooped up the still-tucked Enzo. 

In an instant, that warm calm that had utterly steeped Vic’s body flushed out.  

“Oi!” Vic bellowed and sprung to her feet, fists clenched. “What the fuck are you doing?!”

A hot anger boiled in Vic’s blood, Dino’s horror-struck expression only fueling it as he tried to organise himself and ask for Enzo back.

“This!” The girl shouted again, shoving Enzo in Vic’s face, and then Dino’s. “Is an incredibly invasive species! It is illegal to have a Red Eared Slider turtle in Australia!”

“He’s not a Red Slider, you fuck!” Vic seethed, “Enzo’s a Sponge turtle!”

“Look at this shell-”

“Look at his fucking face! ”  

“It's invasive!”

“He’s the wrong fucking species! ” Vic shouted and went to grab Enzo back.

The girl backed out of reach and held Enzo to her chest, loud, angry clicking coming from inside his shell. 

“Red Eared Sliders are aggressive and utterly destroy Australia’s natural freshwater habitats! It needs to be handed over to RSPCA so they can ship it out or put it down!”

Dino gave a sharp gasp of alarm and Vic saw red. 

The hold she had on her temper snapped like a thread pulled taut and with heat in her skin, she lunged forward. Vic went at the girl with nails and elbows. She swiped and poor Enzo went flying in a direction she blindly hoped was Dino’s, a soft ‘aaaaaaaaaaa’ emitting from the shell as it disappeared from her tunnel vision.

The girl screamed as Vic got her hands on her, and threw her whole body weight to send the girl head over heels. She hit the water with an almighty splash, and a flock of ducks noisily took flight.

Vic breathed ragged through her teeth, fists clenched. Her temper, white-hot and utterly boiling her blood, was only slightly settled by the sight of the shell-shocked girl sitting, drenched in the lake.

“Who’s the fucking ‘invasive species’ now, bitch!?” Vic bellowed.

"Got to go, got to go!" Dino chanted near hysterically as he grabbed Vic by her arm and started running.

Vic with gritted teeth and tense shoulders, let Dino drag her across the field and towards the Village. She huffed when she nearly crashed into Dino’s back as he came to a sudden, slow walk. Dino, casually, innocently, walked with Vic passed Campus Security as they sailed passed in their little golf carts.

Vic snorted through her nose and gave Dino’s back a scrutinising look but couldn’t be bothered to see past her own heat haze. 

The gates of the Village came into view and Vic stormed forward, taking heavy, stomped footsteps all the way through to her shitty five-bedroom dormhouse, with her shitty roommates, who didn’t respect her fucking personal space-!

Vic hit her bed facedown. Calm down, calm down, calm fucking down!

Faintly, in the far back of her awareness, Vic heard Dino sit in her creaking desk chair and the thump of him dropping their bags. Dino was such a good boy - what was he doing when Enzo was taken she didn’t look - he was so nice and warm - he walked passed the security didn’t even flinch knew what to do-

Vic rolled onto her back and took a breath in through her nose and out her mouth. In and out, in and out. That girl had said to put Enzo down. Dino’s support animal, someone he took everywhere with him no matter what - Dino needed Enzo and that girl said ‘put down’. 

Vic took another breath in. She clenched her fists. A breath out and clenched her forearms- Why wasn’t it working-

There was a roar in her ears, a thundering thump in her chest.

Then a weight dropped on her stomach, just substantial enough that Vic started out of her rambling spiral. Vic lifted her head and craned her neck, Enzo’s big, beady eyes stared back up at her.

Enzo looked around slowly, before his feet popped out from his shell and, slowly, he plodded up to find a comfortable place on Vic’s chest. 

Just behind Enzo, Vic could see Dino, his hands still outstretched from where he had dropped Enzo on her.

Dino smiled a bit, an awkward, lopsided thing, and said, “Enzo, he, uh, helps me be calm.”

Vic blinked, before she let out a puff of breath. She dropped her head back and used Enzo’s weight to try and sink that rising heat. She felt that familiar rumble in her chest swell and grow, and she let it out in a long, gaping yawn.

Vic hated getting angry, she was always tired afterwards.

Vic sniffed and scratched her cheek, her body heavy right down to the core like her bones were waterlogged. 

“You wanna eat somethin’?” Vic asked.

Dino paused, startled, before he lowered himself to sit on the edge of Vic’s bed and said, “Yeah, what would you like?”

“Chicken nuggets. So many chicken nuggets.”

☁ ☁ ☁

Greasy wrappers and stray grains of salt littered the foot of Vic’s bed as the two of them sat up against the wall, Vic’s phone playing music in the background. Dino heaved as he slumped against the wall. He had eaten an obscene amount of nuggets and sweet and sour sauce.

Vic, somehow, was still going. 40 chicken nuggets, and so far 17 of them were sitting in the seemingly bottomless chasm of Vic’s belly.

Dino slurped on his cola as Vic, unflinchingly, ate her 18th and reached for another. 

“How’s Enzo?” Vic asked through half a mouthful of nugget. 

Dino looked to the turtle that, more or less, had put them into hiding for the foreseeable future — or at least until the blurry video of ‘bodily yeeting entitled Karen into lake’ stopped popping up on Dino’s feed every time he refreshed it. It had become a meme template. The speed of the internet was terrifying.

Vic, hearing the grainy sound of her own voice hollering “Who’s the fucking ‘invasive species’ now, bitch!?” shoved her 20th nugget into her mouth. 

Dino winced and closed his phone. 

“Enzo is fine. I told you, he is hardy.”

Vic grumbled and reached to pet Enzo, who paused his munching on a bag of mixed leaves Vic had pulled from a cooler - an ‘esky’ - in the corner of her room. There were three, all stacked on each other and full of chilled foodstuffs.  

Dino glanced at Vic and saw the 24th nugget disappear. He had already seen a fridge in the shared kitchen on the way up to the room. Now, maybe, wasn’t the best time to ask.

Nonetheless, Dino stored it in his memory, another conversation starter!

Vic’s phone suddenly stopped playing music, and the screen flipped to an incoming call. Vic sighed and shoved her last nugget in her mouth before answering the call from ‘Robbie’.

“What?” She asked, muffled around her chicken nugget.

Dino took another sip of his drink as Vic leant her head on his shoulder. 

Casual touch. Dino hadn't experienced that in… Weeks. It had only just dawned on him how much he had missed it after leaving home. 

Dino shifted a bit to make sure he was comfortable - both for him and Vic. He almost felt like someone priming their lap with blankets, hoping the family cat would choose them for the foreseeable hours.

Dino's rather cosy trail of thought was interrupted by the caller on Vic's phone.

“You fucking threw someone into a lake!?” Robbie screeched from the other side of the phone.

Vic made a lazy, noncommittal noise as she slowly chewed, completely unhurried by the state her brother was apparently in. 

“Vicky, I thought you were over this!”

Vic proceeded to mutter something vaguely mocking through her chewing. Dino snorted a bit despite how he tried to send her a scolding look. Vic ignored him.

“Jesus Christ, Vicky- Why’d you even do it!?”

Vic took a sip of her frozen coke and simply said, “Bitch tried to take Dino’s turtle.”

There was a faint bang, and then a distinctly loud bang. Then came the scream of Robbie being tackled and the fight for the phone.

“Bitch did what to Enzo!?”

Dino glanced to Vic. He had been wondering where she had sent all those turtle pictures — evidently, a good bulk had gone to Bec, her cousin.

“Crazy cunt fucking stole Enzo out of Dino’s lap like he was a Woolies apple and started going on about ‘invasive species’ and ‘putting him down’ and like fuck was I gonna let her talk shit like that!” Vic ranted, waving her cup at the far window like her cousin was standing before them.

There was a pause, before there was a chorus of approval in the background. At least four voices all chipped in with their opinions and Dino was hit with the sudden realisation that there was a roomful of Hunts on the other end of that line.

“You should have thrown her deeper, Vicky!”

“Strengthen those little chicken wings! You’ve gotta start going to the gym!”

“Don’t support this!” Robbie yelled over the cheering and was met with a round of ‘boo’s.

“Oi, we always back family! Even if they’re doing something kinda stupid — we always back our family!”

Dino stared down at the bubbles patterning the sides of his waxed paper cup. Family always backs each other.

“Dino and Enzo are my babies, I’m not letting some half-cocked bitch make ‘em sad,” Vic scoffed and wrapped an arm around him — tipping a bit of ice down the back of his shirt as she did. Not entirely by accident, if Vic’s snicker meant anything as he frantically tried to get it out.

As Dino finally got the last of the ice out from the waist of his pants, Dino saw Vic grin up at him with the usual amount of teeth. He huffed and couldn’t resist smiling back at her.

Romario was going to be so proud of him. Everyone was going to be proud of him! 

Family backs each other, even in their riskiest of endeavours.

“If you wanna adopt the bastard, you’ve gotta stop being violent in public!”

There were jeers and the bellowing of a crowd of people and Vic slipped off Dino’s shoulder and back onto her bed, phone pressed to her ear. 

Dino looked down at Vic as she listened to her family through the phone. She looked the most relaxed he had seen her in — probably ever. Distinctly, it wasn't that strange, almost sedated calm that followed Vic around usually. This calm was the most human he had seen, the most natural.

Dino looked down at Vic, who laid with her eyes closed and her family screaming in her ear, and found himself wondering what kind of Flame she had hidden dormant.

Then, there was a loud crash from Vic's phone and the line went dead, someone had obviously slapped the end button with their elbow or face in the scuffle. Vic scoffed as the music on her phone resumed and she let it drop to the side of the pillow, already pawing around for her frozen coke.

Dino watched her fingertips graze the edge, collecting droplets of perspiration. He nudged it slightly further out of reach. 

"Cunt," Vic hissed and Dino laughed as she uncoordinatedly smacked the side of her calf against his head.

Vic gave a heave of great effort and distress as she rolled onto her belly, finally grasping her slushy drink in hand. She took a long slurp before she craned her neck to look at Enzo, only his little tail visible as he dug deeper into the pile of leafy greens.

"I will not be able to bring Enzo out of my pocket for a time," Dino sighed and saw Vic blow disgruntled bubbles into her slushy.

"Yeah," she bit out, keeping whatever loaded rant she had shoved deep away. 

 Dino smiled weakly and took another drink of his cola, a loud, empty slurp that rattled the straw. Then Dino looked around at Vic's room, the cramped desk, the stacked eskys.

 "If you want," Dino started and leant back on a hand, trying to be nonchalant-

 Vic's body pillow didn't take his weight and Dino gave a gurgled yelp as his arm gave way and he fell. His head connected painfully with Vic's bony knees, Vic gave a gasp of pain and Dino clutched his head. 

 Soon, the two of them sat on the bed, two young adults curled up in groaning pain.

 "What the fuck, Dino?" Vic wheezed, holding her knees as they throbbed.

 "Sorry," Dino whined as the beginnings of a headache settled deep in his right temple. "I wanted to ask you if you would like to meet at my house. Enzo cannot meet you outside for a while."

 Vic massaged her knees before she kicked Dino in the side.

 “Fucking oath I am! Thought that was a fucking given!” 

 Dino winced as Vic kicked him in the side again, before, tentatively, Dino lightly thumped his foot against the back of Vic’s thigh. There was a distinct, fleshy ‘thwap’.

 A pause hung in the air, and Dino had the familiar sensation of social-faux-pas-dread settle in the bottom of his stomach—

 Dino heard something akin to an elated warcry from the other end of the bed, and all seventy kilos of Vic’s weight came crashing down on him, twenty-four nuggets and all. Dino wheezed and the two became a brawling wrangle of slapping hands and kicking feet, all up until Vic rolled and kicked Dino off the side of the bed. 

 Dino shrieked and clawed at the sheets until he went tumbling, shoulders-first to the floor. He gasped, splayed out on his back on the dorm’s musty carpet and stared up at Vic’s ceiling, dotted with weird marks.

 Vic’s face appeared from over the edge, a smug, vindictive curl to her grin. 

 “Cunt,” she said.

 Dino grabbed his cup, sloshing with half-melted ice cubes, and grabbed Vic by her beloved oversized band-tee and dumped it. 

 Vic shrieked and Dino couldn’t help the belly-deep cackling that burst out as he watched Vic frantically scoop at her bra under her shirt.

☁ ☁ ☁

 It had taken a bit over ten days and several nervous breakdowns, cushioned by either Enzo or Vic, but Dino felt like he was ready to call for a Family Meeting of the Cavallone. Or, well, he wasn’t seconds away from cardiac arrest at the thought of it, now.

 Dino wheezed a bit. Now, he just needed to get in contact with Romario and set it up.

 Dino reached for his phone. He hadn’t tried to contact home in a while. Between university, Vic, races, and his bi-weekly laying-on-the-floor-in-crisis time, Dino hadn’t had the chance to call home in…nearly six weeks now! Going on seven! They were fresh into April, nearly mid-semester break, and Dino hadn’t called since February.

 This was probably, no, definitely, the longest Dino hadn’t gone without contact with the Cavallone. 

 Seeing Vic listening to her family, had reminded Dino of just how much he missed them. Dino just wondered if anyone would pick up, or if Reborn’s contact-ban was still in place.

 Dino withered and dialled Romario’s quick-dial, and uttered a short prayer. It rang once, twice—

 “Boss!” 

 Dino suddenly understood why Vic had just laid down and listened. He could hear so much through the phone. Familiar songbirds, the chatter of Cavallone stablehands and the bray of horses. Suddenly, Dino was hit with the smell of the stables in early Spring; the fresh sand and straw they laid on the muddy ground, the lavender and wild rosemary that grew outside, the sweat and manure.

 Dino wanted to be like Vic and just curl up on his side and listen. 

 “Boss! How have you been!?” Romario asked and Dino heard the clammer and cacophony of news in the background: the Boss had finally called home.

 God, Dino had missed the sound of Italian; a good Sicilian accent.

 “I’m fine, Romario. I’ve still got all my fingers and toes,” Dino assured with a laugh. “I’ve got some killer tanlines, though.”

 “Good! After your exams you were far too pasty looking!”

 Dino rolled his eyes, this wasn’t the first time Romario had feared a potential vitamin-D deficiency.

 “So, tell me, what have you been up to?” Romario urged, and Din could just imagine him leant up against the gates of the stables in his singlet and jeans.

 Dino relaxed into the couch, Enzo snoozed in his luggage-enclosure. 

 “Class is hard,” Dino admitted, “I’ve gotta use Google translate and listen to lectures twice as long. If I didn’t have Vic to help me, I would have absolutely bombed on the vocabulary mini-test!”

 At some point, the update had turned into Dino’s whinging time - but could you really blame him? For months, Dino had been left to flail alone in this strange country, and he didn’t even have the English skills to vent properly to his one friend—

 “I’ve-!” Dino started loudly, a rush of pride returning when he remembered his shining achievement. “I’ve made a friend!”

 There was a beat of silence, before someone far away gasped, “ What?”

 “I’ve made a friend!” Dino repeated, “Her name’s Vic!”

 “A woman!?”

 “She’s really nice! She loves Enzo! She threw someone in the lake for us! And she bought us chicken nuggets!” 

 Dino grinned as he regaled Romario and their menagerie of eavesdroppers about the many adventures he had been on with Vic around the university and to the nearby shopping centres. 

 Dino decided to omit the part where he got lost in the Kmart homewares section, and had to go to the front desk so they could call for Vic over the announcement system. ‘Attention customers, could 'Vic Hunt' please come to the front of the store to collect your…child?’ was still engraved in Dino’s head, along with the stares from the staff. Vic had all but run through the store to get him. By then, Dino had been offered a snake-shaped lolly, half of which Vic stole, and held his hand the rest of the shop so neither got lost in that department store maze. 

 Instead, Dino moved onto how he and Vic met almost daily to study and chat, and how she liked to listen about the horses — Dino nearly flung himself off the couch when he snapped up, suddenly reminded of what this phone call was about.

 “Romario,” Dino said and heard the excited chatter fall silent at his tone. “I want to call a Family Meeting.”

 Romario’s shift was immediate.

 “What for, Boss?”

Dino could hear him move away from the stable and the working hands.

“I’ve been thinking about the state of the Family and the few resources we have. Being so far from home has, well, it’s given me a new perspective.” Dino said slowly, knowing he was about to broach a sensitive subject. “The Cavallone need to use our horses again. The Cavallone need to race again.”

Romario took a sharp, hissed breath in through his teeth. Racing was taboo.

“Boss,” he began shakily, like some part of him expected the ghost of the Eight Boss to enact vengeance upon them. “The Cavallone have been banned for nearly one hundred years!”

“In Italy,” Dino pointed out, looking down at the list of races all around the world. “And only in Mafia circles.”

“You want to race civilians?” Romario asked, the disbelief clear in his voice. “Our Cavallone horses, against civilians? ”

“Yes,” Dino responded, “Our horses. Our… untrained horses.” Dino suddenly felt that cardiac arrest creeping up again. “We need money. Racing is lucrative.”

He gripped his trousers until his knuckles were white. “Please, Romario.” Dino’s voice was quiet in the empty, dark living room. “I believe this will work. I believe this, our horses, can save our Family.”

Romario was silent.

Dino let him work through his thoughts. He knew he was asking for a lot, and for Romario to stick his neck out for Dino. Romario was the one who would have to act as proxy and call everyone to the Meeting, and in doing so, show complete faith in Dino’s plan.

Romario’s voice came through the speaker. “Very well, Boss. I’ll organise the Meeting. Will tomorrow suit you?”

A relieved smile broke out on Dino's face. “Whenever. We’ll have to work with timezones, anyway.”

“Ten hours, right? I will see what I can do.”

Dino let out a long sigh, feeling nearly lightheaded. “Thank you, Romario.”

“Of course, Boss,” Romario hummed, “Get some rest, it must be late.”

Dino looked at his clock, 2AM. He needed to go to sleep, he had class at 10AM. 

“Boss, you should send us photos now that we can talk again. Is Australia really all just desert and city?”

“What? No, there’s plenty of greenery and water here!” Dino laughed, “But it’s hot. A different hot to home. Vic has been busy making sure I don’t get heat stroke.”

“Sounds nice, it’s still cold here. But by the time you’re home, it’ll be warm. You come at the end of your semester, right? June?”

“Yeah, June to August, Winter break. Vic will be miserable, she loves warmth. Like a lizard.”

Romario laughed and Dino let himself flop across his couch. They had just said Dino should have gone to bed, but he couldn’t find it in himself to hang up. Not after so long without his Family. 

“So your friend, Vic, is she a local?” 

“Yeah, Vic’s from Australia,” Dino hummed, and grabbed a pillow to cuddle, sleep beginning to press against the back of his eyes. “She says she was born around here, actually. But her family has moved to, uh, Castle-something. Has a new baby cousin she wants to see.”

“And you said she’s been keeping you alive,” Romario chuckled and Dino gave some kind of senseless whine of indignation.

“Only- Kinda, yeah, but like, leave me alone maybe?” Dino grumbled, before rolling over on the couch, “How’s everyone at home doing?”

Dino cuddled into the throw pillow and listened as Romario recited the usual reports on the comings and goings of the Cavallone estate. It was the usual chaos, with a bit of a curve ball thrown in with the Boss away. But Romario, as usual, managed to wrangle everything under control, especially with the Stable Master acting as the Cavallone regent. 

They were still receiving their local import of barley and hay at a steady pace, and the farmers had offered a ‘loyalty perk’ after generations of working together. Dino nearly teared up as he heard how they had reduced their prices by 10%. He made sure to make Romario write down the family name of every farmer, the Cavallone would always be loyal to them. 

The Ninth’s Guardians were still responding to messages, but only enough to assure that they weren’t dead. Even then, only Croix was handling correspondence. Really, the only evidence that the rest of the Guardians were still around was Croix’s word and the Cavallone delivery boys that dropped off supplies to them. Getting them out to the Family Meeting was probably going to be the hardest, they hardly left the Ranch anymore.

Dino frowned and clutched his pillow. He had been worried about his uncles. Losing a Sky was never easy, and Guardians could only outlive their Harmony with so much grace.

One of the younger Cavallone wards had finally been able to manifest a Flame expression. Though, it was scratching some heads with its Frequency. It was probably just a weird expression, maybe some kind of strong Secondary coming through. They hoped the kid settled down soon, it was causing their carers concern. 

Well that was concerning, Dino hummed and sleepily instructed that the child would be put under watch. 

Brutus got bit on the ass by a mule that morning. It was his own fault, he should have known better than to be off-guard in the presence of one of the biters. The Stablehands had a good laugh out of it and everyone had a good look at the pattern on his boxers. 

Dino snorted and relaxed, listening as the accounts became less and less important, Romario’s reports devolving into mindless updates on the little things Dino missed around the place in the time he was gone. He closed his eyes and opened his ears to the sound of Romario and that far off island of Sicily he so missed.

The next morning, Dino received the notification for the Family Meeting’s appointed time: 8PM. 10AM on the Italian’s side.

He spent the time between classes preparing, making notes, practising his delivery. Anything to get rid of the shake in his knees and the quiver in his voice. Vic had noticed and had offered Dino a sympathetic hiss when she had heard the abridged summary.

“Hey,” she said, giving Dino a gentle shove with her elbow. “If you want, I’ll drop by after the call? We can hang out, get some food?”

Then she had bought him something sweet from the student cafe to perk him up before they parted ways. Dino was always grateful that he managed to make a friend all the way out here.

Dino nibbled on the frankly monstrously-sized cookie as he went about setting up his computer and space, trying to hold his treat in a way that wouldn’t melt the choc chips. He moved a bag of takeaway wrappers out from behind his couch and finally made the trip to the bin, taking a few wrappers and packages of assorted socks. 

He fluffed the couch’s throw pillows and quickly brought that random, dying succulent to the back porch. He was in the middle of gently encouraging the fake Monstera plant to sit right when the chime for the meeting rang out. 

Dino gasped and vaulted for the couch, completely overshooting it and slamming face-first into the narrow space between the couch and coffee table.

“Good to see the boy hasn’t changed.”

Dino’s face went red and he began his squirming crawl to try and get his feet out of the air and back under him. 

“I thought you gave up trying to do handstands when you were little Dino!” Came that teasing, smoker-rough voice and Dino finally flipped himself right-side up.

“I wasn’t trying to do a handstand, Uncle Croix!”

The Rain Guardian to the late Ninth Cavallone and Dino’s Uncle in every sense but blood grinned at him through the screen. He was a jovial man that was going well grey, with a short-boxed beard lining framing his jaw and crows feet pinching the corners of his eyes. 

“Young Romario tells me you’ve been good and roasted down there in Australia! Remember to keep away from the sun, or you’ll end up looking like Anvil, all patchy and leather skinned!” Croix powered on and Dino resisted the urge to sink into his chair, knowing that once Croix was rolling, nothing short of an all out gunfight could stop him.

“Let the boy talk, Croy,” the Stablemaster groused, and Dino looked to the second panel where the rest of the Meeting’s attendants sat.

The Stablemaster, the Vault Keeper, the Head of Housekeeping, and Romario all sat around the one board table they had left, and were turned in their seats to face him. The Vault Keeper sat there, nearly unmoving. If it weren’t for the rest of the room, Dino would have thought the camera was frozen.

Dino started to sweat. The last time he had seen all these faces at once, his father had been a cooling body in the next room. 

“Whenever you’re ready, Boss, we can begin,” Romario urged, and Dino snapped to attention.

“Right,” he said, and looked at his notes just to the side of the computer, written on a little notepad. 

Vic at some point had drawn a small dick on the corner of the first hundred or so pages. Up until literally just now, Dino had thought it was a lop-sided heart. 

Dino let out a short snort. He took a breath, and with Vic’s supportive presence in the form of a collection of penned dicks, he began.

“I believe it is safe to say that we are all aware of the state of the Cavallone,” there was a grumble of consensus. “We are sinking, with the last of our furniture reaching their final bid, we have no way of keeping up with the debt.”

Romario winced, and the Stablemater frowned. Croix didn’t utter a sound, and watched through the screen with a solemn expression. 

“At the rate we are going, our Cavallone will succumb to debt and be bankrupt within five years.” Five years. Dino would barely be twenty-three. “We need a way to stop this, our Family, from falling apart.” 

Dino glanced at each face on his screen, “We need to race again.”

The Head of Housekeeping went pale. Croix shifted back in his chair, and the Stablemaster’s expression became utterly stormy. 

Romario looked at Dino through the camera and nodded, as if to say, “go on.”

Dino pushed on, referring to his notes, and those little dicks, whenever he felt his resolve waver. He recalled the great success Cavallone horses flaunted during their golden age, referenced the sheer profits the Family had turned from racing, and how the Cavallone could enjoy the same today. Dino highlighted articles, winning and race purses, and the prestige that came with it. He pointed out budgeting, and plans, and week's worth of fervent research and study. 

Dino pushed that all of this was within grasp. Outside of the thin borders of Italy. Outside of the influence of the Mafia. That the Cavallone’s retribution was there for the taking if they just reached for it.

Faces were grim. 

The Vaultkeeper had turned her head away.

The Head of Housekeeping smiled like he was in pain. He probably was. He had been young, but he had been there during the reign of the Eighth. He had been there to watch him break.

“You want us to race?” The Stablemaster asked, gravel in his tone. “You want us to gamble away the last of the money keeping us afloat?”

Dino took a breath, “That money is time we bought ourselves by selling our history. Do you know what the other Families call us? A Family selling off their pride.”

“Pride will not pay out our debts-”

“In a starving house, pride is all we have left,” Dino rebutted, “Pride, and spite, and a vindictive Will to live. Is this not all we have left to heat our halls and till our fields, and feed our horses — who sit stagnant in their stables, because of men who were too weak to beat us!”

Dino sat straight, his shoulders squared and seethed.

“Since I was born, I have only heard smuggled whispers of the glory of the Cavallone horses. Our trophies sit in dusty, moulding boxes! Instead of taking us on fairly with dignity, they hide behind one another and slash at our ankles! Our right to race was just the tipping point, our trade with merchants and businesses have been undercut by the same hands! How long do we intend to cower at the echoes of the Eighth’s tantrums, and the descendants of tiny men!?”  

The Stablemaster, everyone, had sat up at Dino’s tone, the furrow of his brow, the square of his shoulders. The Vault Keeper turned to Dino slowly.

Dino unclenched his jaw and breathed, long and slow, out through his nose. 

“I know I’ve only been Don for not even a full year, and I know I am asking for more trust than I may deserve. But I believe that our horses are our key to survival. I am willing to bet on it.”

The Stablemaster narrowed his eyes, “What are you betting?”

Dino smiled.

“What is the Cavallone if not my life and head?” 

Croix sat up sharply, “Dino!”

“If the Cavallone fail to pay off their debts, our ‘benefactors’ will expect to be paid in blood,” Dino frowned, “At least this way, you all can renounce the Cavallone name.”

“Like absolute hell would we let you take the fall!” Croix boomed, peeking his laptop’s microphone and leaving a static buzz. 

Romario stood from his chair, “I cannot agree to those terms! Even if the Cavallone falls, I will not leave you, Boss.”

“Unless you have some secret Cavallone blood in your veins, you won’t be much of a prize,” Dino huffed, “But thank you.”

“Okay, I’m in,” the Stablemaster said, and Romario’s head snapped around.

“You can’t be serious! On those terms!?” 

“No, dumbass, those terms are utter horseshit, but he’s proved his conviction. So I’ll bite,” the Stablemaster, the man who called all the final shots on the horses of the Cavallone and the only one who could undermine the Don, turned to look at Dino. “The Cavallone will go down kicking.”

The Vault Keeper turned her hooded head to Dino and said in a voice all raspy and old as ash, “Little Dino, we will never leave you to pay for the mistakes we did not help avoid. Do not say as much again.”

It was cold and scolding, like the distant aunt the Cavallone Vault Keeper was. The Keeper of the Cavallone’s treasures and secrets. She would have never left her station. 

“Right,” Dino smiled, feeling warm to the core. “I meant no insult. But my argument still stands.”

The Vault Keeper looked to the Stablemaster, Head of Housekeeping and Romario. Croix sat silent in his chair. 

“I’ve already said my stance,” the Stablemaster shrugged, “I’m in. The boy Boss knows what he wants, and he wants to race. So long as the horses are safe, I’m happy to let them out of their stables.”

Romario huffed as he dropped back into his chair, fixing his suit jacket, “I support the Boss’ plan to race.”

“It’s a risk,” the Head of Housekeeping said softly, “Keeping up the salaries of the house’s staff will be difficult.”

“Of course, we’ll cut back where we can to keep them paid,” Dino assured, and the man nodded. Dino had always made sure their staff was paid, it was one of the highest priorities. “I’m sure there are some functions on the estate that can be put on hold. Please, make a list of what you think can be done without, and we’ll work through cutting it.”

“...Very well,” he said, slightly ashen.

Dino gazed upon the man who had taught him to button his shirts, and cleaned up after him every time clumsy little Dino made a mess.

“When you get the chance, please, get those trophies out from the attic. They shouldn’t be hidden, let them be on display again, as they should be.”

The Head of Housekeeping blinked at Dino, before he smiled, his grey, wrinkled face softening.

“As you wish, Boss.”

The Vault Keeper sat still again, utterly unmoving. Then she sighed, nearly slumped over as she bowed under the weight of her decision.

“Little Dino, I hope you know what you’re getting us into. I never wanted you to become a gambler.”

“Just this once, I promise,” Dino smiled, “And a few more times after we win.”

‘After’. When, not if.

The Vault Keeper scoffed at Dino. 

Then everyone turned their attention to the last man yet to speak: Croix, the Ninth Rain Guardian and representative of all the Cavallone Guardians. He sat there, seemingly staring through the screen and far away. 

Dino clenched his fists on his knees out of frame of the camera. He hated seeing his zio like this. Guardians could only outlive their Harmony with so much grace.

“Uncle Croix?” Dino urged gently. 

Croix’s clouded eyes lit up with awareness as he came back to himself. He glanced around the screen, taking in those faces that were looking at him expectantly. Dino smiled in a way he hoped was reassuring.

“Whatever you want to do, Dino, your uncles will support you,” Croix said, “I’ve never seen a Cavallone horse race, either. We are long overdue — just, don’t make betting your life a habit.”

Dino grinned sheepishly, and his heart felt bright. 

“That said,” the Stablemaster interjected, and something in his tone made Dino’s stomach tighten. “If we’re going to do this, we do it properly, Boss.”

Dino nodded, “Of course, I don’t plan to do this half-cocked. As you allow, I’d like to use our best-performing horses.”

The best of the Cavallone’s prized herd. Their fastest, their most enduring. 

The Stablemaster crossed his arms, lined with hair and thin scars. 

“Then you’ll be asking for Glory.”

Dino’s smile went thin. He nodded.

“Yes, Glory is at the top of the list. She is our best horse.”

Romario glanced at Dino.

Croix lowered his eyes to his lap, his face carefully blank. Every breath he took was slow and measured.

“Understand me, Dino Cavallone, if you allow anything to happen, or treat her anyway less than she deserves, I will withdraw my support immediately,” the Stablemaster promised, his voice laced with warning.

Dino swallowed thickly. If the Stablemaster pulled out, everything Dino had worked for would come undone within hours. As soon as the Stablemaster called for it, every Cavallone horse would come home.

All for Glory.

For a moment, Dino remembered the thundering of hooves, the frantic screams, a sick bed, the stinging scent of antiseptic. 

An empty bed, the sheets clean and pressed flat. The room utterly still.

Dino let out a long breath, and pushed aside those thoughts and the burn in the back of his throat. 

“Of course, Stablemaster,” Dino said solemnly, purposefully. “I assure you, Glory will be safe and treated with the best care we can afford our horses moving forward.”

The Stablemaster stared at Dino, scrutinising him down to the bone. Then he nodded, one stiff, sure nod.

“On your head, Boss,” he said.

“On my head,” Dino agreed softly.

No one in the room spoke, the silence stretching and strangeling everyone on the call. Dino shook his head and sat up to address the Head of Housekeeping.

“Please organise that list on the estate budget cuts, and send it to me as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Boss,” the elderly man said.

“Vault Keeper, please keep an eye on our finances throughout. Alert us immediately if you notice something awry. We can’t allow for mistakes.”

“Very well,” she responded.

“Stablemaster, please compile a list of our best horses, and everything you believe they will need during and after transport.”

“It’ll be extensive, they're picky bastards.”

“I’m sure we can handle it,” Dino assured, “Romario, you will be my proxy, as always. Please help where you can and keep things running smoothly. We cannot let the other Families get wind of this.”

“Of course, Boss,” Romario nodded, and Dino nearly wheezed in relief. 

Where would he be without Romario? 

Then Dino looked to Croix, who sat watching the flurry with a look of… Nostalgia. Pride. Pain.

“Uncle Croix,” Dino said, and the man sat to attention like all those times the Ninth had called upon him. “Please watch out for yourself and my other uncles. I want you all in good health when we hold a Cavallone-style celebration.”

Croix blinked. Then he let out a booming laugh that Dino had heard throughout his childhood.

“Right! Right! Gotta get these beer bellies fitting back in their suits! Give us some time, won’t you, Dino? Don’t go winning too fast?”

“Bah, you’ll need to cut more than the beer to get back into your suits! Dino, you should budget their cheese, too!” The Stablemaster heckled, and Croix gasped hard enough to choke. 

“My cheese is lite!”

“Light in colour maybe! I’ve seen you scarf that down!”

Dino laughed as Croix vehemently defended his ‘sampling’ of the local delicacies. 

“It puts money back into the local economy!”

“But Croix,” the Head of Housekeeping uttered, a concerned and amused pinch to his brow that spoke of the years he had spent herding Croix and his fellow Set when they were just young men. “Didn’t you develop an intolerance to lactose recently? The doctor said as much.”

Croix thinned his lips and refused to respond. 

The Meeting wound to a close, and everyone had their orders. 

The Cavallone horses would race again, under the crest of their Tenth Generation.

Dino closed his laptop with a weary and utterly stressed sigh. He slumped back into his couch and scratched his nails through his hair. 

He had done it. The first Family Meeting as Don, and he had actually done it! He had convinced the Family to go along with this stupid, ride-or-die plan! Jesus Christ, Dino needed a drink. He was craving Pepsi, the kind he had drunk with Vic.

A steady thump, thump, thump sounded through the walls, the bass beat made the floors vibrate. Dino glanced to his windows — one of his neighbours had a party going. 

The clock on Dino’s phone glared that it was nearly 10PM. Dino yawned and stood from his divot in the couch, scanning the floor for where Enzo had crawled off to. Then he heard it.

A soft ‘clink, chunk’ and repeat. 

Dino listened to the jangle and crunch, and let out a soft groan of, “Enzo, why me? I wanna go to sleep so badly!”

Enzo peered from around the bedroom doorway with a soft wheeze. Dino picked his phone from the table and typed up a text to Romario, taking a drink from his cup as he did. Someone was trying to break into Dino’s dormhouse.

Dino put aside his glass and scooped Enzo up off the floor as he made his way back to his bedroom, turning off the lights as he did. He closed his bedroom door and felt the faintest clunk as the latch fell into place and a jimmy-rigged security system swung into activity. 

Dino had been tutored by Reborn, after all. He had to learn something from the PTSD.

Dino followed his bedtime routine. He changed into some light pyjamas, washed his slightly sweaty face, brushed his teeth and crawled into bed, Enzo cuddled up against his chest. Right over the heart.

Dino closed his eyes, let out a long breath and listened. The crunch of dried gum leaves out near the back porch. The metallic groan as someone mounted the porch railing. The soft, muffled crack of glass. 

Dino continued to breathe, slow and unhurried. He needed his would-be hitman deeper in his house. Dino clutched the handle of his whip, coiled under the blankets with him.

Footsteps over the tile, and disappeared on the rug. Breath outside the bedroom door.

All Dino’s interior doors opened inwards. Dino had to wait.

The door unlatched. The person peered in through a crack. The tip of Dino’s whip caught them in the eye. 

Dino untangled himself from his sheets, watching the man stumble back, clutching his face. Dino almost sympathised with the guy, he had been whipped in the eye more times than he — or Romario — could count.

The would-be assailant stumbled blindly, before giving a sharp gasp as he felt a tug at his clothes. Dino had learnt much from Reborn, and from personal experience, nothing threw someone off like having the threat of indecent exposure during an otherwise serious situation. 

The man fumbled with his shredding pants, hooks and wires ripping and peeling at his suit, eyes red and watering.

Dino stood — and promptly planted his face into the hard weave of the floor rug. Dino groaned. He should have known this was going too well. He heaved himself to his feet, cradling his carpet-burnt nose. 

The man pulled himself free from the last of the hooks, cameo-print briefs on display and belt clinging to the last scraps of a waistband. 

Dino reeled his whip back and lashed it across the man’s bared thigh. It didn’t wrap around like Dino had hoped, but it made the man buckle to the floor with a muted gasp again. 

He was being quiet. Being careful not to alert Dino’s neighbours. But the beat and thump of music from a few doors down told Dino that the majority of his neighbours were either too busy partying away the last hours of a Friday night, or trying to drown it out, to notice.

Better for him, honestly. The crack of a whip wasn’t exactly covert.

The man hissed between his teeth and pulled his weapon of choice from his pocket. Wire glinted and strained in his leather-gloved hands. He lunged, wire tight and Rino pulled his whip across his face. 

He could hear the wire pluck at the leather of his whip, but it never bit through. Something birthed from Leon would never buckle that easily. 

Dino gritted his teeth and kicked at the man’s knees. He went down with a sickening crack and his knees bowing like a bird’s. 

The hitman threw something at Dino from the floor, and Dino swallowed a cry as some kind of powder, hot and irritating, coated his face. Dino pressed his lips and eyes shut, and didn’t dare to breathe, wiping his face with his shirt. Dino fumbled and kicked as he felt hands and wire reach for his ankles.

His face burnt, and Dino tasted something acrid and bitter on the tip of his tongue. Every one of his senses begged Dino to get it off, wash it off, do something.

Dino scrubbed at his lips and around his nose, desperate to breathe again. He charged forward, palming at the walls and feeling the way to the bathroom. Something pulled at Dino’s ankles, the sound of wire pulled taut and a small, sharp pain was his only warning before Dino went toppling into the living room. 

His shoulder crashed into the coffee table and the cup Dino had left to ‘future him’ tipped over and splashed directly into his face. Dino sputtered and spat, before finally taking a sweet, lungful of air. He could still taste the remnants of that powder, but he could breathe. Dino palmed at the tabletop and wiped his face with the pooled water. 

He peered an eye open, and immediately felt the tear-inducing burn. He gritted his teeth and bore it as the blurry figure of his hitman crawled its way towards Dino. 

Dino scrambled to his feet and grabbed his whip. 

The man lunged, sprung from his one good leg. He caught Dino around the middle and the two crashed into the wall console, the dying pot plant dropped and shattered on the carpet. 

Dino struggled as the man tried to press his wire against Dino’s throat. Dino kicked his knee again and felt the bone move under his toes. The man reeled back, mouth agape in a silent scream.

Dino wrapped his whip around the man’s throat and yanked tight.

[buycommercialpropertiesindubai]

Understanding Dubai's Residential Property Market: A Buyer's Guide

Understanding Dubai's residential property market is essential for making informed buying decisions. This buyer's guide provides an in-depth look at the key aspects of the market and tips for successful property purchases.

For more information on real estate, visit Dubai Real Estate.

Market Overview

Market Dynamics: Dubai's real estate market is dynamic and influenced by various factors such as economic growth, government policies, and global trends. Understanding these dynamics helps buyers make informed decisions.

Property Types: Dubai offers a wide range of residential properties, including apartments, villas, townhouses, and penthouses. Each property type has its own advantages and considerations.

Regulatory Framework: The Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) oversee the market, ensuring transparency and protecting buyers' rights. Familiarize yourself with the regulations and guidelines set by these authorities.

For property purchase options, explore Buy Residential Properties in Dubai.

Financing Options

Home Loans: Most buyers in Dubai finance their purchases through home loans. Several banks and financial institutions offer competitive mortgage rates and flexible terms. Research different lenders and compare their offers to find the best deal.

Mortgage Pre-Approval: Obtain a mortgage pre-approval to determine your budget and streamline the buying process. A pre-approval gives you a clear idea of your borrowing capacity and demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer.

Down Payment: Ensure you have sufficient funds for the down payment, typically 20-25% of the property's value for expatriates. Consider additional costs such as registration fees, agent commissions, and maintenance charges.

For mortgage services, consider Mortgage Brokers UAE.

Choosing the Right Property

Location: Choose a location that aligns with your lifestyle and investment goals. Popular residential areas in Dubai include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Arabian Ranches. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, workplaces, and amenities.

Developer Reputation: Research the reputation of the property developer. Established developers with a track record of delivering high-quality projects on time are usually a safer choice.

Property Condition: Inspect the property for any structural issues, maintenance needs, and potential repairs. Hire a professional inspector if necessary to ensure the property is in good condition.

For rental property management, visit Rent Your Property in Dubai.

Legal Considerations

Title Deed Verification: Ensure the property has a clear title and is free from any legal disputes or encumbrances. The DLD provides title deed verification services to help buyers confirm the property's legal status.

Sales Agreement: Review the sales agreement carefully and seek legal advice if needed. Ensure all terms and conditions are clearly outlined, including the price, payment schedule, and any additional costs.

Residency Visa: Property buyers in Dubai may be eligible for a residency visa. The visa duration and requirements vary depending on the property's value and the buyer's nationality. Consult with the DLD or a legal expert to understand the specific visa requirements and benefits.

For property sales, visit Sell Your Property in Dubai.

Market Trends and Opportunities

Sustainable Developments: There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable properties in Dubai. Developers are increasingly incorporating green building practices and energy-efficient features into their projects.

Smart Homes: The adoption of smart home technology is on the rise. Properties equipped with advanced security systems, automated lighting, and climate control are becoming more popular.

Mixed-Use Communities: Integrated communities that offer a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities are gaining popularity. These developments provide residents with a convenient and holistic living experience.

Real-Life Success Story

Consider the case of Maria, an expatriate who successfully navigated Dubai's residential property market. Maria conducted thorough market research, obtained mortgage pre-approval, and chose a reputable developer. By following the guidelines outlined in this buyer's guide, Maria secured a luxurious villa in Arabian Ranches and enjoys the community's amenities and family-friendly environment.

Future Trends in Dubai Real Estate

Sustainable Developments: Developers are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable practices into their projects. Properties with green features such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable materials are becoming more popular.

Smart Homes: The adoption of smart home technology is on the rise. Properties equipped with advanced security systems, automated lighting, and climate control are becoming more popular.

Mixed-Use Communities: Integrated communities that offer a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities are gaining popularity. These developments provide residents with a convenient and holistic living experience.

Conclusion

Understanding Dubai's residential property market is essential for making informed buying decisions. By staying informed about market dynamics, exploring financing options, choosing the right property, and navigating legal considerations, you can make a successful investment. For more resources and expert advice, visit Dubai Real Estate.

[notwiselybuttoowell]

Reforming the world’s food systems will be a key step in limiting global temperature rises, the UN has said, as it set out the first instalment of a roadmap for providing food and farming while staying within 1.5C.

Food production is highly vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis, with research suggesting that as much as a third of global food could be at risk from global heating.

Agriculture and livestock farming are also major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing roughly a 10th of global carbon output directly, and more than double that if the conversion of natural habitat to farming is included.

Until now, however, the UN has held back from setting out in detail how the world can both meet the nutritional needs of a growing population, which is forecast to reach 10 billion by 2050, and reduce global greenhouse gases to net zero by the same date. The latter is required to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Maximo Torero, the chief economist for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), told the Guardian: “We need to act to reduce hunger, and to stay within 1.5C. This is about rebalancing global food systems.”

The roadmap will be laid out over the next two to three years, starting with a document published at Cop28 in Dubai that contains 20 key targets to be met between 2025 and 2050, but little detail on how they can be met. Further detail on how the aspirations can be achieved will be set out in future instalments at the next two Cop summits.

The targets include: reducing methane emissions from livestock by 25% by 2030; ensuring all the world’s fisheries are sustainably managed by 2030; safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030; halving food waste by 2030; eliminating the use of traditional biomass for cooking by 2030.

Torero said the plan would not include calls for a meat tax, which some experts have advocated, but would examine measures to tax sugar, salt and super-processed foods, and better food labelling.

More climate finance should be devoted to agriculture, he added, which accounts for only about 4% of climate finance today. He also called for much more efficient use of agricultural land and resources.

Emile Frison, an expert at IPES-Food (the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems), said: “The FAO should be applauded for this first step in laying out a plan to eliminate extreme hunger and the third of greenhouse gases that come from food systems, and particularly for its emphasis on a just transition – it is not easy.”

But he said the plan did not go far enough. “This current draft puts a huge emphasis on incremental changes to the current industrial food system. But this is a flawed system that is wrecking nature, polluting the environment, and starving millions of people,” he said. “These efficiency-first proposals are unlikely to be enough to get us off the high-pollution, high-fossil-fuel, high-hunger track we are on.”

He called for more radical proposals in the coming instalments. “The next rounds of this process will need to go much further in proposing a real transformation of the status quo, by putting much more emphasis on diversification, shorter supply chains and agroecology, and on tackling the massive power inequalities imposed by a handful of companies that define what we grow and eat.”

Ruth Davis, a fellow at the European Climate Foundation, and senior associate at Oxford’s Smith School, said: “The world desperately needs a roadmap which points us to a fairer, more resilient and sustainable future for food systems. The FAO has made a useful start but it doesn’t take us all the way to the destination we need."

[recorporate]

How to Get a Real Estate License in Dubai?

Introduction

Dubai's real estate sector is renowned for its dynamic and lucrative opportunities. Whether you aspire to be a real estate agent, broker, or property manager, acquiring a real estate license is crucial to establishing yourself as a professional in the industry.

What is a Real Estate License?

A real estate license is an official authorization granted by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) that allows individuals to legally operate in the real estate market. It serves as proof of your competence and knowledge in the field, ensuring that you adhere to the industry's regulations and ethical standards.

Importance of a Real Estate License

Obtaining a real estate license in Dubai offers numerous advantages. It not only enhances your credibility and professionalism but also provides you with access to exclusive opportunities and resources. With a license, you can legally represent clients, broker property transactions, and benefit from the industry's vast networking and support systems.

Types of Real Estate Licenses

In Dubai, there are three primary types of real estate licenses:

Real Estate Agent License: This license allows you to work as a sales agent representing buyers or sellers in real estate transactions.

Real Estate Broker License: With this license, you can establish and manage your own real estate brokerage firm.

Real Estate Developer License: This license is required for individuals or companies involved in developing real estate projects.

Requirements for a Real Estate License

To qualify for a real estate license in Dubai, you must meet certain criteria. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of license you are seeking. However, some common prerequisites include:

Being at least 21 years old

Having a high school diploma or equivalent

Passing a criminal background check

Completing a pre-license course approved by RERA

Demonstrating proficiency in Arabic and English languages

Providing a valid passport and visa copies

Submitting a licensing application along with the required fees

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Real Estate License

Now, let's walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining a real estate license in Dubai:

Step 1: Research the Licensing Process

Before diving into the licensing process, it's essential to gather comprehensive information about the requirements, procedures, and responsibilities associated with the desired license type. Researching and understanding the process will help you navigate it more smoothly.

Also Read :- How To Obtain a General Maintenance License in Dubai

Step 2: Complete a Pre-License Course

To enhance your knowledge and skills in the real estate field, you need to enroll in and successfully complete a pre-license course approved by RERA. These courses provide in-depth training on various aspects of the real estate industry, including legal regulations, property valuation, marketing strategies, and ethical practices. By investing your time and effort in these courses, you will acquire the necessary expertise required to excel in your real estate career.

Step 3: Submit Application and Fees

After completing the pre-license course, it's time to submit your licensing application to RERA. Ensure that you have all the required documents, such as your educational certificates, identification proofs, and passport and visa copies. Additionally, you will need to pay the prescribed fees along with your application. It's crucial to double-check the accuracy of your application and ensure that you've provided all the necessary information to avoid any delays in the processing.

Step 4: Pass the Licensing Exam

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will be eligible to appear for the real estate licensing exam. This exam evaluates your understanding of the real estate industry, local regulations, and best practices. Study diligently and prepare yourself for the exam by referring to the recommended study materials and resources. Acing the licensing exam is a significant milestone in your journey towards obtaining a real estate license.

Step 5: Obtain Sponsorship

In Dubai, it is mandatory to have a sponsorship arrangement with a licensed real estate company or brokerage to operate as a real estate professional. Seek out reputable firms that align with your career goals and approach them to secure sponsorship. Having a sponsor not only fulfills a legal requirement but also offers mentorship and support as you embark on your real estate journey.

Step 6: Apply for the Real Estate License

Once you have secured sponsorship, it's time to apply for the real estate license. Collaborate with your sponsoring company to prepare the necessary documentation and submit the application to RERA. The application should include details such as your sponsorship agreement, proof of passing the licensing exam, and any additional documents required by RERA.

Step 7: Background Check and Approval

Upon receiving your application, RERA will conduct a thorough background check to ensure your compliance with the regulatory standards. This includes verifying your educational qualifications, checking your criminal record, and reviewing your financial stability. Cooperate fully with the authorities and provide any requested documents during this process. Once your background check is cleared, you will be one step closer to obtaining your real estate license.

Step 8: Obtain the License

After successfully completing the previous steps, you will finally receive your real estate license from RERA. This license serves as official proof of your competence and eligibility to operate in the real estate market. It is essential to keep your license updated and comply with the regulations set forth by RERA throughout your career to maintain your professional standing in the industry.

Also Read :- How to get a Virtual Company License in Dubai

Benefits of Having a Real Estate License

Having a real estate license in Dubai opens up a world of opportunities and benefits. Some of the key advantages include:

Professional Credibility: A license enhances your professional credibility, giving clients confidence in your expertise and ethical practices.

Access to Exclusive Resources: Licensed professionals gain access to exclusive resources, databases, and industry networking events that can facilitate their success.

Higher Earning Potential: With a license, you can engage in brokerage activities and earn commissions on property transactions, leading to increased income potential.

Career Growth: A real estate license paves the way for career advancement, allowing you to take on leadership roles, establish your own brokerage, or specialize in specific market segments.

Industry Recognition: Holding a real estate license demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and adherence to industry standards. It sets you apart from unlicensed individuals and earns you respect within the real estate community.

Legal Protection: Being licensed provides you with legal protection. You have a clear understanding of the laws and regulations governing real estate transactions, reducing the risk of legal disputes and ensuring compliance with all necessary requirements.

Expanded Network: As a licensed professional, you have the opportunity to network with other industry experts, potential clients, and influential individuals in the real estate field. This network can lead to valuable partnerships, referrals, and new business opportunities.

Continuing Education: Maintaining a real estate license often requires ongoing professional development. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that you stay updated with the latest trends, laws, and best practices in the real estate industry, keeping you competitive and knowledgeable.

FAQs 

Q : How long does it take to get a real estate license in Dubai?

A : The timeline for obtaining a real estate license can vary depending on various factors, including the type of license and the efficiency of the application process. On average, it may take several weeks to a few months to complete all the necessary steps.

Q : Can I apply for a real estate license if I don't have a real estate background?

A : Yes, you can apply for a real estate license in Dubai even if you don't have prior experience in the real estate field. However, you will need to complete a pre-license course to gain the required knowledge and skills.

Q : Is it necessary to have sponsorship to get a real estate license?

A : Yes, sponsorship from a licensed real estate company or brokerage is mandatory to obtain a real estate license in Dubai. Your sponsor will provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout your career.

Q : What are the renewal requirements for a real estate license?

A : Real estate licenses in Dubai typically require renewal every year or every two years. Renewal requirements may include completing continuing education courses, paying renewal fees, and fulfilling any other obligations set by RERA.

Q : Can I work as a freelancer with a real estate license?

A : No, in Dubai, real estate professionals are required to operate under the sponsorship of a licensed real estate company or brokerage. Freelancing is not allowed in the real estate sector.

Conclusion

Acquiring a real estate license in Dubai is a crucial step towards establishing a successful and rewarding career in the real estate industry, as well as starting a business in Dubai. It not only provides you with legal authorization but also enhances your credibility, expands your professional network, and opens doors to exciting opportunities. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to obtaining your real estate license and embarking on a fulfilling journey in the dynamic Dubai real estate market.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to get a real estate license in Dubai and the potential it holds for starting a business in this vibrant city, it's time to take action. Begin your journey towards realizing your aspirations by diving into this thriving industry and exploring the opportunities that await you. Remember, a real estate license not only unlocks doors but also represents your dedication to professionalism and excellence in the exciting world of real estate.

To learn more about starting a business in Dubai and to receive expert guidance, visit Recorporate.net. Their team of professionals can provide you with the necessary support and resources to kickstart your entrepreneurial endeavors in Dubai. Don't miss out on the chance to turn your dreams into reality – take the first step today!

Reference URL :- How to Get a Real Estate License in Dubai?

[merrock]

CHARACTER INFORMATION

face claim: Dacre Montgomery.

full name: Owen Ryder Anderson.

nickname(s) / goes by: Ryder.

pronouns & gender: he/him, cis man.

sexuality: bisexual.

birth date: October 22, 1994.

birth place: Boston, Massachusetts.

arrival to merrock: September of 2022.

housing: suburbs.

occupation: waiter & artist.

work place: The Garden & From Brush to Canvas. family: cousin, Greyson McVey.

relationship status: single.

PERSONALITY

Ryder likes to think that there's a little bit of every place he's visited wrapped up inside of him. Having traveled the world and partied with the elite, Ryder has developed the kind of personality that can make him easy to hate -- unless you really get to know him. He's good looking and he knows it, and has a real talent or the art that he makes, but both of those things can lead to him walking through life with a chip on his shoulder. Snarky and rude when provoked, but brings a six pack to every party he's invited to. A good guy who likes to hide it.

WRITTEN BY: Katie (she/her), est.

BACKGROUND / BIO

Growing up, Ryder never really knew what his father did for a living, and despite the fact that he’s an adult with career aspirations of his own, he still doesn’t really know. Born on October 22, 1994, the only child of a socialite mother and someone that his friends joked was in the mafia for a father, Owen Ryder Anderson has never, ever looked or acted like an Owen, and will openly scowl if he is called anything but Ryder. A colicky, finnicky baby, he kept his nannies and nursemaids from getting much sleep, and his parents on their toes all through his younger years, especially when he began to draw on the walls of the arts and crafts room. (Looking back, his parents have said that they should have known he would grow up to be an artist.)

As he was growing up with the silver spoon wedged firmly between his lips, Ryder’s parents were growing further and further apart, finally divorcing when he was only five or six years old. Or beginning to divorce – it was a very long, painful, drawn-out, messy process, for which most of the experience, he lived with his mother in Boston. His pre-teen years saw him frustrated with his life, acting out, mouthing off, refusing to pay attention in school, and by the time the divorce was finalized and his mother was ready to live her new, lavish lifestyle, she was also ready to send her son packing, and Ryder headed off to live with his father on the road. He had a private tutor that traveled with them, excelled in one on one studies, and began to really hone is passion for the one thing that made him happy and feel at peace: art.

It was a natural conclusion for Ryder to enroll in school, and he was accepted into the Massachusetts College of Art and Design after graduating from his high school program, settling back into his life pretty happily, making a lot of friends and making strong connections with fellow artists as he studied his hardest to really develop the passion he loved so much. Still, during his breaks and long weekends, he traveled with his father, helping him with business trips, enjoying warm beaches during the winter, and being able to learn a little bit about a lot of places as he went. But it was in Massachusetts, during his college years, that he met someone who was unlike anyone he had ever known before at a local party – a girl that he didn’t expect would change his entire life. The two struck up an online friendship after the party and gradually began an online, long-distance relationship.

After graduating from college, Ryder spent a few years traveling with his father, going to Australia, Dubai, China, anywhere that he had business. But then the call from his mother came in – her new boyfriend owned a small gallery and would love to show his paintings, if he had any, and invited him to come back to Boston. Surprisingly, he made a lot of sales, and even gained a little fame in the art world, garnering a little bit of a social media following (although he jokes that it’s largely because he paints shirtless). The gears began to churn, and Ryder used the money he made on the paintings to start a little nest egg for himself, booking a ticket to Maine and begging his father over the phone to help him secure a house to call home in Merrock. With the promise that he would take care of all bills after he settled in during the fall, Ryder made the jump the tip top of the north east, and cannot wait to see where the journey takes him. Although no longer in said relationship, he's never looked back on his move to Merrock, and has found himself really digging in to starting his art career in earnest.

[wondercubsnursery]

Discover the Top Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Mamzar, Dubai's Best Daycare Preschool

Best Daycare Preschool Mamzar, Dubai

In the vibrant city of Dubai, where educational choices abound, finding the perfect daycare preschool for your child can be a significant decision. Mamzar stands out as the crown jewel in early childhood education, offering a myriad of benefits that make it the best daycare preschool in Dubai.

Holistic Development: At Mamzar, we understand that a child's growth goes beyond academic achievement. Our curriculum is crafted to promote holistic development, focusing on cognitive, physical, social, and emotional aspects. We believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the future.

Experienced and Caring Staff: The heart of Mamzar lies in its dedicated team of educators. Our experienced and caring staff is passionate about creating a supportive and stimulating learning environment. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, your child receives the individual attention they deserve, fostering a love for learning from an early age.

Innovative Learning Approaches: We embrace innovation in education. Mamzar incorporates the latest in teaching methodologies, ensuring that learning is always engaging and relevant. Through play-based activities, hands-on experiences, and interactive lessons, we make education a delightful journey for your child.

Safe and Secure Environment: Ensuring the safety and well-being of your child is our primary focus. Mamzar boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed with your child's safety in mind. Our secure premises and vigilant staff create an environment where your child can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.

Global Perspective: Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and Mamzar celebrates this diversity. We provide a global perspective by exposing children to various cultures, traditions, and languages. This enriching experience fosters tolerance, understanding, and a broader worldview.

Parental Involvement: We believe in the power of collaboration between educators and parents. Mamzar encourages active parental involvement through regular updates, parent-teacher meetings, and events. This partnership ensures that your child's learning journey is a shared and supported experience.

Preparation for School Readiness: Mamzar is not just a daycare; it's a stepping stone for academic success. Our program is designed to prepare children for the transition to formal schooling. We instill a strong foundation of academic skills, social confidence, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Enriching Extracurricular Activities: Beyond the classroom, Mamzar offers a range of enriching extracurricular activities. From arts and crafts to music and physical activities, these experiences contribute to a well-rounded and vibrant early education.

Community Spirit: Mamzar is more than an educational institution; it's a community. We foster a sense of belonging and support among our students and their families. Regular events and activities create lasting connections that extend beyond the preschool years.

In conclusion, Mamzar stands as Dubai's best daycare preschool, offering a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for your child. By choosing Mamzar, you are investing in a bright and promising future for your little one.

Ready to embark on this educational journey with Mamzar? Enroll your child today and witness the transformative and joyous experience that awaits at Dubai's best daycare preschool!

[bluebirdnurseryae]

Pre Schools In Dubai

Find the best Pre Schools In Dubai at Blue Bird Nursery! Where kids learn happily, setting the stage for a bright future.

[vampyrebond]

since i'm redoing my tags anyway, let's establish some verses (NOT SPOILER FREE)

a note - if we're plotting a ship and you write a non TVC character, it'll probably exist somewhere in its own version of modern and will get its own tag! these are my canon/canon adjacent and established au verses

a second note - if lestat is mentioned it is @complicitsacrilege-rp. nick and i have just gone too hard over the last few months.

( v. executor in charge. )

pre 1910

anything that takes place before louis meets lestat. he is a creole, closeted black man. he is able to be a child as a child, with two present parents. despite being the grandchild of ex slaves, his grandfather took over the sugar plantation in the reconstruction period, therefore establishing the du lac wealth. just after louis' 28th birthday, his father drank himself to death and left louis as the executor in charge of the family's fortune. to keep their family afloat, louis opens multiple brothels in storyville.

( v. is my very nature that of the devil? )

1910-1939

takes place in new orleans from the moment lestat de lioncourt arrives in new orleans, until louis and claudia leave for europe. note: while most canon events do take place in one way or another, louis suffers from unreliable narrator syndrome. whether on purpose or not, his memory can't be trusted. because of this, moments will absolutely come up when writing in this time frame that look different to what we saw on tv.

( v. théâtre des vampires. )

1939-1945

claudia and louis arrive in europe in 1939. they explore for a few years, feeding off the lost souls of world war two. they are tortured yet again by lestat, this time burning him down with the home they purchased. they end up in paris, and louis turns a woman named madeline to make another companion for claudia. they meet a vampire who belongs to the théâtre des vampires. they are brought the theatre, and meet the vampire armand and the rest of the coven. there is an immediate connection between armand and louis, so strong that it is only louis who will eventually leave the underground theatre. armand has claudia (and madeline) killed, and louis burns down the building with all of the other vampires in it in retaliation. much like the rest of his story, louis and the walking red flag he's falling for run off together.

( v. i'm sleeping with a ghost. ) - most undecided threads take place here.

1945-2022

armand and louis travel all over the world together. they fall in love. it wasn't love at first sight. it was a love that blossomed from shared trauma and understanding. and it was REALLY good for a long time. in the 70s they end up in san francisco. in 1976 the first interview takes place. that's the beginning of the end for armand and louis, not because daniel comes between them ( no one ships devil's minion more than louis tbh ) but because louis' memory would always be their downfall one day. they end up in dubai during the pandemic, and settle in a penthouse. in 2022 they invite daniel to dubai to conduct the second interview. this interview is more of a suicide note for louis than anything else. if the book got published, there's no way he'd survive it.

( v. the prince's companion. )

ship exclusive: @complicitsacrilege-rp's lestat

the book is in fact not published, but louis and armand part ways. louis finds lestat who had been in the ground since the fire. the events of queen on the damned on CAN take place here, but not all will. as i read i'll let you know what we keep. the endgame here is lestat and louis back together in modern times.

( v. professor du lac. )

after the first interview, louis realizes he wants more with his life and enrolls in university. he works his way through school, eventually getting a phd in american creole history. he teaches french and american history classes at the university he gets a job at. all night classes of course.

( v. true blood. )

louis, as a human in modern times, owns the azalea -- a vampire bar in the quarter. there's a reason most vampire bars are owned by vampires, but louis can more than hold his own. he has a daughter, claudia, who was the daughter of one of the girls at the club who was killed by a vampire ( louis swiftly cut the head off that vampire in retaliation ). lestat, having been the reason for vampires becoming public, lives under the radar until he shows up at the azalea one day.

alternate w/o shipping with lestat - louis is a vampire who owns the vampire bar the azalea in the quarter with claudia as his companion.

( v. the witcher. )

louis is a higher vampire who lives in novigraad with claudia. he is trying to keep a low profile and earn a living by owning a brothel in town.