I'd put budgeting firmly in my weaknesses. I still have a slightly careless, book-the-flight, buy-the-shoes, you-only-live-once approach to finances. You do only live once, after all.
But better budgeting is one of my 2024 New Year's resolutions. That, and reducing the seven hours per day of screen time I ashamedly amass most days. If you've not made your New Year's resolutions yet, head to p47 to let team What's On inspire you.
So, I'm going to be keeping our January issue close as we head into the new year. From p17, we present an array of ideas to keep you having fun in the capital without breaking the bank. Some things don't cost a dirham. Many more get you change from Dhs50. And all of them will set you back less than Dhs100. Consider this our case that you don't need to blow the budget to have fun.
It's impossible to head into the new year without talking about how special this one is going to be. It's set to be a year filled with celebration at What's On HQ, as we mark a milestone 45 years since our first issue came out in June 1979. It's hard to believe that even 15 years before I was born, What's On began bringing residents of the emirates the news, inspiration and happenings they needed to know about. And in the near half century that's followed, we've continued to be at the forefront of what's new and exciting here in the UAE. To commemorate this remarkable anniversary, we'll be spending the next 12 months looking back on some of our best bits (take a look on p15), while also bringing you plenty of celebrations along the way. You won't want to miss a moment of it.
Enjoy the issue,
Alice Holtham Group Editor | 
