I always say that cinema has given me much of my life. It has given me not only the richness of movies from all over the world, but many years of opportunities to travel, meet people, enduring friendships, and a chance to see how others live. I was in Dubai for the 13th Dubai International Film Festival, held from December 7-14. As much as I enjoyed the films, I also enjoyed the sidelights of the festival, and of sauntering in Dubai.

At the Hotel al Qasr in Dubai, a man holds a falcon to keep away crows, so people can enjoy their breakfast undisturbed on the verandah. Pic/Meenakshi Shedde