This picture taken on March 31, 2023 shows an aerial plan view of an ancient structure at the Umm al-Aqarib archaeological site, frequently buried by sandstorms due to desertification, in the district of al-Rifai in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. - Iraqi archeological marvels that survived millennia and the ravages of war now face a modern threat: being blasted and buried by sandstorms linked to climate change. Many Babylonian treasures, painstakingly unearthed, are slowly disappearing again under wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)
This picture taken on March 31, 2023 shows an aerial plan view of an ancient structure at the Umm al-Aqarib archaeological site, frequently buried by sandstorms due to desertification, in the district of al-Rifai in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. - Iraqi archeological marvels that survived millennia and the ravages of war now face a modern threat: being blasted and buried by sandstorms linked to climate change. Many Babylonian treasures, painstakingly unearthed, are slowly disappearing again under wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)
Archaeologist Aqeel Mansarawi at the ancient site in the southern Dhi Qar province, which he says is now under threat from sandstorms linked to climate change
Archaeologist Aqeel Mansarawi at the ancient site in the southern Dhi Qar province, which he says is now under threat from sandstorms linked to climate change
Some of the walls at the site have stood for millennia
Some of the walls at the site have stood for millennia
Babylonian treasures have been painstakingly unearthed over decades by archaeologists
Babylonian treasures have been painstakingly unearthed over decades by archaeologists
But the structures are frequently reburied by sandstorms
But the structures are frequently reburied by sandstorms
The archaeology is also damaged by wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts
The archaeology is also damaged by wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts
Mr Mansarawi inspects ancient masonry that is falling prey to the harsh conditions
Mr Mansarawi inspects ancient masonry that is falling prey to the harsh conditions
Archaeological marvels that survived the ravages of war are again under threat
Archaeological marvels that survived the ravages of war are again under threat
An ancient building that is disappearing into the sands
An ancient building that is disappearing into the sands
Mr Mansarawi searches for the remains of a building claimed by the desert sands
Mr Mansarawi searches for the remains of a building claimed by the desert sands

MENA

Sandstorms threaten Iraq's Umm Al Aqarib archaeological site - in pictures

Ancient structures in Dhi Qar province risk being eroded and buried

The National

April 23, 2023

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  • Arabic

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Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

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MATCH INFO

Day 1 at Mount Maunganui

England 241-4

Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28

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2.0

Director: S Shankar

Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films

Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Updated: April 23, 2023, 12:28 PM
Iraq