• Pope Francis gestures as he boards a plane to depart for Rome, at Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad. Reuters
    Pope Francis gestures as he boards a plane to depart for Rome, at Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad. Reuters
  • Cardinals and ranking Catholic clergymen board the Alitalia Airbus A330 aircraft as Pope Francis bids farewell to other bishops and Iraq's President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh before departing from the Iraqi capital's Baghdad International. AFP
    Cardinals and ranking Catholic clergymen board the Alitalia Airbus A330 aircraft as Pope Francis bids farewell to other bishops and Iraq's President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh before departing from the Iraqi capital's Baghdad International. AFP
  • Iraq's President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh escort Pope Francis during the farewell ceremony for the pontiff at the Iraqi capital's Baghdad International Airport. AFP
    Iraq's President Barham Saleh and his wife Sarbagh escort Pope Francis during the farewell ceremony for the pontiff at the Iraqi capital's Baghdad International Airport. AFP
  • Pope Francis meets Abdullah Kurdi, father of little Alan, who was shipwrecked with his brother and mother on the Turkish coast in September 2015 while he was trying to reach Europe with his family, at the end of a Mass in the Erbil Stadium. EPA
    Pope Francis meets Abdullah Kurdi, father of little Alan, who was shipwrecked with his brother and mother on the Turkish coast in September 2015 while he was trying to reach Europe with his family, at the end of a Mass in the Erbil Stadium. EPA
  • Nuns cheer and dance at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq. Getty Images
    Nuns cheer and dance at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq. Getty Images
  • A baby dressed in papal outfit during a mass with Pope Francis at the Erbil Stadium. EPA
    A baby dressed in papal outfit during a mass with Pope Francis at the Erbil Stadium. EPA
  • Nuns take a selfie after the completion of a mass conducted by Pope Francis. Getty Images
    Nuns take a selfie after the completion of a mass conducted by Pope Francis. Getty Images
  • People carry umbrellas as they celebrate after a mass led by Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq. Reuters
    People carry umbrellas as they celebrate after a mass led by Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq. Reuters
  • Pope Francis conducts mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. Getty Images
    Pope Francis conducts mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. Getty Images
  • Monks pray during a mass conducted by Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium. Getty Images
    Monks pray during a mass conducted by Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium. Getty Images
  • Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Virgin Mary at a mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. EPA
    Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Virgin Mary at a mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. EPA
  • Pope Francis walks with an incense censer as he leads mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. AFP
    Pope Francis walks with an incense censer as he leads mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium. AFP
  • Pope Francis blesses people as he arrives in the popemobile vehicle at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
    Pope Francis blesses people as he arrives in the popemobile vehicle at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
  • Pope Francis arrives on the popemobile to celebrate Mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AP Photo
    Pope Francis arrives on the popemobile to celebrate Mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AP Photo
  • Nuns wave flags of Iraq, Kurdistan, and the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
    Nuns wave flags of Iraq, Kurdistan, and the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
  • A faithful waits for Pope Francis to hold Mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. Reuters
    A faithful waits for Pope Francis to hold Mass at Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. Reuters
  • Pope Francis blessing people as he arrives in the popemobile vehicle at the Franso Hariri Stadium. AFP
    Pope Francis blessing people as he arrives in the popemobile vehicle at the Franso Hariri Stadium. AFP
  • Young women dressed in traditional Kurdish clothing wave flags of the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
    Young women dressed in traditional Kurdish clothing wave flags of the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. AFP
  • Pope Francis arrives to hold a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in Qaraqosh. Reuters
    Pope Francis arrives to hold a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in Qaraqosh. Reuters
  • Pope Francis is greeted by people as he arrives at the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira-l-Kubra), in the predominantly Christian town of Qaraqosh. AFP
    Pope Francis is greeted by people as he arrives at the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception (al-Tahira-l-Kubra), in the predominantly Christian town of Qaraqosh. AFP
  • Pope Francis arrives at a meeting with local residents at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh. AP Photo
    Pope Francis arrives at a meeting with local residents at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh. AP Photo
  • Pope Francis visits the town before holding a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in Qaraqosh. Reuters
    Pope Francis visits the town before holding a mass at the Grand Immaculate Church, in Qaraqosh. Reuters
  • Pope Francis releases a white dove during a prayer for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
    Pope Francis releases a white dove during a prayer for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
  • Pope Francis rides in a golf cart at the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
    Pope Francis rides in a golf cart at the ruins of the Syriac Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. AFP
  • A nun kisses the hand of Pope Francis during a prayer for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
    A nun kisses the hand of Pope Francis during a prayer for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's Old City. Reuters
  • Pope Francis arrives to pray for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's old city. Reuters
    Pope Francis arrives to pray for war victims at 'Hosh al-Bieaa', Church Square, in Mosul's old city. Reuters
  • Pope Francis attends a prayer for the victims of the war at Church Square, Mosul. EPA
    Pope Francis attends a prayer for the victims of the war at Church Square, Mosul. EPA
  • Pope Francis and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masud Barzani viewing a gift sculpture of a Chaldean cross during their meeting in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region. AFP
    Pope Francis and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masud Barzani viewing a gift sculpture of a Chaldean cross during their meeting in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region. AFP
  • Pope Francis meeting with the President of the autonomous Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, the Prime Minister of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government Mansour Barzani, and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masud Barzani in Arbil. AFP
    Pope Francis meeting with the President of the autonomous Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, the Prime Minister of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government Mansour Barzani, and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masud Barzani in Arbil. AFP
  • Pope Francis greets Iraqis dressed in traditional outfits upon his arrival at Erbil airport, in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
    Pope Francis greets Iraqis dressed in traditional outfits upon his arrival at Erbil airport, in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
  • Pope Francis walks with Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan region, and President of the Kurdistan region in Iraq Nechirvan Barzani, upon his arrival at Erbil International Airport. Reuters
    Pope Francis walks with Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan region, and President of the Kurdistan region in Iraq Nechirvan Barzani, upon his arrival at Erbil International Airport. Reuters
  • Iraqi women dressed in traditional outfits hold palm leafs as they welcome Pope Francis upon his arrival at Erbil airport. AFP
    Iraqi women dressed in traditional outfits hold palm leafs as they welcome Pope Francis upon his arrival at Erbil airport. AFP
  • Mansour Barzani, Prime Minister of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government looks on , as Pope Francis greets religious dignitaries at the Erbil airport. AFP
    Mansour Barzani, Prime Minister of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government looks on , as Pope Francis greets religious dignitaries at the Erbil airport. AFP
  • Pope Francis arrives at Erbil International Airport in Iraq. Reuters
    Pope Francis arrives at Erbil International Airport in Iraq. Reuters
  • Pope Francis is welcomed at Erbil International Airport in Erbil. Reuters
    Pope Francis is welcomed at Erbil International Airport in Erbil. Reuters
  • Pope Francis greets people as he leave the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph. Getty Images
    Pope Francis greets people as he leave the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph. Getty Images
  • Pope Francis leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
    Pope Francis leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
  • Iraqi Christian worshippers attend the mass led by the Pope at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
    Iraqi Christian worshippers attend the mass led by the Pope at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
  • Pope Francis greeted by children upon his arrival for a mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
    Pope Francis greeted by children upon his arrival for a mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
  • Pope Francis blesses the congregation as he leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
    Pope Francis blesses the congregation as he leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
  • Pope Francis arrives to lead mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
    Pope Francis arrives to lead mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
  • Pope Francis is greeted by children upon his arrival at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
    Pope Francis is greeted by children upon his arrival at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral. AFP
  • People take pictures with their mobiles upon the arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
    People take pictures with their mobiles upon the arrival of Pope Francis. Reuters
  • Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. EPA
    Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. EPA
  • Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
    Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
  • Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
    Pope Francis speaks to Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
  • Pope Francis is seen behind flowers at an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
    Pope Francis is seen behind flowers at an interfaith service at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur. EPA
  • Pope Francis smiles and waves at a women that threw a kiss to him. Haider Husseini/ The National
    Pope Francis smiles and waves at a women that threw a kiss to him. Haider Husseini/ The National
  • People attend an inter-religious ceremony in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
    People attend an inter-religious ceremony in Ur near Nassiriya. Reuters
  • Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani meeting with Pope Francis and his delegation, at his home in the holy city of Najaf. AFP
    Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani meeting with Pope Francis and his delegation, at his home in the holy city of Najaf. AFP
  • Pope Francis, accompanied by clerics, and Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, meet in Najaf. Courtesy of the Vatican
    Pope Francis, accompanied by clerics, and Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, meet in Najaf. Courtesy of the Vatican
  • Pope Francis's meeting with Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, in Najaf, followed months of negotiations between Najaf and the Vatican. Reuters
    Pope Francis's meeting with Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, in Najaf, followed months of negotiations between Najaf and the Vatican. Reuters
  • Pope Francis smiles with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
    Pope Francis smiles with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
  • The Pope visits Our Lady of Salvation Church. Courtesy of the Prime Minister office
    The Pope visits Our Lady of Salvation Church. Courtesy of the Prime Minister office
  • Pope Francis is welcomed upon his arrival at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AP Photo
    Pope Francis is welcomed upon his arrival at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AP Photo
  • Pope Francis speaks in the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
    Pope Francis speaks in the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
  • Pope Francis greets people in front of the the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
    Pope Francis greets people in front of the the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
  • Nuns welcome Pope Francis at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
    Nuns welcome Pope Francis at the Our Lady of Salvation Church. AFP
  • Iraq's President Barham Salih speaks with Pope Francis during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidental Palace in Baghdad. Reuters
    Iraq's President Barham Salih speaks with Pope Francis during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidental Palace in Baghdad. Reuters
  • Iraqi President Barham Salih welcomes Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace. AFP
    Iraqi President Barham Salih welcomes Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace. AFP
  • Pope Francis walk with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
    Pope Francis walk with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
  • Pope Francis talks with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival in Baghdad. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
    Pope Francis talks with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival in Baghdad. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
  • Pope Francis walks with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
    Pope Francis walks with Iraq's prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on arrival at Baghdad airport. Handout from the office of the Prime Minister of Iraq
  • Pope Francis walks alongside Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi upon his arrival in Baghdad. AFP
    Pope Francis walks alongside Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi upon his arrival in Baghdad. AFP
  • Pope Francis waves to the crowd upon his arrival in Baghdad. Reuters
    Pope Francis waves to the crowd upon his arrival in Baghdad. Reuters
  • Pope Francis speaks to journalists aboard the plane heading to Iraq. AP Photo
    Pope Francis speaks to journalists aboard the plane heading to Iraq. AP Photo
  • Pope Francis waves as he boards the plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
    Pope Francis waves as he boards the plane for his visit to Iraq, at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. Reuters
  • People holding Iraqi and Vatican flags as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis, at Baghdad Airport Road, in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
    People holding Iraqi and Vatican flags as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis, at Baghdad Airport Road, in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
  • A Christian woman holds the Vatican flag as she heads to the airport to wait for the arrival of Pope Francis, in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
    A Christian woman holds the Vatican flag as she heads to the airport to wait for the arrival of Pope Francis, in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters

Pope Francis’ Iraq schedule reveals packed programme


Mina Aldroubi
  • English
  • Arabic

Pope Francis's arrival in Baghdad on Friday marks the start of a hectic four days for the 84-year-old pontiff.

A detailed itinerary released by the Vatican shows how tightly packed the Pope's schedule is as he travels south from the capital to the cities of Najaf and Nasiriyah, then back to Baghdad before heading north for events in Erbil, Mosul and the town of Qaraqosh.

The Pope's schedule in Iraq, in summary:

  1. Friday, March 5: Arrives in Baghdad
  2. Saturday, March 6: Najaf, Nassiriya, Ur
  3. Sunday, March 7: Erbil, Mosul, Qaraqosh
  4. Monday, March 8: Farewell ceremony at Baghdad's airport

Friday, March 5, 2021

7.30am (Rome) Departure for Baghdad from Fiumicino International Airport

2pm Arrival at Baghdad International Airport

2.10pm Meeting with the prime minister in the VIP Hall of Baghdad International Airport

3pm Official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad

3.15pm Meeting with the president in the private office of the Presidential Palace

3.45pm Pope Francis to speak at meeting with officials, civil society and the diplomatic corps in the hall of the Presidential Palace

4.40pm Meeting with religious figures at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad, with the Pope to deliver a speech

Saturday, March 6

7.45am Departure by plane for Najaf

8.30am Arrival at Najaf Airport

9am Meeting with Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani at his home in Najaf

10am Departure by plane for Nasiriyah

10.50am Arrival at Nasiriyah airport

11.10am Inter-religious meeting at the Plain of Ur, where the Pope will give an address

12.30pm Departure by plane for Baghdad

1.20pm Arrival at Baghdad airport

6pm Holy Mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Baghdad; Pope to deliver homily

Sunday, March 7

7.15am Departure by plane for Erbil

8.20am Arrival at Erbil airport

8.30am Meeting with the president and prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the airport's presidential VIP lounge

9am Departure by helicopter for Mosul

9.35am Arrival in Mosul

10am Prayer for the victims of the war at Mosul Church Square

10.55am Departure by helicopter for Qaraqosh

11.10am Arrival in Qaraqosh

11.30am Visit to the Qaraqosh community at the Church of Immaculate Conception, and speech by the Pope

12.15pm Transfer to Erbil

4pm Holy Mass at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil, Pope to deliver homily

6.10pm Departure by plane for Baghdad

7.15pm Arrival in Baghdad

Monday, March 8

9.20am Farewell ceremony at Baghdad International Airport

9.40am Pope's plane departs for Rome

12.55pm Arrival at Rome's Ciampino International Airport

Match info

Who: India v Afghanistan
What: One-off Test match, Bengaluru
When: June 14 to 18
TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD, 8am starts
Online: OSN Play (subscribers only)

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

MATCH INFO:

Second Test

Pakistan v Australia, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am​​ daily​​​​​ at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Entrance is free

RESULTS

Manchester United 2

Anthony Martial 30'

Scott McTominay 90 6' 

Manchester City 0

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Cricket World Cup League Two

Oman, UAE, Namibia

Al Amerat, Muscat

 

Results

Oman beat UAE by five wickets

UAE beat Namibia by eight runs

 

Fixtures

Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia

Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE

Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia

Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia

Profile Idealz

Company: Idealz

Founded: January 2018

Based: Dubai

Sector: E-commerce

Size: (employees): 22

Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)

MATCH INFO

Newcastle United 3
Gayle (23'), Perez (59', 63')

Chelsea 0

IF YOU GO
 
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
 
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info

 Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.

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Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

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Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

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The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

Porsche Taycan Turbo specs

Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors

Transmission: two-speed

Power: 671hp

Torque: 1050Nm

Range: 450km

Price: Dh601,800

On sale: now