Israel has called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez "a disgrace" to his country after pro-Palestinian protesters forced an early end to the Vuelta a Espana cycling race.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Mr Sanchez of "encouraging the protesters to take to the streets" of Madrid through "his incitements", hours after the final stage of the race was abandoned because of demonstrators blocking the route.
Pro-Palestinian protesters, demanding an end to the war in Gaza, have repeatedly targeted the three-week race because of the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team, forcing multiple stages to be cut short. On Sunday demonstrators overwhelmed police and invaded the course in the Spanish capital. The prestigious event ended with police charging at protesters and firing tear gas.
Spain's political class have clashed over the disruptions, with the opposition accusing the leftist government of permitting an "international embarrassment".
Several members of Spain's leftist government have publicly supported the movement in a country where support for the Palestinian cause is strong.
Mr Sanchez made his first public comments on the row on Sunday, saying before the final stage that "Spain today shines as an example and as a source of pride".
The country was "an example to an international community where it sees Spain taking a step forward in the defence of human rights", he told a Socialist party gathering in the southern city of Malaga.
Israel was swift to denounce those comments. Mr Saar called Mr Sanchez and his government "a disgrace" to their nation, accusing the Spanish leader of encouraging the protesters.
The right-wing opposition Popular Party, which runs the Madrid region and the Spanish capital's council, also reacted furiously. Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo's response on social media was scathing.
"The government has allowed and induced the non-completion of the Vuelta and, in this way, an international embarrassment televised worldwide," he said.
Madrid's mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida said: "What has happened today in Madrid is the fruit of hate and violence that have been irresponsibly encouraged in recent days by leaders from the left."
At the other end of the political spectrum, far-left Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz hailed Spanish society for "giving a lesson to the world".
"Israel cannot compete in any event while it continues to commit a genocide," she wrote on Instagram, days after the Israeli government barred her from entry for her criticism of the Gaza war.
Israel-Premier Tech, owned by Israeli-Canadian property developer Sylvan Adams, is a private outfit and not a state team, but was hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for continuing to compete despite the protests.
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
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The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
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