• The Palisades Fire has destroyed thousands of homes in California. AFP
    The Palisades Fire has destroyed thousands of homes in California. AFP
  • A plane drops fire retardant on the Eaton Fire, near Altadena, California. Bloomberg
    A plane drops fire retardant on the Eaton Fire, near Altadena, California. Bloomberg
  • US President Joe Biden discusses the federal response to the wildfires with senior officials. AP
    US President Joe Biden discusses the federal response to the wildfires with senior officials. AP
  • People who fled the Eaton Fire gather at a donation centre in Santa Anita Park, California. AFP
    People who fled the Eaton Fire gather at a donation centre in Santa Anita Park, California. AFP
  • Mexican military personnel have joined the operation to tackle the Palisades Fire. Reuters
    Mexican military personnel have joined the operation to tackle the Palisades Fire. Reuters
  • A firefighter in the Palisades area. The fire is one of several simultaneous blazes that have spread across Los Angeles County. Reuters
    A firefighter in the Palisades area. The fire is one of several simultaneous blazes that have spread across Los Angeles County. Reuters
  • A helicopter drops water on hotspots in the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California. Bloomberg
    A helicopter drops water on hotspots in the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California. Bloomberg
  • A search team works at a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena. AP
    A search team works at a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena. AP
  • An aerial image shows people affected by the wildfires gathering at a donation centre, at the Santa Anita Park race track in Arcadia. Reuters
    An aerial image shows people affected by the wildfires gathering at a donation centre, at the Santa Anita Park race track in Arcadia. Reuters
  • Pasadena Park Healthcare and Wellness Center chief Amy Johnson, left, hugs Rhea Bartolome, vice president of operations, outside their centre. AP
    Pasadena Park Healthcare and Wellness Center chief Amy Johnson, left, hugs Rhea Bartolome, vice president of operations, outside their centre. AP
  • Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles. AP Photo
    Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles. AP Photo
  • Burnt homes smoulder after the Palisades fire in the coastal community of Malibu in Los Angeles county. AFP
    Burnt homes smoulder after the Palisades fire in the coastal community of Malibu in Los Angeles county. AFP
  • Resident Luke Dexter sifts through the remains of his family's fire-ravaged beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades fire. AP Photo
    Resident Luke Dexter sifts through the remains of his family's fire-ravaged beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades fire. AP Photo
  • An aerial view shows the extent of the damage done to the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    An aerial view shows the extent of the damage done to the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • Smoke from the Palisades wildfires rises from the hills over Los Angeles on January 10. EPA
    Smoke from the Palisades wildfires rises from the hills over Los Angeles on January 10. EPA

LA fires: Biden ‘deeply saddened’ as death toll rises to 24


Patrick deHahn
  • English
  • Arabic

US President Joe Biden on Monday said he was "saddened" by the 24 deaths and the widespread destruction caused by fires in Los Angeles County, now in their seventh day.

Mr Biden added that "our hearts ache" for the "innocent souls" lost in the wildfires that have destroyed large parts of the second largest US city.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that at least 23 people are missing.

Mr Biden said that “hundreds of federal personnel and unique federal aerial and ground support” are on the ground to assist firefighting and recovery in California. He said that his administration “remains laser-focused” on helping survivors.

Firefighters from across the US, and from Canada and Mexico, are pushing to make progress before heavy winds arrive in the coming days. The Eaton and Palisades fires are among the most destructive in Californian history.

The Palisades Fire is 14 per cent contained after burning 9,590 hectares of land and the Eaton Fire is 33 per cent contained after blazing through 1,660 hectares, according to the California Forestry and Fire Protection Department.

Fire crews are also battling a third blaze, the Hurst Fire, which is 95 per cent contained.

“To the brave firefighters and first responders working day and night to suppress these fires and save lives: our nation is grateful,” Mr Biden said. “You represent the best of America and we are in your debt.”

Progress has been made, as three other fires in Los Angeles County and its vicinity over the past week have been extinguished.

Most schools reopened on Monday, the number of people under evacuation orders has dropped under 100,000, and more buildings have regained electricity.

“We are not in the clear as of yet and we must not let our guard down,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told reporters.

The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties from Monday night to Wednesday morning.

“These locations will be under a high risk for large fires with potential for very rapid spreading of any fires that may develop," it said.

  • Wildfires fuelled by intense Santa Ana winds are burning across Los Angeles County. AP
    Wildfires fuelled by intense Santa Ana winds are burning across Los Angeles County. AP
  • Neighbours gather as a family digs through the rubble of their home that was burnt by the Eaton Fire. Reuters
    Neighbours gather as a family digs through the rubble of their home that was burnt by the Eaton Fire. Reuters
  • A fallen street light on the road during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Bloomberg.
    A fallen street light on the road during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Bloomberg.
  • At least five people have been killed, and more than 12,000 hectares have been burnt. AP
    At least five people have been killed, and more than 12,000 hectares have been burnt. AP
  • More than 2,000 structures have been burnt and almost 180,000 people are under orders to evacuate. Bloomberg
    More than 2,000 structures have been burnt and almost 180,000 people are under orders to evacuate. Bloomberg
  • Maya and Bella Bonafante look at the damage to the Altadena Country Club, at which they work, in the Los Angeles area. Reuters
    Maya and Bella Bonafante look at the damage to the Altadena Country Club, at which they work, in the Los Angeles area. Reuters
  • The most destructive wind storm to strike the Los Angeles area in 14 years is fanning wildfires, with dangerous gusts expected to persist for at least another two days. Bloomberg
    The most destructive wind storm to strike the Los Angeles area in 14 years is fanning wildfires, with dangerous gusts expected to persist for at least another two days. Bloomberg
  • A group rescues horses during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Bloomberg
    A group rescues horses during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Bloomberg
  • Water is dropped by helicopter on the burning Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles. AP
    Water is dropped by helicopter on the burning Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles. AP
  • The sun behind smoke above charred buildings after the passing of the Palisades Fire. AFP
    The sun behind smoke above charred buildings after the passing of the Palisades Fire. AFP
  • The Sun rises over the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood after devastating fires that destroyed many homes. Reuters
    The Sun rises over the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood after devastating fires that destroyed many homes. Reuters
  • Wildfire smoke hangs over downtown Los Angeles amid poor air quality in Southern California. AFP
    Wildfire smoke hangs over downtown Los Angeles amid poor air quality in Southern California. AFP
  • Smoke from the Palisades Fire as seen from a commercial flight to Los Angeles. AP
    Smoke from the Palisades Fire as seen from a commercial flight to Los Angeles. AP
  • A Chase bank branch is damaged by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood. AP
    A Chase bank branch is damaged by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood. AP
  • Officials said firefighters are overwhelmed by the speed and ferocity of the blazes. AFP
    Officials said firefighters are overwhelmed by the speed and ferocity of the blazes. AFP
  • Nasa's Earth Observatory shows smoke from the forest fires and clouds over Los Angeles. EPA
    Nasa's Earth Observatory shows smoke from the forest fires and clouds over Los Angeles. EPA

Some in the US have made the disaster political, with Republican president-elect Donald Trump posting on Sunday on Truth Social that the fires are “one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our country” and appeared to place blame on current leaders tackling the crisis, most of whom are Democrats.

“They just can't put out the fires. What's wrong with them?” Mr Trump asked.

As fires continue to burn, night-time curfews have been extended and not all residents have been allowed to return home.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to have firefighters clear debris to prevent “heightened risk for mudslides”.

He told NBC News that the city can still host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, telling reporters: “We already have a team reimagining LA 2.0.”

UAE - India ties

The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner after the US and China

Annual bilateral trade between India and the UAE has crossed US$ 60 billion

The UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India

Indians comprise the largest community with 3.3 million residents in the UAE

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015

His visit on August 23-24 will be the third in four years

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016

Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2017

Modi will visit Bahrain on August 24-25

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDirect%20Debit%20System%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sept%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20with%20a%20subsidiary%20in%20the%20UK%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elaine%20Jones%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20electric%20motors%20with%20102kW%20battery%20pack%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E570hp%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20890Nm%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%20428km%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C700%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our family matters legal consultant

 

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

MATCH INFO

What: Brazil v South Korea
When: Tonight, 5.30pm
Where: Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae

ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
%3Cp%3ECreator%3A%20Tima%20Shomali%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0Tara%20Abboud%2C%C2%A0Kira%20Yaghnam%2C%20Tara%20Atalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.3-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E299hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E420Nm%20at%202%2C750rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12.4L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh157%2C395%20(XLS)%3B%20Dh199%2C395%20(Limited)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BLACKBERRY
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Matt%20Johnson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Jay%20Baruchel%2C%20Glenn%20Howerton%2C%20Matt%20Johnson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How Alia's experiment will help humans get to Mars

Alia’s winning experiment examined how genes might change under the stresses caused by being in space, such as cosmic radiation and microgravity.

Her samples were placed in a machine on board the International Space Station. called a miniPCR thermal cycler, which can copy DNA multiple times.

After the samples were examined on return to Earth, scientists were able to successfully detect changes caused by being in space in the way DNA transmits instructions through proteins and other molecules in living organisms.

Although Alia’s samples were taken from nematode worms, the results have much bigger long term applications, especially for human space flight and long term missions, such as to Mars.

It also means that the first DNA experiments using human genomes can now be carried out on the ISS.

 

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

Sam Smith

Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday November 24

Rating: 4/5

Info

What: 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship

When: December 27-29, 2018

Confirmed: men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae, Virgin megastores or call 800 86 823

Results:

Men's wheelchair 800m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 1.44.79; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 1.45.88; 3. Isaac Towers (GBR) 1.46.46.

Three trading apps to try

Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:

  • For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
  • If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
  • Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
McIlroy's struggles in 2016/17

European Tour: 6 events, 16 rounds, 5 cuts, 0 wins, 3 top-10s, 4 top-25s, 72,5567 points, ranked 16th

PGA Tour: 8 events, 26 rounds, 6 cuts, 0 wins, 4 top-10s, 5 top-25s, 526 points, ranked 71st

EXPATS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lulu%20Wang%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nicole%20Kidman%2C%20Sarayu%20Blue%2C%20Ji-young%20Yoo%2C%20Brian%20Tee%2C%20Jack%20Huston%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
One-off T20 International: UAE v Australia

When: Monday, October 22, 2pm start

Where: Abu Dhabi Cricket, Oval 1

Tickets: Admission is free

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Peter Siddle

MATCH INFO

Southampton 0
Manchester City 1
(Sterling 16')

Man of the match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

Soldier F

“I was in complete disgust at the fact that only one person was to be charged for Bloody Sunday.

“Somebody later said to me, 'you just watch - they'll drop the charge against him'. And sure enough, the charges against Soldier F would go on to be dropped.

“It's pretty hard to think that 50 years on, the State is still covering up for what happened on Bloody Sunday.”

Jimmy Duddy, nephew of John Johnson

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Updated: January 14, 2025, 8:16 AM