Declan McVeigh is a staff opinion writer at The National
November 03, 2020
In the opening scene of the harrowing 2015 Second World War drama Land of Mine, Roland Moller plays Sgt Carl Rasmussen, a Danish soldier returning to his newly liberated country in May 1945.
Wearing the uniform of Britain’s Parachute Regiment, Rasmussen is driving past a line of bedraggled Wehrmacht troops who are trudging their way home after the collapse of the Nazis’ five-year occupation.
Something one of the soldiers has tucked under his arm catches Rasmussen’s eye, and the burly commando brings his jeep to a sudden stop. Striding over to the young man, Rasmussen can now see clearly what the German is carrying: a pilfered Danish flag.
Already seething with pent-up rage, Rasmussen lets loose, battering the solider to the ground and snatching the flag back. “This is not yours!” he yells in German. To the rest of the retreating troops he shouts: “This is my land! Understood? Get out!”
It is difficult to think of a more visceral depiction of the power of flags and emblems. Although some say that flags are merely coloured fabric – like NFL player Colin Kaepernick who said in 2016: "I am not going to value a piece of cloth over people's lives" – these emblems are alive with political and cultural voltage.
In the UAE, which celebrates Flag Day this week, the colours designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammad Al Maainah were first flown at Union House in Dubai and Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi on December 2 that year – the day of unification.
The UAE flag, with its pan-Arab colours, is an important symbol of statehood and played an important part in forging a strong Emirati identity. The flag is universally accepted by Emiratis as their emblem and it can be said that the UAE flag, for want of a better word, works.
This is not always the case. In 2004, Iraqis furiously rejected a new national flag that was intended to underline the break with the Saddam Hussein era.
The new flag – designed in London by the renowned Iraqi architect Rifat Chadirji – ditched the pan-Arab colours of the country’s previous flags in favour of a blue crescent and two blue lines on a white background.
For many Iraqis, the new flag was that of the occupying forces and, in a fatal blow to the flag’s chances of success, was unnervingly close in appearance to that of Israel’s. After protests, the new flag was quietly folded up and put away.
New Zealand voters chose to keep the current design of their national flag, right, instead of adopting the new design with a silver fern, in a referendum that ended on March 24, 2016. Reuters
Obsolete flags can retain their power, too. In Germany, for example, the illegal display of the swastika comes with a three-year jail sentence.
But even an uncontroversial flag that works can raise strong feelings. New Zealanders spent 16 months and nearly $17.5 million in designing a series of alternatives to its existing flag only for the electorate to keep the original Southern Cross design in a 2016 referendum.
That flags are more than just pieces of coloured cloth is even borne about by those who destroy them. Rows over flag burning as free speech in the US have rumbled through the American judicial system for years. Many countries punish those who insult their flag, or other national symbols, with a fine or jail time.
Not quite so in Iran, where a canny company that makes US, British and Israeli flags for protesters to burn reported in January that business was booming, with its workers producing about 2,000 conveniently combustible symbols of imperialism a month during peak demand.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, greets a crowd of young people on Flag Day on November 3, 2019. Courtesy Wam
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, attended the Flag Day celebrations at the ministry on November 3, 2019. Wam
Ras Al Khaimah ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi raises flag in Al Qawasim Corniche. Wam
In a flag raising ceremony on the Umm Shaif platform, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of ADNOC, hoisted the UAE flag in the presence of ADNOC employees. Wam
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (C), chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, raises the UAE flag in front of Dubai International Airport. EPA
The UAE Flag flies proudly in the winter sunlight in Sharjah. Antonie Robertson/The National
Members from Dubai Police take part in a parade in front of Dubai International Airport during UAE Flag Day in Dubai. EPA
A child wears a T-shirt printed with an UAE sign at Kite beach which is decorated by UAE flag in Dubai. EPA
There was a sea of red, white, black and green on Flag Day. Wam
The ‘Flag Garden’ features 4,500 UAE flags arranged to create portraits of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Wam
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Executive Council member and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, stands for a photograph with CPC staff members during Flag Day celebrations, at Crown Prince Court. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
In keeping with this rather prosaic use of flags, there is their workaday role in the media. In the 90s a journalism tutor in Northern Ireland cheerfully told me about his so-called flag bag: a satchel of various, pristine emblems he would take with him when summoned by one paramilitary faction or another to photograph a statement or show of strength.
But, what actually makes a flag work? US librarian and vexillologist Steven Knowlton cast his expert eye over the UAE's flag for The National.
“The UAE's flag consists entirely of blocks of primary colours,” he said. “It is easy to make, even by amateurs at sewing, and to draw. This simplicity also makes it inexpensive if ordered from a manufacturer.
“Although UAE uses four colours, they are all colours commonly found in standard fabrics, and they contrast well when seen at a distance, which makes them easily visible against a clear blue sky or a cloudy sky.”
And although the UAE shares its colours with other countries in the Middle East, Mr Knowlton says the flag’s design helps to make it unique.
“The colour set of UAE's flag relates clearly to other Arab nations, such as Jordan, Sudan, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Kuwait. But the distinctive use of only rectangular shapes helps it stand out against the other flags, which rely on triangles or horizontal stripes.”
When a teenage Abdullah Mohammad Al Maainah – who went on to become an Emirati diplomat – entered Aletihad newspaper's flag competition in 1971, little did he know the impact his red, black, green and white banner would have.
His winning flag will be ubiquitous this week, but as with so much this year, 2020's Flag Day will be one like no other. From being displayed to deliver stay-home messages or to encourage unity among the 200 nationalities who live and work here, the UAE's flag remains part of the fabric of this country.
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister. "We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know. “All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.” It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins. Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement. The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
GroupA: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Also on December 7 to 9, the third edition of the Gulf Car Festival (www.gulfcarfestival.com) will take over Dubai Festival City Mall, a new venue for the event. Last year's festival brought together about 900 cars worth more than Dh300 million from across the Emirates and wider Gulf region – and that first figure is set to swell by several hundred this time around, with between 1,000 and 1,200 cars expected. The first day is themed around American muscle; the second centres on supercars, exotics, European cars and classics; and the final day will major in JDM (Japanese domestic market) cars, tuned vehicles and trucks. Individuals and car clubs can register their vehicles, although the festival isn’t all static displays, with stunt drifting, a rev battle, car pulls and a burnout competition.
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
'Brazen'
Director: Monika Mitchell
Starring: Alyssa Milano, Sam Page, Colleen Wheeler
Rating: 3/5
Top 10 in the F1 drivers' standings
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 202 points
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-GP 188
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-GP 169
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing 117
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 116
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing 67
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 56
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 45
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 35
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 26
Score
Third Test, Day 2
New Zealand 274
Pakistan 139-3 (61 ov)
Pakistan trail by 135 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 1 (Gundogan 56')
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 (Solomon 69')
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night. Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning. Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector. Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
Tuesday results:
Singapore bt Malaysia by 29 runs
UAE bt Oman by 13 runs
Hong Kong bt Nepal by 3 wickets
Final:
Thursday, UAE v Hong Kong
LIST OF INVITEES
Shergo Kurdi (am)
Rayhan Thomas
Saud Al Sharee (am)
Min Woo Lee
Todd Clements
Matthew Jordan
AbdulRahman Al Mansour (am)
Matteo Manassero
Alfie Plant
Othman Al Mulla
Shaun Norris
Series information
Pakistan v Dubai
First Test, Dubai International Stadium
Sun Oct 6 to Thu Oct 11
Second Test, Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tue Oct 16 to Sat Oct 20
Play starts at 10am each day
Teams
Pakistan
1 Mohammed Hafeez, 2 Imam-ul-Haq, 3 Azhar Ali, 4 Asad Shafiq, 5 Haris Sohail, 6 Babar Azam, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed, 8 Bilal Asif, 9 Yasir Shah, 10, Mohammed Abbas, 11 Wahab Riaz or Mir Hamza
Australia
1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Mitchell Marsh, 5 Travis Head, 6 Marnus Labuschagne, 7 Tim Paine, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Peter Siddle, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jon Holland
How to wear a kandura
Dos
Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
