Ignite Power, headquartered in Rwanda, uses the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model to offer affordable access to clean electricity in the most remote villages across Sub-Saharan Africa. Photo: Zayed Sustainability Prize
Ignite Power, headquartered in Rwanda, uses the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model to offer affordable access to clean electricity in the most remote villages across Sub-Saharan Africa. Photo: Zayed Sustainability Prize
Ignite Power, headquartered in Rwanda, uses the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model to offer affordable access to clean electricity in the most remote villages across Sub-Saharan Africa. Photo: Zayed Sustainability Prize
Ignite Power, headquartered in Rwanda, uses the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model to offer affordable access to clean electricity in the most remote villages across Sub-Saharan Africa. Photo: Zayed Sustainab

Opinion

Comment

There is a better way to help Africa's emerging economies than Western-style power grids

Yariv Cohen
Yariv Cohen
  • English
  • Arabic
Yariv Cohen is the chief executive of Ignite Power

August 06, 2024

Through the UAE Consensus reached at Cop28 in Dubai last December, negotiators secured historic commitments to expand renewable energy. Today, work is under way to deliver on that pledge, as governments, companies and civil society take action to increase access to affordable, clean power.

Nowhere is this transformation more urgently needed than in Africa, where 660 million people still live without electricity in their homes and hundreds of millions more rely on unstable grid connections. Expanding power at such a scale is difficult on its own – doing it sustainably is even harder.

To overcome these challenges and broaden the benefits of renewable energy, some argue that the grid model that worked in the West should be transplanted to emerging economies.

However, Africa’s vast lands, dispersed population and lack of last-mile technicians make utility-scale grids expensive and complicated to implement in many locations. Instead, mounting evidence shows that a decentralised approach is more effective.

Distributed Renewable Energy, or DRE, is an alternative to the traditional centralised power plant model of energy generation. In the DRE approach, energy is generated by small-scale devices, such as solar panels, close to the point of service. Instead of relying on one centralised grid, households and communities are able to generate their own energy in a more reliable, sustainable and affordable fashion. This energy can be used directly by the household or distributed elsewhere for a premium.

In Rwanda, 93 per cent of households say their children perform better in school when they have light to study after dark. Photo: Zayed Sustainability Prize
In Rwanda, 93 per cent of households say their children perform better in school when they have light to study after dark. Photo: Zayed Sustainability Prize

As a result, DRE offers a more flexible and faster way to turn on the lights in hard-to-reach communities. DRE systems can be installed anywhere, no matter how remote, and tap into Africa’s most abundant resource – sunlight. According to research published last year by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies in the UK, the results are “increased access to electricity, cost savings, energy security, environmental benefits and job creation”.

Ignite Power, which won the Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Energy Category at Cop28, offers one example of how the DRE approach can succeed. Growing from its first project in Rwanda, the company is connecting deep-rural communities across Africa to reliable solar-based solutions. Propelled by the proceeds of the Zayed prize, Abu Dhabi-based Ignite now provides three million people in nine countries with electricity, irrigation, clean cooking and internet access.

Gaining access to these services creates a profound impact, regardless of the size of the system. With power, users can light their homes, charge their mobile phones and stay connected.

Abu Dhabi-based Ignite now provides three million people in nine countries with electricity, irrigation, clean cooking and internet access

The impact goes deeper, too. In a survey conducted by Ignite across Mozambique and Rwanda, farmers report two extra hours of productivity each day because they can cook dinner after sunset. Family expenditures drop as they no longer need to visit local kiosks to charge their phones or pay for expensive kerosene. And 93 per cent of households say their children perform better in school when they have light to study after dark.

While DRE has been especially effective in reaching remote areas, the technology holds considerable promise in urban environments as well. In one report, the Resilient Cities Network and consultancy Arup highlight that many city dwellers in Africa reside in slum-like conditions without grid access. As urbanisation accelerates, DRE is an affordable and adaptable way to connect these communities, thus addressing not only climate concerns but also economic and social disparities.

The urban deployment of DRE has found success in Cape Town, South Africa where the Energy2040 initiative set more ambitious renewables targets and formed a directorate focused on implementing distributed solutions. The city of Cape Town has developed regulations to encourage decentralised generation, recognising the benefits for both power access and user fees.

Along those lines, DRE addresses important economic challenges with regard to energy distribution. In many developing-country contexts, consumers pay artificially low prices to draw energy from the grid, placing burdens on state budgets and power companies.

  • President Sheikh Mohamed with Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stand for the national anthem during the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action, during COP28. All pictures, UAE Presidential Court unless stated.
    President Sheikh Mohamed with Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stand for the national anthem during the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action, during COP28. All pictures, UAE Presidential Court unless stated.
  • Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court during the national anthem during the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action.
    Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court during the national anthem during the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action.
  • The Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action was held at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai during Cop28.
    The Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action was held at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai during Cop28.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed presents the Zayed Sustainability Prize to a winner
    President Sheikh Mohamed presents the Zayed Sustainability Prize to a winner
  • President Sheikh Mohamed and several high-level guests attended Expo City Dubai to see 11 winners announced across six categories.
    President Sheikh Mohamed and several high-level guests attended Expo City Dubai to see 11 winners announced across six categories.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed presents the Zayed Sustainability Prize to Victor Sanchez Gutierrez, the winner of the Zayed Sustainability Global High Schools - The Americas category.
    President Sheikh Mohamed presents the Zayed Sustainability Prize to Victor Sanchez Gutierrez, the winner of the Zayed Sustainability Global High Schools - The Americas category.
  • In the energy category, the winner was Ignite Power from Rwanda, which specialises in delivering solar-powered pay-as-you-go solutions to electrify last-mile communities.
    In the energy category, the winner was Ignite Power from Rwanda, which specialises in delivering solar-powered pay-as-you-go solutions to electrify last-mile communities.
  • Cop28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology delivers the welcome speech during the Zayed Sustainability Prize ceremony.
    Cop28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology delivers the welcome speech during the Zayed Sustainability Prize ceremony.
  • Over the past 15 years, the prize has been a powerful force for positive change, transforming the lives of more than 378 million people across 151 countries.
    Over the past 15 years, the prize has been a powerful force for positive change, transforming the lives of more than 378 million people across 151 countries.
  • The annual prize was launched in 2008, named in honour of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recognises and rewards people, organisations and high schools that have demonstrated exceptional efforts in promoting sustainability across various sectors.
    The annual prize was launched in 2008, named in honour of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recognises and rewards people, organisations and high schools that have demonstrated exceptional efforts in promoting sustainability across various sectors.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed presents an award to Caroline Slootweg from Kelp Blue.
    President Sheikh Mohamed presents an award to Caroline Slootweg from Kelp Blue.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed handed out prizes to 11 winners. Judges for the award were elected in September by a panel.
    President Sheikh Mohamed handed out prizes to 11 winners. Judges for the award were elected in September by a panel.
  • The prize this year had a Climate Change category – introduced this year in celebration of the UAE's Year of Sustainability and Cop28
    The prize this year had a Climate Change category – introduced this year in celebration of the UAE's Year of Sustainability and Cop28
  • The Global High School winners were Colegio De Alto Rendimiento La Libertad (Peru), Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy (Nigeria), International School (Morocco), Northfleet Technology College (UK), Kort Education Complex (Pakistan) and Beijing No 35 High School (China).
    The Global High School winners were Colegio De Alto Rendimiento La Libertad (Peru), Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy (Nigeria), International School (Morocco), Northfleet Technology College (UK), Kort Education Complex (Pakistan) and Beijing No 35 High School (China).
  • President Sheikh Mohamed greets a participant during the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action.
    President Sheikh Mohamed greets a participant during the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action.
  • The awards ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza coincided with the UAE's hosting of the Cop28 climate conference and was attended by global leaders.
    The awards ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza coincided with the UAE's hosting of the Cop28 climate conference and was attended by global leaders.
  • The winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, stand for a photograph during a ceremony, at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai.
    The winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, stand for a photograph during a ceremony, at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed handed out the prizes to the winners.
    President Sheikh Mohamed handed out the prizes to the winners.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia during the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
    President Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia during the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
  • Eleven winners announced across six categories will share a total prize fund of $3.6 million.
    Eleven winners announced across six categories will share a total prize fund of $3.6 million.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed and Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia at Al Wasl Plaza, at Expo City Dubai.
    President Sheikh Mohamed and Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia at Al Wasl Plaza, at Expo City Dubai.
  • Expo City Dubai during the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
    Expo City Dubai during the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed hugs a winner of the award.
    President Sheikh Mohamed hugs a winner of the award.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed smiles for a photograph with a winner.
    President Sheikh Mohamed smiles for a photograph with a winner.
  • A ceremony took place to mark the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action.
    A ceremony took place to mark the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed shakes hands with prize winner, Victor Sanchez Gutierrez.
    President Sheikh Mohamed shakes hands with prize winner, Victor Sanchez Gutierrez.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed and Cop28 President and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan Al Jaber stand for a photograph with the Zayed Sustainability Prize winners during Cop28 at Expo City Dubai.
    President Sheikh Mohamed and Cop28 President and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan Al Jaber stand for a photograph with the Zayed Sustainability Prize winners during Cop28 at Expo City Dubai.
  • President Sheikh Mohamed and several high-level guests attended Expo City Dubai to see 11 winners announced across six categories.
    President Sheikh Mohamed and several high-level guests attended Expo City Dubai to see 11 winners announced across six categories.
  • Ahmed Sourani from Gaza Urban & Peri-Urban Agricultural Platform winner of Zayed Sustainability Food category. Launched in 2013, the non-profit organisation helps small-scale, female urban producers in Gaza to achieve food security in their communities by bringing together those involved in developing the Palestinian agricultural sector.
    Ahmed Sourani from Gaza Urban & Peri-Urban Agricultural Platform winner of Zayed Sustainability Food category. Launched in 2013, the non-profit organisation helps small-scale, female urban producers in Gaza to achieve food security in their communities by bringing together those involved in developing the Palestinian agricultural sector.
  • Angela Homsi from Ignite Power, the winner of Zayed Sustainability Energy Category award after the presentation ceremony at the Expo City Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Angela Homsi from Ignite Power, the winner of Zayed Sustainability Energy Category award after the presentation ceremony at the Expo City Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Caroline Slootweg from Kelp Blue winner of Zayed Sustainability Climate Action category award. Kelp Blue contributes to the restoration of natural ocean wilderness and the mitigation of excess CO2 by establishing large-scale kelp forests in deep waters. Pawan Singh / The National
    Caroline Slootweg from Kelp Blue winner of Zayed Sustainability Climate Action category award. Kelp Blue contributes to the restoration of natural ocean wilderness and the mitigation of excess CO2 by establishing large-scale kelp forests in deep waters. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Angela Homsi from Ignite Power winner of Zayed Sustainability Energy Category. Ignite Power specialises in delivering solar-powered pay-as-you-go solutions to electrify last-mile communities. Pawan Singh / The National
    Angela Homsi from Ignite Power winner of Zayed Sustainability Energy Category. Ignite Power specialises in delivering solar-powered pay-as-you-go solutions to electrify last-mile communities. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Zayed Sustainability prize winners after the presentation ceremony. Pawan Singh / The National
    Zayed Sustainability prize winners after the presentation ceremony. Pawan Singh / The National
  • From left, Victor Sanchez Gutierrez and Xiomara Calderon Avila from Colegio De Alto Rendimiento De La Libertad, the winner of Zayed Sustainability Global High Schools The Americas category. Pawan Singh / The National
    From left, Victor Sanchez Gutierrez and Xiomara Calderon Avila from Colegio De Alto Rendimiento De La Libertad, the winner of Zayed Sustainability Global High Schools The Americas category. Pawan Singh / The National

An analysis by the Rocky Mountain Institute, a US think tank, explains that DRE solutions in India have the potential to lessen the gap between revenue and costs, thereby delivering more economically and environmentally sustainable energy.

With current population growth exceeding electrification rates in many emerging economies, there is no time to waste. DRE has a vital role to play in achieving the Cop28 goal of tripling renewable energy globally as part of a just transition.

The UAE’s support for these types of innovative solutions through the Zayed prize is a fitting way to honour the legacy of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as an environmentalist and humanitarian. It will also help cement the country’s position as a global leader in the growing climate tech sector.

While you're here
E-cigarettes report
HIV on the rise in the region

A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.

New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.

Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.

Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.  

Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.

More from Sholto Byrnes
More on this story
You might also like
SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%20Twin-turbocharged%204-litre%20V8%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20625%20bhp%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20630Nm%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Now%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh974%2C011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
Our commentary on Brexit
WHAT FANS WILL LOVE ABOUT RUSSIA

FANS WILL LOVE
Uber is ridiculously cheap and, as Diego Saez discovered, mush safer. A 45-minute taxi from Pulova airport to Saint Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospect can cost as little as 500 roubles (Dh30).

FANS WILL LOATHE
Uber policy in Russia is that they can start the fare as soon as they arrive at the pick-up point — and oftentimes they start it even before arriving, or worse never arrive yet charge you anyway.

FANS WILL LOVE
It’s amazing how active Russians are on social media and your accounts will surge should you post while in the country. Throw in a few Cyrillic hashtags and watch your account numbers rocket.

FANS WILL LOATHE
With cold soups, bland dumplings and dried fish, Russian cuisine is not to everybody’s tastebuds.  Fortunately, there are plenty Georgian restaurants to choose from, which are both excellent and economical.

FANS WILL LOVE
The World Cup will take place during St Petersburg's White Nights Festival, which means perpetual daylight in a city that genuinely never sleeps. (Think toddlers walking the streets with their grandmothers at 4am.)

FANS WILL LOATHE
The walk from Krestovsky Ostrov metro station to Saint Petersburg Arena on a rainy day makes you wonder why some of the $1.7 billion was not spent on a weather-protected walkway.

More from Con Coughlin
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECVT%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E119bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E145Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh%2C89%2C900%20(%2424%2C230)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results

Light Flyweight (49kg): Mirzakhmedov Nodirjon (UZB) beat Daniyal Sabit (KAZ) by points 5-0.

Flyweight (52kg): Zoirov Shakhobidin (UZB) beat Amit Panghol (IND) 3-2.

Bantamweight (56kg): Kharkhuu Enkh-Amar (MGL) beat Mirazizbek Mirzahalilov (UZB) 3-2.

Lightweight (60kg): Erdenebat Tsendbaatar (MGL) beat Daniyal Shahbakhsh (IRI) 5-0.

Light Welterweight (64kg): Baatarsukh Chinzorig (MGL) beat Shiva Thapa (IND) 3-2.

Welterweight (69kg): Bobo-Usmon Baturov (UZB) beat Ablaikhan Zhussupov (KAZ) RSC round-1.

Middleweight (75kg): Jafarov Saidjamshid (UZB) beat Abilkhan Amankul (KAZ) 4-1.

Light Heavyweight (81kg): Ruzmetov Dilshodbek (UZB) beat Meysam Gheshlaghi (IRI) 3-2.

Heavyweight (91kg): Sanjeet (IND) beat Vassiliy Levit (KAZ) 4-1.

Super Heavyweight ( 91kg): Jalolov Bakhodir (UZB) beat Kamshibek Kunkabayev (KAZ) 5-0.

Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final

SECRET%20INVASION
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ali%20Selim%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Samuel%20L%20Jackson%2C%20Olivia%20Coleman%2C%20Kingsley%20Ben-Adir%2C%20Emilia%20Clarke%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tips on buying property during a pandemic

Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.

While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.

While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar. 

Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.

Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities. 

Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong. 

Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.

England ODI squad

Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

UAE's role in anti-extremism recognised

General John Allen, President of the Brookings Institution research group, commended the role the UAE has played in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

He told a Globsec debate of the UAE’s "hugely outsized" role in the fight against Isis.

"It’s trite these days to say that any country punches above its weight, but in every possible way the Emirates did, both militarily, and very importantly, the UAE was extraordinarily helpful on getting to the issue of violent extremism," he said.

He also noted the impact that Hedayah, among others in the UAE, has played in addressing violent extremism.

More election coverage
The%20Killer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EDavid%20Fincher%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMichael%20Fassbender%2C%20Tilda%20Swinton%2C%20Charles%20Parnell%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
%3Cp%3EFly%20with%20Etihad%20Airways%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20New%20York%E2%80%99s%20JFK.%20There's%2011%20flights%20a%20week%20and%20economy%20fares%20start%20at%20around%20Dh5%2C000.%3Cbr%3EStay%20at%20The%20Mark%20Hotel%20on%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%20Upper%20East%20Side.%20Overnight%20stays%20start%20from%20%241395%20per%20night.%3Cbr%3EVisit%20NYC%20Go%2C%20the%20official%20destination%20resource%20for%20New%20York%20City%20for%20all%20the%20latest%20events%2C%20activites%20and%20openings.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Related
Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

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 four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

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

Tomorrow 2021
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Naga
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMeshal%20Al%20Jaser%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdwa%20Bader%2C%20Yazeed%20Almajyul%2C%20Khalid%20Bin%20Shaddad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
By Fiona Sampson
Profile

Scoreline

Al Wasl 1 (Caio Canedo 90 1')

Al Ain 2 (Ismail Ahmed 3', Marcus Berg 50')

Red cards: Ismail Ahmed (Al Ain) 77'

FIGHT CARD

Fights start from 6pm Friday, January 31

Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) v Ahmed Saeb (IRQ)

Women’s bantamweight
Cornelia Holm (SWE) v Corinne Laframboise (CAN)

Welterweight
Omar Hussein (JOR) v Vitalii Stoian (UKR)

Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) v Ali Dyusenov (UZB)

Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) v Delfin Nawen (PHI)

Catchweight 80kg​​​​​​​
Seb Eubank (GBR) v Mohamed El Mokadem (EGY)

Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Ramadan Noaman (EGY)

Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) v Reydon Romero (PHI)

Welterweight
Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Juho Valamaa (FIN)

Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) v Austin Arnett (USA)

Super heavyweight
Roman Wehbe (LEB) v Maciej Sosnowski (POL)

AUSTRALIA SQUAD

Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Key Points
  • Protests against President Omar Al Bashir enter their sixth day
  • Reports of President Bashir's resignation and arrests of senior government officials
MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20SCE%20Studio%20Cambridge%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%2C%20PlayStation%204%20and%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog

Favourite food: Fish and seafood

Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends

Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!

Favourite country to visit: Italy

Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Family: We all have one!

Australia tour of Pakistan

March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi

March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi

March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore

March 29: First ODI, Rawalpindi

March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi

April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi

April 5: T20I, Rawalpindi

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C600rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C500-4%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.9L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh119%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

 

 

Baby Driver

Director: Edgar Wright

Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Lily James

Three and a half stars

ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand

UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final

'Project Power'

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback

Director: ​Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman

Rating: 3.5/5

You might also like
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

UAE v IRELAND

All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi

1st ODI, Friday, January 8

2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10

3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12

4th ODI, Thursday, January 14

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6.5-litre%20V12%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E725hp%20at%207%2C750rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E716Nm%20at%206%2C250rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EQ4%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C650%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Day 1 results:

Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)

Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)

Updated: August 06, 2024, 2:00 PM
EnergyCop28AfricaEnvironment