The celebration of National Day marks the beginning of the UAE’s 50th year of existence, a milestone in its history. It’s traditional at this time to look back and to review the achievements that have been made since that day in 1971, when the country first emerged on to the international stage. There’s a continuing relevance to that approach, but this year, it seems perhaps more appropriate to mark the occasion in a different way. Recent events and announcements, I believe, suggest that 2020 and the year that lies ahead may well prove to have been not just a milestone, but a significant turning point in the country’s history.
One reason for that assessment, obviously, is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Everyone has been affected, from the highest to the lowest in the land. The impact varies, of course, not just in terms of whether or not one has caught the virus or has been affected because of quarantine imposed on one's family. The ability to travel has been curtailed, although in Dubai at least a return to something resembling the "Before Time" is well under way.
The regular pattern of education has been disrupted. For hundreds of thousands of people, these past few months have seen their time in the Emirates come to an end, at least for the time being. Many others have lost their jobs.
The flags of the US, Bahrain, Israel and the UAE during a signing ceremony of the Abraham Accord in Washington in September. EPA
As the UAE moves forward, major adjustments will need to be made. A move to more online working, and education, seems probable. Some businesses, large and small, will have put up the shutters for good. There will be permanent changes to the patterns of consumption, while demand in many sectors may remain depressed for some time to come.
While the points mentioned above, and much more, may prove to be a turning point in the country’s process of development, there is also a swathe of other changes that will have a substantial impact.
Internationally, of course, the Abraham Accord and the rapidly developing relationship with Israel represent a hugely significant step in terms of the UAE's foreign policy.
At home, the full impact of recent changes to legislation affecting personal lives, for both citizens and expatriates, is yet to be seen, but will definitely affect the way many people live.
These, along with changes to visa regulations, may provide a boost to the drive not only to attract people from overseas but also to encourage more inward investment. That process, it seems, is already under way, judging by the positive buzz pervading the property market.
The strategy of attracting more foreign investment, and, in consequence, the creation of new employment opportunities, is also likely to receive a further boost from last week’s announcement that non-citizens will now be able to establish onshore companies without the need for an Emirati partner. That will present a real challenge for those who have become accustomed to serve as silent partners in businesses, providing just the use of their name. The agile, who make a real contribution to such businesses, will survive.
Suhail Al Mazrouei, the current Minister of Energy, who oversees oil production among other areas, was made Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. The Ministry of Infrastructure was merged into his new department. Victor Besa / The National
Noura Al Kaabi was made Minister of Culture and Youth, with Shamma Al Mazrui serving as Minister of State for Youth. Courtesy: Ministry of Culture and Youth
Dr Sultan Al Jaber was made Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. He was a Minister of State in the previous Cabinet. Victor Besa / The National
Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi was made Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and is one of three ministers to serve in the Ministry of Economy. He was Minister of Environment in the previous Cabinet. Victor Besa/The National
Ahmad Al Falasi was made Minister of State for Business and SMEs, serving in the Ministry of Economy. He was previously Minister of Higher Education and Advanced Skills, which is responsible for universities and other training centres. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
Sarah Al Amiri was made as President of the UAE Space Agency. Ms Al Amiri, who was Minister of State for Advanced Sciences in the previous Cabinet, is a computer science graduate who worked on satellites before entering government. She steps into the job as the country prepares to launch the Mars Hope space probe on July 15
Saeed Al Attar was appointed head of all government communications. He was previously director general of the Office of Public Diplomacy
Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti was made head of cyber security. He was previously executive director of the National Electronic Security Authority
Huda Al Hashimi was appointed as head of government strategy and innovation. She has worked in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, planning and executing major projects including UAE Vision 2021
Abdullah Al Nuaimi was made Minister of Climate Change and Environment, with special focus on working with farmers to boost local food production. He is a mechanical engineer by training, with a degree from University of Wisconsin–Madison, and was Minister of Infrastructure Development between 2013 and 2020
Shamma Al Mazrui, one of the youngest members of the Cabinet, will serve as Minister of State for Youth in the Ministry of Culture and Youth
Ahmed Majed Al Badawi was made Assistant Secretary-General to the Cabinet
Mohammed Sultan Al Obaidly was made Head of Legal Affairs in the UAE Government. He served as Assistant Secretary General to the Cabinet since 2007, after briefing working as a private lawyer in Dubai. He began his career at the Ministry of Labour in 1988, resolving disputes and labour complaints
Hamad Al Mansoori was made Head of Digital Government. He was previously head of the telecoms regulator TRA
Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi was reconfirmed as Minister of the Federal Supreme Council at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak was reconfirmed as Minister of Tolerance
Taken together, the impact of the pandemic and changes in regulations, both in terms of personal life and in terms of business and investment, may well lead to a substantial re-setting of the nature of life in the Emirates in years to come.
The changes we have seen have been driven by both the need to respond to the unforeseen pandemic and by a recognition that local society has reached a stage in its evolution where something other than incremental changes is required.
From that, on the occasion of this 2020 National Day, there are, I think, some lessons to be drawn in assessing the very nature of our Government.
In the past, even at times of huge challenges, such as the collapse of oil prices in the 1980s or the impact of serious upheavals in the wider region, Government has generally chosen to follow a well-charted path towards the future.
It would have been possible to continue to do so, with a few adjustments and tweaks here and there.
Such might, indeed, have been the approach of a Government that was averse to innovation, or one that, perhaps, had become slightly sclerotic, rigid and unresponsive, which had lost the ability to adapt to radically changed circumstances.
A mural on Hatta Dam commemorating UAE’s founding fathers, Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid of Dubai. Dubai Media Office
Looking back to the earliest days of the Emirates, however, we can see that when an enormous challenge was presented, that of the unexpected announcement of the British withdrawal from the Gulf, the UAE's leadership, in particular that of Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid of Dubai, was prepared to take radical steps to set out on an uncharted path towards the future.
That set the course for the successful first half a century of the UAE. Now, however, the landscape is different, in ways we could not have imagined.
The changes through which we are now living may prove, with hindsight, to have laid down the foundations for a new, and increasingly successful, path for the next 50 years.
Peter Hellyer is a UAE cultural historian and columnist for The National
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Dias Karmanov (KAZ) beat Mabrook Rasea (YEM) by points 2-1.
Male 54kg Round 1
Yelaman Sayassatov (KAZ) beat Chen Huang (TPE) TKO Round 1; Huynh Hoang Phi (VIE) beat Fahad Anakkayi (IND) RSC Round 2; Qais Al Jamal (JOR) beat Man Long Ng (MAC) by points 3-0; Ayad Albadr (IRQ) beat Yashar Yazdani (IRI) by points 2-1.
Male 57kg Round 1
Natthawat Suzikong (THA) beat Abdallah Ondash (LBN) by points 3-0; Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Ahmed Al Jubainawi (IRQ) by points 2-1; Hamed Almatari (YEM) beat Nasser Al Rugheeb (KUW) by points 3-0; Zakaria El Jamari (UAE) beat Yu Xi Chen (TPE) by points 3-0.
Men 86kg Round 1
Ahmad Bahman (UAE) beat Mohammad Al Khatib (PAL) by points 2-1
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
Abdul Jabar Qahraman was meeting supporters in his campaign office in the southern Afghan province of Helmand when a bomb hidden under a sofa exploded on Wednesday.
The blast in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah killed the Afghan election candidate and at least another three people, Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak told reporters. Another three were wounded, while three suspects were detained, he said.
The Taliban – which controls much of Helmand and has vowed to disrupt the October 20 parliamentary elections – claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mr Qahraman was at least the 10th candidate killed so far during the campaign season, and the second from Lashkar Gah this month. Another candidate, Saleh Mohammad Asikzai, was among eight people killed in a suicide attack last week. Most of the slain candidates were murdered in targeted assassinations, including Avtar Singh Khalsa, the first Afghan Sikh to run for the lower house of the parliament.
The same week the Taliban warned candidates to withdraw from the elections. On Wednesday the group issued fresh warnings, calling on educational workers to stop schools from being used as polling centres.
UK’s AI plan
AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
£10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
£100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
Al Jazira's foreign quartet for 2017/18
Romarinho, Brazil
Lassana Diarra, France
Sardor Rashidov, Uzbekistan
Mbark Boussoufa, Morocco
SERIES INFO
Schedule:
All matches at the Harare Sports Club
1st ODI, Wed Apr 10
2nd ODI, Fri Apr 12
3rd ODI, Sun Apr 14
4th ODI, Sun Apr 16
UAE squad
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Zimbabwe squad
Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
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Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
Abu Dhabi World Pro 2019 remaining schedule:
Wednesday April 24: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-6pm
Thursday April 25: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-5pm
