Coming in the wake of a string of high-profile announcements, it seemed almost impossible that Saudi Arabia's reforms could still trigger further astonishment – and yet, the kingdom has done just that. The country's root-and-branch transformation is in full bloom with the news that 50 billion riyals will be devoted to promoting sport, entertainment, arts and culture by 2020. Given the scale of the changes already spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the ambitious target to make at least three Saudi cities among the world's most liveable by 2030 looks attainable. The economic and social metamorphosis is certain to benefit millions of Saudis – those currently living and those not yet born.
Since September last year, plans have been underway to lift the driving ban on women, convert the Red Sea coastline into a tourist retreat and build a $500 billion megacity. Last month, dozens of Saudis attended a film screening for the first time in decades. Both men and women have watched wrestling bouts, football matches, concerts and fashion shows. Economic modernisation, bolstered by Prince Mohammed's extended visit to the US, has animated global investors while an anti-corruption drive reportedly yielded $107bn. The kingdom is moving away from oil dependency and spurring social progress at a pace few would have deemed possible.
The latest development is the launch of the Quality of Life 2020 programme, amid much fanfare. It will include an island for arts and culture in Jeddah as well as 45 cinemas, 16 theatres and 42 libraries. With 491 locations for sporting activities earmarked for development, Saudi plans to send a strong cohort of athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; their participation on a global platform will be a great source of unity and pride and send a message to the rest of the world. The under-25s, who comprise half the population, stand to benefit most.
The programme will spur inward investment and create thousands of jobs but there is a larger point – one that speaks to the power of culture and art for social change. Art pushes boundaries and prompts discussion and debate. The significance of cinema, for instance, transcends the entertainment value of films. It is a window to the world that fosters cultural understanding and breeds fresh ideas. Black Panther, the first film shown in Saudi cinemas last month, holds timeless messages about race, exclusion and human endeavour. Change is not something to be feared but embraced. Actor Idris Elba is one of the first to express an interest in filming in Saudi Arabia. His wish is just one sign of how far the kingdom has come and how many changes are still ahead.
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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MATCH INFO
France 3
Umtiti (8'), Griezmann (29' pen), Dembele (63')
Italy 1
Bonucci (36')
Results
STAGE
1 . Filippo Ganna (Ineos) - 0:13:56
2. Stefan Bissegger (Education-Nippo) - 0:00:14
3. Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates) - 0:00:21
4. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) - 0:00:24
5. Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) - 0:00:30
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) - 4:00:05
2. Joao Almeida (QuickStep) - 0:00:05
3. Mattia Cattaneo (QuickStep) - 0:00:18
4. Chris Harper (Jumbo-Visma) - 0:00:33
5. Adam Yates (Ineos) - 0:00:39
'The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey'
Rating: 3/5
Directors: Ramin Bahrani, Debbie Allen, Hanelle Culpepper, Guillermo Navarro
Writers: Walter Mosley
Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Dominique Fishback, Walton Goggins
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Types of policy
Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.
Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.
Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.
Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
