Sport is meant to bring out the best in us: physical agility, mental equanimity, team spirit and unity of purpose. But ever since Qatar was awarded the hosting rights for the 2022 Fifa World Cup, what we have witnessed is something else entirely. Can anyone say with a shred of honesty that the spectacle unfolding in Qatar is capable of inspiring anything other than revulsion? Allegations of corruption and bribery have been compounded by reports of the ill-treatment of the 800,000 migrant workers drafted by Qatar to make it ready for 2022.
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Gargash: Qatar's hosting of 2022 World Cup should include rejection of terrorism
Corruption charges continue to haunt Qatar's troubled 2022 World Cup
Report raises doubts about whether Qatar will be able to host 2022 World Cup
Qatar and Fifa urged to protect 800,000 workers from desert heat
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But as Dr Anwar Gargash, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, elaborated in a series of tweets on Tuesday, Qatar's egregious dereliction of duty doesn't stop there. Doha also tarnishes sport with its remorseless support for terrorism. How outrageous, when one contemplates it, that a state that finances terrorism and extends warm hospitality to extremists should host one of the most important events on the global sporting calendar. Dr Gargash called on Qatar to repudiate its "policies of supporting extremism [and] terrorism" and urged it to "review its record".
The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, has terminated its trade and diplomatic ties with Doha since June this year. Despite being on the receiving end of Doha's sinister actions, there was not a hint of malice in Dr Gargash's tweets. They contained genuine advice that, if followed, will honour the spirit of sports and perhaps help bring the current crisis to an end. Qatar's defiant posturing can scarcely conceal its damaged position. A recent report, Qatar in Focus: Is the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Danger?, has revealed that, in light of the current political climate, diplomats are beginning to doubt Qatar's ability to host the FIFA tournament. Many fear that the event will be abruptly cancelled.
If Qatar were a responsible state, it would be rushing to make amends. But Doha, as we have seen, is as recalcitrant as it is brazen. So instead of fixing its problems, it decided to create a distraction by deploying its media assets to undermine the UAE's role in Yemen. The UAE, as part of a Saudi-led coalition, has been striving to restore Yemen's internationally-recognised government, which was overthrown by the clients of Qatar's comrade Iran, another notorious terror-exporting state. Qatar's risible media campaign against the UAE in the name of Yemen, where Doha has aided terrorists, will backfire, as Dr Gargash pointed out. Qatar hoped to use the 2022 FIFA World Cup to boost its soft power. Instead, it finds itself being buried under a pile of hard truths.
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Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
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If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The nine articles of the 50-Year Charter
1. Dubai silk road
2. A geo-economic map for Dubai
3. First virtual commercial city
4. A central education file for every citizen
5. A doctor to every citizen
6. Free economic and creative zones in universities
7. Self-sufficiency in Dubai homes
8. Co-operative companies in various sectors
9: Annual growth in philanthropy
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
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.
