"We want to build a Zimbabwe we are proud of." So said Emmerson Mnangagwa in an exclusive interview with The National. The Zimbabwean president acknowledged what a tall order that was, however, admitting: "We are almost two decades behind in terms of economic development". Indeed, Zimbabwe's government still has much to do to extricate the country from the quagmire of poverty, corruption, unemployment and violence that marked the 30-year rule of Robert Mugabe. Less than 18 months on from being sworn in as president after a bloodless coup, Mr Mnangagwa's challenges are manifold. While he is anxious to return Zimbabwe to its former glory as the breadbasket of Africa, decades of misrule have resulted in deep-seated frustration and a lack of financial resources. An amnesty for stolen funds has recouped $825 million in three months but, as Mr Mnangagwa admits, the difficulty is in fighting a corruption so deeply embedded that even government officials cannot tell who is tainted. It was for those allegations of "an everyday abuse of entrusted power" and human rights abuses that the US administration decided in January to extend sanctions on Zimbabwe for another year. Nor is it easy to escape the fact that Mr Mnangagwa was once part of the very regime that brought Zimbabwe to its knees.
But change is afoot. Last year's elections were the most peaceful since 1980. Work is under way to crack down on mismanagement and, more importantly, to restore trust in power among a disenchanted population. Mr Mnangagwa will be keenly aware that while his Zanu-PF party won a decisive parliamentary majority, he is only in power by a narrow margin. A new pricing mechanism that uses a unified currency will go partway to rectifying financial woes. Transparency is also vital on the road ahead. There is a long way to go and Mr Mnangagwa's recognition of the many obstacles to peace is a critical first step to achieving his aim of "a policy of re-engagement so that again Zimbabwe can be embraced in the community of nations". That can only be to the greater good – for all Zimbabweans.
SHAITTAN
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Thor: Ragnarok
Dir: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson
Four stars
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The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
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.
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
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The Saga Continues
Wu-Tang Clan
(36 Chambers / Entertainment One)
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How to book
Call DHA on 800342
Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation text message
Present the SMS and your Emirates ID at the centre
DHA medical personnel will take a nasal swab
Check results within 48 hours on the DHA app under ‘Lab Results’ and then ‘Patient Services’
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
What is double taxation?
- Americans living abroad file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service, which can cost hundreds of dollars to complete even though about 60 per cent do not owe taxes, according to the Taxpayer Advocate Service
- Those obligations apply to millions of Americans residing overseas – estimates range from 3.9 million to 5.5 million – including so-called "accidental Americans" who are unaware they hold dual citizenship
- The double taxation policy has been a contentious issue for decades, with many overseas Americans feeling that it punishes them for pursuing opportunities abroad
- Unlike most countries, the US follows a citizenship-based taxation system, meaning that Americans must file taxes annually, even if they do not earn any income in the US.
Maestro
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