DUBAI // The coral off the North of the Musandam Peninsula is arguably the best in the region, a study reveals - but it remains threatened and further conservation action is needed to safeguard it.
The reefs are a unique area of natural beauty and are commercially important in terms of fishing and tourism, although they are vulnerable to a number of factors, including pollution.
The report, Underwater Pioneers: Studying and protecting the unique coral reeds of the Musandam Peninsula, Oman, is based on findings obtained last October by volunteers from the UAE and elsewhere, who took part in a research project run by the Emirates Diving Association (EDA) and Biosphere Expeditions.
Co-author Rita Bento, a Dubai-based marine biologist who works for EDA, said the volunteers played a crucial role as it would not have been possible to gather enough marine biologists to collect the data.
"The most important point is the level of coral coverage we have in this area," she said. "The reefs in North Musandam have coral cover of 58 per cent, and if you compare that with other regions, or even here in the [Arabian] Gulf or the Gulf of Oman, that is amazing. We can statistically say there has been an increase from 2009 to 2011."
She said coral coverage in some areas off the UAE coast stood at just 20 to 30 per cent. But the team noted a slight increase in the number of parrotfish, which clear harmful algae from coral.
Co-author Dr Matthias Hammer, executive director of Biosphere Expeditions, said the organisation was pressing ahead with efforts to have the waters off Musandam declared a protected area.
csimpson@thenational.ae
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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.
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INFO
Everton 0
Arsenal 0
Man of the Match: Djibril Sidibe (Everton)
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
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GULF MEN'S LEAGUE
Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2
Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers
Opening fixtures
Thursday, December 5
6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles
7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers
7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles
7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2
Recent winners
2018 Dubai Hurricanes
2017 Dubai Exiles
2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
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Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
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Afghanistan fixtures
- v Australia, today
- v Sri Lanka, Tuesday
- v New Zealand, Saturday,
- v South Africa, June 15
- v England, June 18
- v India, June 22
- v Bangladesh, June 24
- v Pakistan, June 29
- v West Indies, July 4