Sheikh Mohammed meets King of Belgium at Expo 2020 Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, held talks with King Philippe of Belgium on the second day of the monarch's visit to the UAE.

They discussed efforts to bolster ties between their nations during their meeting at Expo 2020 Dubai, where Belgium celebrated its National Day.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrived in the Emirates on Friday for an official visit.

The king was received by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of the Nation, hosted Queen Mathilde at Qasr Al Bahr in the capital.

Sheikha Fatima, chairwoman of the General Women's Union, president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, discussed ways to boost co-operation between institutions supporting women, children and the wider family unit with the queen.

She also briefed Queen Mathilde about Emirati women's growing roles in society.

On Saturday, King Philippe toured Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi accompanied by Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and an Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member.

They were briefed by Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, executive vice president of the university, about plans for the seat of learning.

These include a partnership between Khalifa University and Flanders Institute for Biotechnology – University of Leuven to develop advanced treatments for diabetes.

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: ARDH Collective

Based: Dubai

Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi

Sector: Sustainability

Total funding: Self funded

Number of employees: 4

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MIDWAY

Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Jigra

Director: Vasan Bala

Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh

Rated: 3.5/5

Financial considerations before buying a property

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.