• A woman wears a pink face mask as she walks under cherry trees in full blossom in Bonn, Germany. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
    A woman wears a pink face mask as she walks under cherry trees in full blossom in Bonn, Germany. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
  • Muslims, mask-clad due to the coronavirus pandemic, perform the evening prayers during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. AFP / Hussein FALEH
    Muslims, mask-clad due to the coronavirus pandemic, perform the evening prayers during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. AFP / Hussein FALEH
  • A vendor wearing a protective face mask gestures in a shop at Pratunam market in Bangkok on April 16, 2021, as Thailand imposes further restrictions to deal with a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases. AFP / Mladen ANTONOV
    A vendor wearing a protective face mask gestures in a shop at Pratunam market in Bangkok on April 16, 2021, as Thailand imposes further restrictions to deal with a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases. AFP / Mladen ANTONOV
  • A woman wearing a black face mask checks her phone on the street amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Madrid, Spain. REUTERS / Susana Vera
    A woman wearing a black face mask checks her phone on the street amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Madrid, Spain. REUTERS / Susana Vera
  • An Omani Muslim wearing a protective mask amid the COVID-19 pandemic, reads the Koran on his mobile during afternoon prayers. AFP / MOHAMMED MAHJOUB
    An Omani Muslim wearing a protective mask amid the COVID-19 pandemic, reads the Koran on his mobile during afternoon prayers. AFP / MOHAMMED MAHJOUB
  • A boy wears a Captain America mask amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. AP Photo / Silvia Izquierdo)
    A boy wears a Captain America mask amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. AP Photo / Silvia Izquierdo)
  • Oakland Athletics guest servicers holds up a sign to remind fans to wear mask between inning during the Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics MLB game in Oakland, Califoria, USA,. EPA / JOHN G. MABANGLO
    Oakland Athletics guest servicers holds up a sign to remind fans to wear mask between inning during the Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics MLB game in Oakland, Califoria, USA,. EPA / JOHN G. MABANGLO
  • A passerby wearing a protective face mask walks on the street amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Tokyo, Japan. REUTERS / Stringer
    A passerby wearing a protective face mask walks on the street amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Tokyo, Japan. REUTERS / Stringer
  • An Iranian woman wearing a face mask rides a bicycle on a street in Tehran, Iran. According to Iranian health ministry 405 people have died and more than 21.000 new infections were diagnosed from COVID-19 in past 24 hours as Iran is facing fourth wave of coronavirus pandemic. EPA /ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
    An Iranian woman wearing a face mask rides a bicycle on a street in Tehran, Iran. According to Iranian health ministry 405 people have died and more than 21.000 new infections were diagnosed from COVID-19 in past 24 hours as Iran is facing fourth wave of coronavirus pandemic. EPA /ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
  • A woman covers her face with cloth a mask in Bangalore. India is seeing a second wave of the virus which has led several states including Maharashtra and the capital, New Delhi, to impose new restrictions. EPA / JAGADEESH NV
    A woman covers her face with cloth a mask in Bangalore. India is seeing a second wave of the virus which has led several states including Maharashtra and the capital, New Delhi, to impose new restrictions. EPA / JAGADEESH NV
  • A Charlie Chaplin impersonator performs to spread awareness about wearing a mask, on the occasion of Chaplin's birthday, amidst the spread of COVID-19, on a street in Mumbai, India. REUTERS / Francis Mascarenhas
    A Charlie Chaplin impersonator performs to spread awareness about wearing a mask, on the occasion of Chaplin's birthday, amidst the spread of COVID-19, on a street in Mumbai, India. REUTERS / Francis Mascarenhas
  • A woman wearing a Union Jack face mask stands outside Windsor Castle during the funeral of Britain's Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth, who died at the age of 99. REUTERS / Peter Cziborra
    A woman wearing a Union Jack face mask stands outside Windsor Castle during the funeral of Britain's Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth, who died at the age of 99. REUTERS / Peter Cziborra
  • A woman wearing a face mask walks along a street in Moscow on April 15, 2021. / AFP / Yuri KADOBNOV
    A woman wearing a face mask walks along a street in Moscow on April 15, 2021. / AFP / Yuri KADOBNOV
  • A person wearing a face mask stands on a street during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Naples, Italy. EPA/CESARE ABBATE
    A person wearing a face mask stands on a street during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Naples, Italy. EPA/CESARE ABBATE
  • William Amos, a Canadian member of Parliament belonging to the Liberal party, gave his colleagues an eyeful during a videoconference. The Canadian Press via AP
    William Amos, a Canadian member of Parliament belonging to the Liberal party, gave his colleagues an eyeful during a videoconference. The Canadian Press via AP
  • A voter wearing a face mask stands in a queue with others to cast her vote outside a polling station during the fifth phase of West Bengal state elections in Newtown Rajarhat, North 24 Parganas district, India. AP Photo / Bikas Das
    A voter wearing a face mask stands in a queue with others to cast her vote outside a polling station during the fifth phase of West Bengal state elections in Newtown Rajarhat, North 24 Parganas district, India. AP Photo / Bikas Das
  • epa09139376 A woman wears a protective face mask in Bangalore, India, 16 April 2021. India recorded massive surge of 217,353 fresh Covid-19 cases, the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 infections. India is seeing a second wave of the virus which has led several states including Maharashtra and the capital, New Delhi and Bangalore to impose night curfew and new restrictions. EPA/JAGADEESH NV
    epa09139376 A woman wears a protective face mask in Bangalore, India, 16 April 2021. India recorded massive surge of 217,353 fresh Covid-19 cases, the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 infections. India is seeing a second wave of the virus which has led several states including Maharashtra and the capital, New Delhi and Bangalore to impose night curfew and new restrictions. EPA/JAGADEESH NV
  • Anna Elendt puts on a protective face mask after the 100m breaststroke women preliminary at the DSV Olympic Qualification - Europa Sportpark, Berlin, Germany. REUTERS / Annegret Hilse
    Anna Elendt puts on a protective face mask after the 100m breaststroke women preliminary at the DSV Olympic Qualification - Europa Sportpark, Berlin, Germany. REUTERS / Annegret Hilse

Science

Coronavirus: a guide to countries relaxing rules on masks

Some countries have dropped mandatory masks with varying degrees of success, while others are now imposing stricter rules

Daniel Bardsley
Daniel Bardsley

April 19, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Wearing face masks has been central to attempts to control the coronavirus pandemic in dozens of countries.

It makes the move by Israel to relax restrictions on wearing face coverings on Sunday all the more significant, as it suggests life could move closer to normal as vaccination programmes are introduced around the world.

Almost five million people in Israel, or 55 per cent of the population, are fully vaccinated with both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

But in many other countries, there are indications that face coverings may remain. In UAE, they are mandatory in all public areas.

Perhaps we've spent too little time looking at what China has been doing. They've managed to break this virus, and face masks seem to have been a component in doing that

Public Health England’s head of immunisation, Dr Mary Ramsay, said recently that masks and social distancing might be needed for “a few years” until the pandemic is controlled globally.

While there has been controversy over their effectiveness, face masks are believed to limit the chances of transmitting or catching the coronavirus, and may reduce the severity of infections.

The World Health Organisation describes masks as “a key measure to suppress transmission and save lives”, although it is not regarded as a substitute for measures such as social distancing and regularly washing hands.

Prof John Oxford, emeritus professor of virology at the University of London, said while data on masks has been “a bit up and down”, they appeared to have helped Asian nations in particular control the spread of the virus.

Signs in Deira, Dubai reminder people that masks are mandatory in all public places. Antonie Robertson / The National
Signs in Deira, Dubai reminder people that masks are mandatory in all public places. Antonie Robertson / The National

“Perhaps we’ve spent too little time looking at what China has been doing,” Prof Oxford said.

“They’ve managed to break this virus and face masks seem to have been a component in doing that.”

His view was that breathing out the virus, even without coughing or sneezing, could play a major role in transmission and masks could reduce this risk of infection.

Here The National looks at several nations that have lifted mask restrictions, and whether those decisions have held.

Israel

Pedestrians cross a street as Israel rescinds the mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors in the latest return to relative normality. Reuters / Amir Cohen
Pedestrians cross a street as Israel rescinds the mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors in the latest return to relative normality. Reuters / Amir Cohen

Israel ended obligatory mask wearing outside on Sunday, in a major turning point after a year in which face coverings were required outdoors for anyone not exercising.

Masks remain mandatory in indoor public places.

A cut in infection rates brought about by Israel’s successful vaccination programme has made the easing of mask wearing possible, said the country’s Health Minister, Yuli Edelstein.

More than four fifths of people in Israel aged over 16 have had two vaccine doses and weekly death rates have dropped to double figures, a trend partly credited to the inoculation programme.

New Zealand

New Zealand has almost eliminated coronavirus cases in the country and lifted some mask-wearing requirements last year.

In September, the country dropped mandatory masks on public transport, except on aeroplanes, although they were still required on public transport in the capital, Auckland.

But in mid-February, the government reintroduced mask-wearing on public transport nationwide, even for areas in the lowest coronavirus alert levels.

United States

US President Joe Biden has called for mask wearing laws to be reintroduced everywhere in America. Reuters / Kevin Lamarque
US President Joe Biden has called for mask wearing laws to be reintroduced everywhere in America. Reuters / Kevin Lamarque

Some US states that formerly mandated mask wearing lifted restrictions last month, and now there are a reported 16 that do not have statewide rules requiring them to be worn.

All of these have Republican governors, and the Democratic US President, Joe Biden, has called for mask mandates to be reintroduced.

Last week, a study was published looking at data from 50 US states in 2020. It found that 14 out of 15 that did not require masks at the time had high Covid-19 rates.

The Boston University research also identified that states with high rates of mask wearing had low case rates.

Czech Republic

This central European nation coped well early on in the pandemic, leading the government to lift a requirement to wear masks in public in May 2020, two months after its introduction.

But as case numbers began to rise, in September the requirement was reintroduced on public transport and in hospitals, and mask-wearing rules were tightened later that month and in October.

Then, at the end of February this year, the country said that simple cloth masks were inadequate, and brought in a requirement for respirator masks or two surgical masks to be worn in public.

As their vaccine introduction has progressed, officials have said it may be possible to lift the rules on wearing masks outside by the summer.

Mask-wearing in India is compulsory. EPA / Jagadeesh NV
Mask-wearing in India is compulsory. EPA / Jagadeesh NV

Spain

While some countries have been moving away from masks, at the end of March Spain introduced tough rules as Covid-19 cases showed signs of increasing again.

Under the laws, masks must be worn outside, including beaches, with the requirement lifted only if people are staying in one place or swimming.

The rules, which sparked concern within the country’s tourist industry, also require people to wear masks when sitting outside in restaurants, except when they are eating.

India

Mask-wearing became compulsory in April last year for nearly 300 million of India's 1.3 billion citizens, and was later extended in several states over the summer of 2020.

But as the country began a  vaccination drive at the start of 2021, some areas relaxed their regulations on masks, and allowed religious festivals and election rallies.

Now, weekly case numbers are soaring to record levels and restrictions are being tightened.

The country recently introduced a fine of 500 rupees ($6.70) for not wearing a mask on trains or in stations, while in the state of Uttar Pradesh, a 1,000 rupee penalty for not wearing a mask was brought in on Sunday, along with a statewide lockdown.

The fine increases to 10,000 rupees for a second offence.

Listen to Extra Time
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick

Hometown: Cologne, Germany

Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)

Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes

Favourite hobby: Football

Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Factfile on Garbine Muguruza:

Name: Garbine Muguruza (ESP)

World ranking: 15 (will rise to 5 on Monday)

Date of birth: October 8, 1993

Place of birth: Caracas, Venezuela

Place of residence: Geneva, Switzerland

Height: 6ft (1.82m)

Career singles titles: 4

Grand Slam titles: 2 (French Open 2016, Wimbledon 2017)

Career prize money: $13,928,719

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

The bio:

Favourite holiday destination: I really enjoyed Sri Lanka and Vietnam but my dream destination is the Maldives.

Favourite food: My mum’s Chinese cooking.

Favourite film: Robocop, followed by The Terminator.

Hobbies: Off-roading, scuba diving, playing squash and going to the gym.

 

EMILY%20IN%20PARIS%3A%20SEASON%203
%3Cp%3ECreated%20by%3A%20Darren%20Star%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Lily%20Collins%2C%20Philippine%20Leroy-Beaulieu%2C%20Ashley%20Park%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202.75%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

JAPAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

'Dark Waters'

Directed by: Todd Haynes

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, William Jackson Harper 

Rating: ****

While you're here
The biog

Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”

MO
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreators%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Amer%2C%20Ramy%20Youssef%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Amer%2C%20Teresa%20Ruiz%2C%20Omar%20Elba%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
RACE CARD AND SELECTIONS

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m

5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m

6pm: The President’s Cup Listed (TB) Dh380,000 1,400m

6.30pm: The President’s Cup Group One (PA) Dh2,500,000 2,200m

7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Listed (PA) Dh230,000 1,600m

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m

 

The National selections

5pm: RB Hot Spot

5.30pm: Dahess D’Arabie

6pm: Taamol

6.30pm: Rmmas

7pm: RB Seqondtonone

7.30pm: AF Mouthirah

Du Football Champions

The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.

'The Sky is Everywhere'

Director:Josephine Decker

Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon

Rating:2/5

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
LIVERPOOL SQUAD

Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Joe Gomez, Adrian, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana, Andy Lonergan, Xherdan Shaqiri, Andy Robertson, Divock Origi, Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Neco Williams

ANALYSTS’ TOP PICKS OF SAUDI BANKS IN 2019

Analyst: Aqib Mehboob of Saudi Fransi Capital

Top pick: National Commercial Bank

Reason: It will be at the forefront of project financing for government-led projects

 

Analyst: Shabbir Malik of EFG-Hermes

Top pick: Al Rajhi Bank

Reason: Defensive balance sheet, well positioned in retail segment and positively geared for rising rates

 

Analyst: Chiradeep Ghosh of Sico Bank

Top pick: Arab National Bank

Reason: Attractive valuation and good growth potential in terms of both balance sheet and dividends

Mobile phone packages comparison

Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt

Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure

Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers

Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised

Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels

UAE%20Warriors%2045%20Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%0DMain%20Event%0D%3A%20Lightweight%20Title%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EAmru%20Magomedov%20def%20Jakhongir%20Jumaev%20-%20Round%201%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-Main%20Event%0D%3A%20Bantamweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERany%20Saadeh%20def%20Genil%20Franciso%20-%20Round%202%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20150%20lbs%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EWalter%20Cogliandro%20def%20Ali%20Al%20Qaisi%20-%20Round%201%20(TKO)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERenat%20Khavalov%20def%20Hikaru%20Yoshino%20-%20Round%202%20(TKO)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EVictor%20Nunes%20def%20Nawras%20Abzakh%20-%20Round%201%20(TKO)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EYamato%20Fujita%20def%20Sanzhar%20Adilov%20-%20Round%201%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELightweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EAbdullo%20Khodzhaev%20def%20Petru%20Buzdugen%20-%20Round%201%20(TKO)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20139%20lbs%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERazhabali%20Shaydullaev%20def%20Magomed%20Al-Abdullah%20-%20Round%202%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ECong%20Wang%20def%20Amena%20Hadaya%20-%20Points%20(unanimous%20decision)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMiddleweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EKhabib%20Nabiev%20def%20Adis%20Taalaybek%20Uulu%20-%20Round%202%20(submission)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELight%20Heavyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBartosz%20Szewczyk%20def%20Artem%20Zemlyakov%20-%20Round%202%20(TKO)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Price, base / as tested: Dh101,140 / Dh113,800


Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder


Power: 148hp @ 5,500rpm


Torque: 250Nm @ 2,000rpm


Transmission: Eight-speed CVT


Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km

A meeting of young minds

The 3,494 entries for the 2019 Sharjah Children Biennial come from:

435 – UAE

2,000 – China

808 – United Kingdom

165 – Argentina

38 – Lebanon

16 – Saudi Arabia

16 – Bangladesh

6 – Ireland

3 – Egypt

3 – France

2 – Sudan

1 – Kuwait

1 – Australia
 

Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm

Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm

Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm

The biog

Siblings: five brothers and one sister

Education: Bachelors in Political Science at the University of Minnesota

Interests: Swimming, tennis and the gym

Favourite place: UAE

Favourite packet food on the trip: pasta primavera

What he did to pass the time during the trip: listen to audio books

Evacuations to France hit by controversy
  • Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
  • Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
  • The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
  • Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
  • It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
  • Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
  • Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
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