Stella Tennant, December 17, 1970 – December 22, 2020
The British model, who became one of the offbeat faces of the '90s during the rise of the aristocratic model, died at home just days after her 50th birthday. A muse of Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, she worked with Helmut Lang, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Gianni Versace and Valentino. After quitting the catwalk, she started a pottery and homeware company with her sister. AFP — Stella Tennant, December 17, 1970 – December 22, 2020 The British model, who became one of the offbeat faces of the '90s during the rise of the aristocratic model, died at home just days after her 50th birthday. A muse of Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, she worked with Helmut Lang, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Gianni Versace and Valentino. After quitting the catwalk, she started a pottery and homeware company with her sister. AFP

JANUARY: Lexii Alijai, February 19, 1998 – January 1, 2020
The American rapper’s untimely death at the age of 21 was ruled an accident by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. A star on the rise, she had begun garnering attention for her mixtapes, in which she reworked songs by Childish Gambino and Beyonce. 'Her fans meant a lot to her,' said her mother, Jessica Owen. 'She was truly an amazing young woman beyond music.' AFP — JANUARY: Lexii Alijai, February 19, 1998 – January 1, 2020 The American rapper’s untimely death at the age of 21 was ruled an accident by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. A star on the rise, she had begun garnering attention for her mixtapes, in which she reworked songs by Childish Gambino and Beyonce. 'Her fans meant a lot to her,' said her mother, Jessica Owen. 'She was truly an amazing young woman beyond music.' AFP

Terry Jones, February 1, 1942 – January 21, 2020
Passing away at the age of 77, after suffering from a rare form of dementia, Jones left behind a wealth of comedy history. As a member of the legendary Monty Python comedy set, the Welshman was also a writer, director and historian. Responsible for the surreal art and sketches used within the 'Monty Python' show, he directed 'The Holy Grail', 'Life of Brian' and 'Meaning of Life'. Passionate about medieval history, he wrote several books about and presented numerous documentaries on the period. Getty Images — Terry Jones, February 1, 1942 – January 21, 2020 Passing away at the age of 77, after suffering from a rare form of dementia, Jones left behind a wealth of comedy history. As a member of the legendary Monty Python comedy set, the Welshman was also a writer, director and historian. Responsible for the surreal art and sketches used within the 'Monty Python' show, he directed 'The Holy Grail', 'Life of Brian' and 'Meaning of Life'. Passionate about medieval history, he wrote several books about and presented numerous documentaries on the period. Getty Images

FEBRUARY: Kirk Douglas, December 9, 1916 – February 5, 2020
Michael Douglas’s actor father died at the age of 103. Considered one of the greats of Hollywood’s 'Golden Age', he was thrice-nominated for an Oscar, earning an Academy Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He will be remembered for his most famous role as Spartacus in the 1960 film of the same name. Getty Images — FEBRUARY: Kirk Douglas, December 9, 1916 – February 5, 2020 Michael Douglas’s actor father died at the age of 103. Considered one of the greats of Hollywood’s 'Golden Age', he was thrice-nominated for an Oscar, earning an Academy Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He will be remembered for his most famous role as Spartacus in the 1960 film of the same name. Getty Images

MARCH: Kenny Rogers, August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020
Country singer Kenny Rogers died of natural causes at the age of 81. Selling more than 100 million records, he was also one of the most successful cross-over artists of all time, working across multiple genres including jazz, folk, pop, rock, and country. His most well-known and beloved song remains 'The Gambler', which won Song of the Year at the 1979 Grammys. Getty Images — MARCH: Kenny Rogers, August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020 Country singer Kenny Rogers died of natural causes at the age of 81. Selling more than 100 million records, he was also one of the most successful cross-over artists of all time, working across multiple genres including jazz, folk, pop, rock, and country. His most well-known and beloved song remains 'The Gambler', which won Song of the Year at the 1979 Grammys. Getty Images

Rishi Kapoor, September 4, 1952 – April 30, 2020
The Indian actor died of leukemia at the age of 67. Born into the famous Kapoor family – known as 'the first family of Indian cinema' – he made his debut in his legendary father Raj Kapoor’s film 'Mera Naam Joker', scooping a National Film Award for Best Child Artist. Finding his niche as a romantic lead, he starred in the likes of 'Khel Khel Mein' and 'Kabhi Kabhie', before moving into more character-driven roles post-2000. AFP — Rishi Kapoor, September 4, 1952 – April 30, 2020 The Indian actor died of leukemia at the age of 67. Born into the famous Kapoor family – known as 'the first family of Indian cinema' – he made his debut in his legendary father Raj Kapoor’s film 'Mera Naam Joker', scooping a National Film Award for Best Child Artist. Finding his niche as a romantic lead, he starred in the likes of 'Khel Khel Mein' and 'Kabhi Kabhie', before moving into more character-driven roles post-2000. AFP

Sam Lloyd, November 12, 1963 – April 30, 2020
Best known for his role as hapless hospital lawyer Ted on 'Scrubs', Lloyd passed away aged 56 after losing his battle with lung cancer. 'Rest in peace to one of the funniest actors I’ve ever had the joy of working with,' wrote his 'Scrubs' co-star Zach Braff. 'He could not have been a kinder man. I will forever cherish the time I had with you, Sammy.' Getty Images — Sam Lloyd, November 12, 1963 – April 30, 2020 Best known for his role as hapless hospital lawyer Ted on 'Scrubs', Lloyd passed away aged 56 after losing his battle with lung cancer. 'Rest in peace to one of the funniest actors I’ve ever had the joy of working with,' wrote his 'Scrubs' co-star Zach Braff. 'He could not have been a kinder man. I will forever cherish the time I had with you, Sammy.' Getty Images

MAY: Roy Horn, October 3, 1944 – May 8, 2020
The illusionist and one half of celebrated duo Siegfried & Roy died aged 75 due to complications from Covid-19. In 2003, Horn was involved in an incident when, during an act, his white tiger, Montecore, held him by the neck and dragged him offstage in a move Horn always maintained was an act of protection rather than attack. 'Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend,' said his onstage partner, Siegfried Fischbacher. Supplied — MAY: Roy Horn, October 3, 1944 – May 8, 2020 The illusionist and one half of celebrated duo Siegfried & Roy died aged 75 due to complications from Covid-19. In 2003, Horn was involved in an incident when, during an act, his white tiger, Montecore, held him by the neck and dragged him offstage in a move Horn always maintained was an act of protection rather than attack. 'Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend,' said his onstage partner, Siegfried Fischbacher. Supplied

Jerry Stiller, June 8, 1927 – May 11, 2020
The comedy actor, and father of actor and director Ben Stiller, died aged 92. Throughout his long career, he appeared in 'Seinfeld', 'The King of Queens' and opposite his son in 'Zoolander' as shady model agency head honcho, Maury Ballstein. 'He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad,' said his son, Ben. AFP — Jerry Stiller, June 8, 1927 – May 11, 2020 The comedy actor, and father of actor and director Ben Stiller, died aged 92. Throughout his long career, he appeared in 'Seinfeld', 'The King of Queens' and opposite his son in 'Zoolander' as shady model agency head honcho, Maury Ballstein. 'He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad,' said his son, Ben. AFP

Hassan Hosny, June 19, 1936 – May 30, 2020
The Egyptian actor and comedian died aged 88 after suffering a heart attack. With an acting career that spanned more than 50 years and almost 500 films, he was often referred to as the 'joker of Egyptian cinema'. 'He loves what he does and he is always supportive of young talent,' Rami Tamish, managing director of XMovies, told 'The National'. 'He wants to see everyone succeed.' EPA — Hassan Hosny, June 19, 1936 – May 30, 2020 The Egyptian actor and comedian died aged 88 after suffering a heart attack. With an acting career that spanned more than 50 years and almost 500 films, he was often referred to as the 'joker of Egyptian cinema'. 'He loves what he does and he is always supportive of young talent,' Rami Tamish, managing director of XMovies, told 'The National'. 'He wants to see everyone succeed.' EPA

JUNE: Basu Chatterjee, January 10, 1927 – June 4, 2020
The Indian filmmaker and screenwriter passed away in Mumbai at the age of 93. Throughout the '70s and '80s he pioneered middle-of-the-road cinema, which dealt with light-hearted stories that focused on love, marriage and relationships, such as 'Ek Ruka Hua Faisla' and 'Kamla Ki Maut'. Throughout his career he was the recipient of numerous National Film Awards and Filmfare accolades, as well as being awarded the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Courtesy Wikipedia — JUNE: Basu Chatterjee, January 10, 1927 – June 4, 2020 The Indian filmmaker and screenwriter passed away in Mumbai at the age of 93. Throughout the '70s and '80s he pioneered middle-of-the-road cinema, which dealt with light-hearted stories that focused on love, marriage and relationships, such as 'Ek Ruka Hua Faisla' and 'Kamla Ki Maut'. Throughout his career he was the recipient of numerous National Film Awards and Filmfare accolades, as well as being awarded the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Courtesy Wikipedia

Dame Vera Lynn, March 20, 1917 – June 18, 2020
Britain’s 'Force’s Sweetheart' died aged 103. The English singer, songwriter and entertainer became a symbol for British military forces during the Second World War, thanks to her renditions of patriotic songs, including 'We'll Meet Again', '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover', 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square' and 'There'll Always Be an England'. She continued with her charity work throughout her life, and in 2000 was named the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the 20th century. Getty Images — Dame Vera Lynn, March 20, 1917 – June 18, 2020 Britain’s 'Force’s Sweetheart' died aged 103. The English singer, songwriter and entertainer became a symbol for British military forces during the Second World War, thanks to her renditions of patriotic songs, including 'We'll Meet Again', '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover', 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square' and 'There'll Always Be an England'. She continued with her charity work throughout her life, and in 2000 was named the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the 20th century. Getty Images

Ian Holm, September 12, 1931 – June 19, 2020
The 'Lord of the Rings' actor died from an illness related to Parkinson's disease at the age of 88. Awarded a CBE in 1989, among his many accolades, the star of stage and screen won a Tony for his performance as Lenny in 'The Homecoming', a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for playing the title role in 'King Lear' and was Oscar-nominated for his role of athletics trainer Sam Mussabini in 'Chariots of Fire'. Getty Images — Ian Holm, September 12, 1931 – June 19, 2020 The 'Lord of the Rings' actor died from an illness related to Parkinson's disease at the age of 88. Awarded a CBE in 1989, among his many accolades, the star of stage and screen won a Tony for his performance as Lenny in 'The Homecoming', a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for playing the title role in 'King Lear' and was Oscar-nominated for his role of athletics trainer Sam Mussabini in 'Chariots of Fire'. Getty Images

Carl Reiner, March 20, 1922 – June 29, 2020
The American actor, who had many strings to his bow as director, screenwriter and author, died aged 98. The New York native enjoyed a seven-decade career and was the creator, producer, writer and actor on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'. Joining George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the 'Ocean’s Eleven' remake, throughout his career he won 11 Emmys, one Grammy and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999. Getty Images — Carl Reiner, March 20, 1922 – June 29, 2020 The American actor, who had many strings to his bow as director, screenwriter and author, died aged 98. The New York native enjoyed a seven-decade career and was the creator, producer, writer and actor on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'. Joining George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the 'Ocean’s Eleven' remake, throughout his career he won 11 Emmys, one Grammy and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999. Getty Images

JULY: Saroj Khan, November 22, 1948 – July 3, 2020
The renowned Bollywood choreographer passed away in Mumbai at the age of 71. With a career that spanned four decades, during which she choreographed more than 3,000 song and dance numbers, she is renowned as the first female choreographer in Bollywood. While her resume is too long to list, 'Ek Do Teen', 'Humko Aajkal Hai Intezaar' and 'Dhak Dhak Karne Laga' remain standouts. AFP — JULY: Saroj Khan, November 22, 1948 – July 3, 2020 The renowned Bollywood choreographer passed away in Mumbai at the age of 71. With a career that spanned four decades, during which she choreographed more than 3,000 song and dance numbers, she is renowned as the first female choreographer in Bollywood. While her resume is too long to list, 'Ek Do Teen', 'Humko Aajkal Hai Intezaar' and 'Dhak Dhak Karne Laga' remain standouts. AFP

Ragaa Al Geddawy, September 6, 1934 - July 5, 2020
The Egyptian actress died aged 81 from complications due to Covid-19. Enjoying a six-decade career, Al Geddawy won the Miss Egypt beauty pageant in 1958, which saw her transition effortlessly to the big screen, making her debut in 1959’s 'Dua Al Karawan'. Other notable works include 'Letani Ma Araft Al Hob', 'Fi Alhayat Hob Akhar' and 'Al Wad Sayed Al Shaghal'. EPA — Ragaa Al Geddawy, September 6, 1934 - July 5, 2020 The Egyptian actress died aged 81 from complications due to Covid-19. Enjoying a six-decade career, Al Geddawy won the Miss Egypt beauty pageant in 1958, which saw her transition effortlessly to the big screen, making her debut in 1959’s 'Dua Al Karawan'. Other notable works include 'Letani Ma Araft Al Hob', 'Fi Alhayat Hob Akhar' and 'Al Wad Sayed Al Shaghal'. EPA

Jagdeep, March 29, 1939 – July 8, 2020
Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey, better known by his stage name Jagdeep, was an Indian film actor and comedian who appeared in more than 400 films. Starting his career as a child actor in 'Afsana', it was a trio of films, 'Bhabhi', 'Barkha' and 'Bindaya', which launched him as a leading man, while 'Brahmachari' established his comedy chops. He died aged 81 at his home in Mumbai. Supplied — Jagdeep, March 29, 1939 – July 8, 2020 Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey, better known by his stage name Jagdeep, was an Indian film actor and comedian who appeared in more than 400 films. Starting his career as a child actor in 'Afsana', it was a trio of films, 'Bhabhi', 'Barkha' and 'Bindaya', which launched him as a leading man, while 'Brahmachari' established his comedy chops. He died aged 81 at his home in Mumbai. Supplied

Jack Charlton, May 8 1935 – July 10 2020
English footballer and manager John 'Jack' Charlton died aged 85 after a battle with both lymphoma and dementia. Part of the England football team that won the 1966 World Cup, he also managed the Republic of Ireland national team from 1986 to 1996, achieving two World Cups and one European Championship appearances. He was knighted in 1994 for his contributions to football. Getty Images — Jack Charlton, May 8 1935 – July 10 2020 English footballer and manager John 'Jack' Charlton died aged 85 after a battle with both lymphoma and dementia. Part of the England football team that won the 1966 World Cup, he also managed the Republic of Ireland national team from 1986 to 1996, achieving two World Cups and one European Championship appearances. He was knighted in 1994 for his contributions to football. Getty Images

Marwan Mahfouz, 1942 - July 25, 2020
The celebrated Lebanese singer died aged 78 due to complications from Covid-19. Winning his big break in 1965, after The Rahbani Brothers spotted his television debut on the talent show 'Hiwayat', and the duo signed him up to perform in their 1965 Baalbeck Festival musical stage production 'Dawaleeb Al Hawa'. It was in 1973 musical 'Sahriya' that Mahfouz came into his own as a performer. Courtesy YouTube — Marwan Mahfouz, 1942 - July 25, 2020 The celebrated Lebanese singer died aged 78 due to complications from Covid-19. Winning his big break in 1965, after The Rahbani Brothers spotted his television debut on the talent show 'Hiwayat', and the duo signed him up to perform in their 1965 Baalbeck Festival musical stage production 'Dawaleeb Al Hawa'. It was in 1973 musical 'Sahriya' that Mahfouz came into his own as a performer. Courtesy YouTube

Sanaa Shafea, January 25, 1943 – August 12, 2020
The Egyptian actor and academic died aged 77, after appearing in almost 30 films and TV shows, including 'Omar bin Abdul Aziz', 'Haroun Al-Rasheed' and 'Bab Al-Khalq'. Later becoming the dean of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Cairo, Egyptian Culture Minister Inas Abdel Dayem said Shafea he had 'formed a dramatic milestone in Egyptian theatrical performance'. Courtesy Elcinema.com — Sanaa Shafea, January 25, 1943 – August 12, 2020 The Egyptian actor and academic died aged 77, after appearing in almost 30 films and TV shows, including 'Omar bin Abdul Aziz', 'Haroun Al-Rasheed' and 'Bab Al-Khalq'. Later becoming the dean of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Cairo, Egyptian Culture Minister Inas Abdel Dayem said Shafea he had 'formed a dramatic milestone in Egyptian theatrical performance'. Courtesy Elcinema.com

SEPTEMBER: Diana Rigg, July 20, 1938 – September 10, 2020
The British actress died from cancer aged 82. Awarded both a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire), Rigg was best known for playing Emma Peel in British TV show 'The Avengers', James Bond’s wife in 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service' and Olenna Tyrell in 'Game of Thrones'. Getty Images — SEPTEMBER: Diana Rigg, July 20, 1938 – September 10, 2020 The British actress died from cancer aged 82. Awarded both a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire), Rigg was best known for playing Emma Peel in British TV show 'The Avengers', James Bond’s wife in 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service' and Olenna Tyrell in 'Game of Thrones'. Getty Images

Riyad Al Rayyis, 1937 – September 26, 2020
The Syrian journalist died aged 83 from Covid-19 complications. Starting his career as editor of the 'Arab Review', he is credited with developing the magazine from a small-time publication to one that featured graduate students, academics, writers and intellectuals from around the world. Moving to London in 1977, he established 'Al Manar', the first Arabic newspaper to be published in Europe and, in 1986, created the Riyad Al Rayyis Publishing Company. Alberto Miguel Fernandez / Twitter — Riyad Al Rayyis, 1937 – September 26, 2020 The Syrian journalist died aged 83 from Covid-19 complications. Starting his career as editor of the 'Arab Review', he is credited with developing the magazine from a small-time publication to one that featured graduate students, academics, writers and intellectuals from around the world. Moving to London in 1977, he established 'Al Manar', the first Arabic newspaper to be published in Europe and, in 1986, created the Riyad Al Rayyis Publishing Company. Alberto Miguel Fernandez / Twitter

Mahmoud Yassin, June 2, 1941 – October 14, 2020
Egyptian cinema lost a great this year after star of both the big and small screen, Mahmoud Yassin, died aged 79, having battled Alzheimer’s for eight years. Considered a pillar of Egypt’s film industry, throughout his lauded career he worked alongside greats such as Faten Hamama, Shadia and Soad Hosni. With more than 150 films to his name, his acting range saw him play romantic leads as easily as hard-hitting dramas. AFP — Mahmoud Yassin, June 2, 1941 – October 14, 2020 Egyptian cinema lost a great this year after star of both the big and small screen, Mahmoud Yassin, died aged 79, having battled Alzheimer’s for eight years. Considered a pillar of Egypt’s film industry, throughout his lauded career he worked alongside greats such as Faten Hamama, Shadia and Soad Hosni. With more than 150 films to his name, his acting range saw him play romantic leads as easily as hard-hitting dramas. AFP

Mohamed Melehi, November 12, 1936 – October 28, 2020
The Moroccan artist dubbed 'the king of colour' died in Paris aged 84 from Covid-19. Famously associated with the Casablanca School - a Modernist art movement active in 1960s Morocco – Melehi studied in Seville, Rome, Paris and New York. Before he began creating his celebrated wave-form artworks, he painted abstractions of sharply defined geometric forms called 'hard-edge'. Courtesy H Chergui — Mohamed Melehi, November 12, 1936 – October 28, 2020 The Moroccan artist dubbed 'the king of colour' died in Paris aged 84 from Covid-19. Famously associated with the Casablanca School - a Modernist art movement active in 1960s Morocco – Melehi studied in Seville, Rome, Paris and New York. Before he began creating his celebrated wave-form artworks, he painted abstractions of sharply defined geometric forms called 'hard-edge'. Courtesy H Chergui

Nobby Stiles, May 18, 1942 – October 30, 2020
The member of England’s World Cup-winning side of 1966 died aged 78. He played for England for five years, winning 28 caps and scoring one goal. He is best remembered by football fans for effectively locking talented Portugal player Eusebio out of the game during the 1966 World Cup semis, and for his post-match celebration following England’s 4-2 victory over West Germany, in which he held the trophy in one hand and his false teeth in the other. Getty Images — Nobby Stiles, May 18, 1942 – October 30, 2020 The member of England’s World Cup-winning side of 1966 died aged 78. He played for England for five years, winning 28 caps and scoring one goal. He is best remembered by football fans for effectively locking talented Portugal player Eusebio out of the game during the 1966 World Cup semis, and for his post-match celebration following England’s 4-2 victory over West Germany, in which he held the trophy in one hand and his false teeth in the other. Getty Images

NOVEMBER: John Sessions, January 11, 1953 – November 2, 2020
The British actor and comedian died aged 67 after suffering a heart attack. Known for his voice work in the original line-up of British satirical puppet show 'Spitting Image', he was also a staple on improv show 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' and pop culture and political quiz, 'Have I Got News For You'. On the big screen, fans will remember his appearances in 'Made In Dagenham', 'The Iron Lady', 'Gangs of New York' and 'Mr Holmes'. Getty Images — NOVEMBER: John Sessions, January 11, 1953 – November 2, 2020 The British actor and comedian died aged 67 after suffering a heart attack. Known for his voice work in the original line-up of British satirical puppet show 'Spitting Image', he was also a staple on improv show 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' and pop culture and political quiz, 'Have I Got News For You'. On the big screen, fans will remember his appearances in 'Made In Dagenham', 'The Iron Lady', 'Gangs of New York' and 'Mr Holmes'. Getty Images

Mohammad Al Gurg, 1936 – November 8, 2020
The Emirati author and literary scholar was praised by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chair of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, as a 'national treasure'. A columnist, poet and critic, he was intrinsic in ensuring the UAE’s cultural events sector bloomed. 'We lost today a traveling encyclopaedia,' said Jamal Bin Huwaireb, the secretary general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award. Supplied — Mohammad Al Gurg, 1936 – November 8, 2020 The Emirati author and literary scholar was praised by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chair of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, as a 'national treasure'. A columnist, poet and critic, he was intrinsic in ensuring the UAE’s cultural events sector bloomed. 'We lost today a traveling encyclopaedia,' said Jamal Bin Huwaireb, the secretary general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award. Supplied

John le Carre, October 19, 1931 – December 12, 2020
The British author died aged 89 from pneumonia, leaving behind an enduring literary legacy. Considered one of the masters of the spy genre, le Carre’s former career in espionage, working for Britain’s MI5 and MI6 intelligent services, served him well when it came to immersing his millions of readers in the world of spying and tradecraft. Among his novels, ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ and ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ remain standouts. AP — John le Carre, October 19, 1931 – December 12, 2020 The British author died aged 89 from pneumonia, leaving behind an enduring literary legacy. Considered one of the masters of the spy genre, le Carre’s former career in espionage, working for Britain’s MI5 and MI6 intelligent services, served him well when it came to immersing his millions of readers in the world of spying and tradecraft. Among his novels, ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ and ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ remain standouts. AP

80 stars we lost in 2020: From Sean Connery and Naya Rivera to Diego Maradona and Chadwick Boseman

Remembering the giants of entertainment, sport, fashion and the arts who died this year

Gemma White

Dubai

December 29, 2020

English
Arabic

Whether they made an impact in entertainment, the arts, literature, sport or music, the legacies of the stars we lost this year will certainly live on.

Literary giants such as Mohammad Al Gurg, Said Al Kafrawi and Elizabeth Wurtzel's works endure despite their deaths, finding new readers as time goes by, while in the film industry, the contributions of Olivia de Havilland, Soumitra Chatterjee, Shwikar Ibrahim and Sean Connery are forever immortalised on the silver screen.

In US politics, the passing of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg saw the loss of a tireless and fearless champion of women's rights, while the art world said farewell to the "king of colour", Morocco's Mohamed Melehi, and the music industry farewelled Eddie Van Halen, Kenny Rogers, SP Balasubrahmanyam, Johnny Nash and Bill Withers.

Click through the gallery above to read about the achievements and legacies of the stars we lost this year.

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Glossary of 2020: the 36 new words and phrases that defined the year

20 of the region’s biggest musical moments in 2020

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Abu Dhabi traffic facts

Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road

The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.

Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.

The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.

The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019

The Bio

Name: Lynn Davison

Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi

Children: She has one son, Casey, 28

Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite Author: CJ Sansom

Favourite holiday destination: Bali

Favourite food: A Sunday roast

A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa

Rating: 3/5

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

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)

Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi

Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi

Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai

Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi

Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia

TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:

- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools

- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say

- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance

- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs

- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills

- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month

- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues

THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Key facilities

Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Kumulus Water

Started: 2021

Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid

Based: Tunisia

Sector: Water technology

Number of staff: 22

Investment raised: $4 million

The smuggler

Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.

Khouli conviction

Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.

For sale

A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.

- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico

- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000

- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950

The%20specs

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Mina Cup winners

Under 12 – Minerva Academy

Under 14 – Unam Pumas

Under 16 – Fursan Hispania

Under 18 – Madenat

Poacher

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