Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has hailed Qatar's hosting of the Fifa World Cup as an “historic milestone for all Arabs”.
Sheikh Mohammed delivered a message of support to the UAE's Gulf neighbour as anticipation builds for the start of the tournament on Sunday.
Qatar will face South American side Ecuador in the opening game of the event, with the eyes of the world firmly fixed on the region.
Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter that the country's staging of the sporting spectacle was a “Qatari achievement” but also a source of “Gulf pride” and a reason to rejoice for the entire Arab world.
“We congratulate the Emir of Qatar and the brotherly people of Qatar on this global achievement,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.
“All countries and peoples of the region are concerned with supporting the success of this major international event in our region … and our wishes for continuous Gulf and Arab successes.”
The 22nd Fifa World Cup will be a competition of firsts.
Not only will be the event make its debut in the Middle East, it will be the first to be held during winter months.
France will seek to defend the crown they won in Russia four years ago, while many supporters will be hoping for a fairy-tale success for Argentina in what could be Lionel Messi's international swansong.
With large numbers of football fans from the 32 participants descending on Doha, other parts of the Gulf are also set to enjoy a World Cup boost.
Dubai this week set out a comprehensive transport plan to serve the thousands of spectators set to attend fan zones dotted across the emirate.
A large number of supporters are expected to set up base in Dubai, with accommodation at a premium in the World Cup host nation.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority will add an extra 700 Hala taxis via the Careem app to its existing fleet of 11,310 to ease the movement of people attending fan zones and those flying from Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai's second hub known as DWC.
Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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Premier League, kick off 7.30pm (UAE)
Globalization and its Discontents Revisited
Joseph E. Stiglitz
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What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
