Binge-watch Narcos on Netflix
Check out the television series Narcos on Netflix. The first two seasons of the series follows the rise and fall of the famous Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar. The trailer of the third season came out earlier this week, and the episodes are due to come out on September 1. The gangster drama series is fast-paced and perfect binge-watch material, with its edge-of-the seat moments and explicit portrayal of the extent of criminal activity in Colombia from the late 70s to mid-90s. Also watch for excellent performances by the actors who play the roles of Escobar (Wagner Moura), his wife Tata (Paulina Gaitan), and DEA officer Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal).
A cat-approved toy worth the splurge
Cats are often fickle creatures. No matter how much money you spend on a toy, it makes no difference to a cat. One moment they'll be mesmerised by a new toy, only to move onto box the toy came in instead. However, on a whim while shopping one day, I decided to give the Yeowww! Yellow Banana Catnip Toy a try. At only Dh39, it was much cheaper than other catnip toys I've come across in the past that didn't seem to do the trick. Immediately upon bringing it home, I was impressed by how much attention one of my cats gave it. He was curious in the beginning, and started to roll around with the toy before kicking and chasing it around. I loved how active it made him. Even months later, if I hide the toy and re-introduce it, the cats don't seem to realise it's already a toy they've come to know. They still show as much enthusiasm and energy towards it as if it were brand new. Each banana is filled with organically grown catnip and seem to be sturdy enough where nothing leaks out. It can be purchased from thehappydolphinpets.com
A funky burger joint that is easy on the pocket
Burgers are taking over the city. You can't walk down a street in the capital without passing a burger joint. The latest is Graffiti Burger. I came across it while walking down part of Airport Road, close to the Abu Dhabi Media Building, where a cluster of eateries and karak cafes have developed. Graffiti Burger stands out because of its funky wall art and lighting. Burgers start from Dh23; fries from Dh7, and they also offer sliders and hot dogs. The restaurant does deliver, but it's also worth dropping in to check out the decor. It opens from midday.
A decadent breakfast
Start your day off with a delicious Middle Eastern breakfast with a modern twist at Azkadenya in Marina Mall. The retro-style restaurant, which takes its inspiration from 1950s to 1990s vintage Arabian design, serves a variety of morning meals including freshly baked Manaeesh topped with zaatar and labneh or with Nutella, banana and hazelnut. If you prefer to start your day with eggs, you can choose from sunny side up, shakshuka, and omelette with akkawi cheese. Plus, they also offer smoothies, fresh juices, fruit and herb teas and Turkish coffee. Azkadenya is open daily, 10am to midnight and serves breakfast until 1pm, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 02 621 2788
Compiled by The National staff
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Oppenheimer
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Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
CHELSEA'S NEXT FIVE GAMES
Mar 10: Norwich(A)
Mar 13: Newcastle(H)
Mar 16: Lille(A)
Mar 19: Middlesbrough(A)
Apr 2: Brentford(H)
FINAL RESULT
Sharjah Wanderers 20 Dubai Tigers 25 (After extra-time)
Wanderers
Tries: Gormley, Penalty
cons: Flaherty
Pens: Flaherty 2
Tigers
Tries: O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly
Cons: Caldwell 2
Pens: Caldwell, Cross
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Croatia v Hungary, Thursday, 10.45pm, UAE
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
AT%20A%20GLANCE
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%E2%80%98FSO%20Safer%E2%80%99%20-%20a%20ticking%20bomb
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NINE WINLESS GAMES
Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (Oct 27, PL)
Liverpool 5-5 Arsenal (Oct 30, EFL)
Arsenal 1-1 Wolves (Nov 02, PL)
Vitoria Guimaraes 1-1 Arsenal (Nov 6, Europa)
Leicester 2-0 Arsenal (Nov 9, PL)
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton (Nov 23, PL)
Arsenal 1-2 Eintracht Frankfurt (Nov 28, Europa)
Norwich 2-2 Arsenal (Dec 01, PL)
Arsenal 1-2 Brighton (Dec 05, PL)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Europe's top EV producers
- Norway (63% of cars registered in 2021)
- Iceland (33%)
- Netherlands (20%)
- Sweden (19%)
- Austria (14%)
- Germany (14%)
- Denmark (13%)
- Switzerland (13%)
- United Kingdom (12%)
- Luxembourg (10%)
Source: VCOe
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on Quran memorisation:
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Zayed Sustainability Prize
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
