People gather around the rubble of a building that collapsed in the popular area of Gesr Suez, east of the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
People gather around the rubble of a building that collapsed in the popular area of Gesr Suez, east of the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
People gather around the rubble of a building that collapsed in the popular area of Gesr Suez, east of the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
People gather around the rubble of a building that collapsed in the popular area of Gesr Suez, east of the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP

Egypt

Egypt's triple crises shine spotlight on societal ills but show appetite for change

A blockage on the Suez Canal, a deadly train crash and a fatal building collapse have exposed gaps in governance

Hamza Hendawi
Hamza Hendawi
Cairo

March 29, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The past week has been exceptionally difficult for Egypt. A massive ship ran aground in the Suez Canal, blocking traffic in the vital trade route, a horrific train crash in the south of the country killed 19 and injured close to 200 others and the collapse of a 10-storey building in the heart of Cairo left 25 dead.

The three crises - on March 23, 26 and 27 - came at a time when the country of 100 million people was wrestling with even greater and perhaps more pressing problems: a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic and a massive Nile dam being built by Ethiopia that could deeply cut Egypt’s life-or-death share of the river’s water.

“The ship affair has severely taxed Egypt in terms of its international image,” said Gihad Auda, a political science professor at Cairo’s Helwan University. “It has been a litmus test for us in managing a crisis under the eyes of the world and amid growing perceptions of a nation struggling to manage a major resource.”

But the three incidents have revealed the duality of today’s Egypt, underscoring the serious challenges to modernising the most populous Arab nation at the same time as illuminating new and positive features of public discourse.

The Suez Canal crisis

The 'Ever Given' container ship blocked the Suez Canal for six days. Reuters
The 'Ever Given' container ship blocked the Suez Canal for six days. Reuters
The ship became grounded during high winds. Airbus Space
The ship became grounded during high winds. Airbus Space
The incident cost the Suez Canal Authority up to $15 million in revenue. Airbus Space
The incident cost the Suez Canal Authority up to $15 million in revenue. Airbus Space
Left, the canal on March 21; right, traffic waits to enter the canal on March 25. Reuters
Left, the canal on March 21; right, traffic waits to enter the canal on March 25. Reuters
Vessels wait to pass through the canal after the 'Ever Given' ran aground. Airbus Space
Vessels wait to pass through the canal after the 'Ever Given' ran aground. Airbus Space
The incident caused a queue of vessels at the mouth of the canal. Airbus Space
The incident caused a queue of vessels at the mouth of the canal. Airbus Space
It took six days to free the 'Ever Given'. Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation
It took six days to free the 'Ever Given'. Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation
An image captured by the European Space Agency Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite shows the canal during the blockage. Reuters
An image captured by the European Space Agency Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite shows the canal during the blockage. Reuters
The 200,000-tonne cargo ship caused damage to the vital waterway. Reuters
The 200,000-tonne cargo ship caused damage to the vital waterway. Reuters
Egypt initially claimed $900m in compensation over the incident. Reuters
Egypt initially claimed $900m in compensation over the incident. Reuters
An image captured from a commercial plane shows traffic waiting to travel through the canal. AFP
An image captured from a commercial plane shows traffic waiting to travel through the canal. AFP
The 'Ever Given' will be released by the Egyptian authorities on Wednesday. AFP
The 'Ever Given' will be released by the Egyptian authorities on Wednesday. AFP
The 'Ever given' was stuck for six days and caused damage to the canal. AFP
The 'Ever given' was stuck for six days and caused damage to the canal. AFP
The blockage cost the canal authority millions of dollars because cargo ships were unable to pass. AFP
The blockage cost the canal authority millions of dollars because cargo ships were unable to pass. AFP

Egypt and the rest of the world first heard that the 200,000-tonne Ever Given had run aground in the Suez Canal, blocking all traffic in the strategic waterway, on Wednesday, a full day after disaster struck.

The chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, former Navy Admiral Osama Rabie, spoke directly to the media for the first time on Saturday, four days after the incident. Until then, the authority was issuing brief statements that appeared to focus more on Adm Rabie’s decision to monitor efforts to refloat the 400-metre-long vessel in person.

For the first two days of the crisis, which disrupted global trade and moved international markets, local media said very little about the Ever Given.

“The ship crisis may have a happy ending, but the world is unlikely to forget the initial news blackout on what happened,” said Ammar Ali Hassan, an Egyptian author and sociologist. “That is exactly how the international image of a nation is shattered.”

Adm Rabie owned up to criticism of the lack of transparency when he spoke in Saturday’s 80-minute news conference.

“I apologise for the delay in issuing press releases quoting me directly,” he said.

“It is a difficult situation and my main concern was to deal with it. Had I opened the door (to the media), I would have wasted so much of my time.”

The train crash

People gather around the wreckage of two trains that collided in the Tahta district of Sohag province, some 460 kilometres (285 miles) south of the Egyptian capital Cairo, reportedly killing at least 32 people and injuring scores of others. AFP
People gather around the wreckage of two trains that collided in the Tahta district of Sohag province, some 460 kilometres (285 miles) south of the Egyptian capital Cairo, reportedly killing at least 32 people and injuring scores of others. AFP
People gather around the wreckage of two trains that collided in the Tahta district of Sohag province, some 460 kms (285 miles) south of the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
People gather around the wreckage of two trains that collided in the Tahta district of Sohag province, some 460 kms (285 miles) south of the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
This image provided by Youm7 shows crowds of people inside a mangled train carriage at the scene of a train accident in southern Egypt. AP Photo
This image provided by Youm7 shows crowds of people inside a mangled train carriage at the scene of a train accident in southern Egypt. AP Photo
This image provided by Youm7 shows crowds of people gathered around mangled train carriages at the scene of a train accident in southern Egypt. AP Photo
This image provided by Youm7 shows crowds of people gathered around mangled train carriages at the scene of a train accident in southern Egypt. AP Photo
People gather around the wreckage of two trains that collided in the Tahta district of Sohag province, some 460 kilometres (285 miles) south of the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
People gather around the wreckage of two trains that collided in the Tahta district of Sohag province, some 460 kilometres (285 miles) south of the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
People stand atop a turned over train carriage as others inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People stand atop a turned over train carriage as others inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People stand atop a turned over train carriage as others inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People stand atop a turned over train carriage as others inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
A blanket covers a victim surrounded by people inspecting the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
A blanket covers a victim surrounded by people inspecting the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA
People inspect the scene of a train crash in Sohag province. EPA

In the aftermath of Friday’s train crash in the governorate of Sohag, Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir did something that’s rare in Egypt’s political discourse: He offered an apology. The retired army general, who enjoys the confidence of President Abdel Fatah El Sisi, offered more honesty the next day.

“Today, the president was clear. He asked whether we can still run the railway as we do now and prevent any more accidents from happening. I said ‘no,’ there will be more accidents,” he said on Saturday.

Gen El Wazir’s humility and honesty are refreshing in a country where top officials routinely shift the blame to others at times of crisis or promise what they cannot deliver.

Asked why he did not resign following the latest accident, he was equally candid.

“I am a combat soldier who does not run away. Running away is not a solution. If I run away then I betrayed my country.” But he also promised to step down if Egyptians thought he was not doing his job properly.

“It is indeed new that he offered an apology, but he needs to be held accountable, at least before parliament,” said Mr Hassan.

Gen El Wazir took up his current job in 2019, just days after his predecessor was fired following the death of 24 people when a fully fuelled engine car slammed into a wall in Cairo’s main station, igniting a ball of fire.

In the days since the Sohag incident, he has painted a harrowing picture of the challenges he faces while seeking to overhaul the transport sector at a cost of more than a trillion pounds.

The driver whose locomotive slammed into the back of a stationary train on Friday ignored warning signals and did not respond to radio messages warning him of the danger ahead. Some train drivers who caused past accidents were found to have switched off the automatic train control, the device that slows down trains or stops them altogether if potential trouble is ahead.

Amr Adeeb, a popular TV talk show host, said last week that he had learned that some passengers pull the brakes of trains near their homes and disembark to spare themselves the walk from the next station.

“If that’s true, then that is as bad as apostasy,” he said.

The building collapse

Rescuers work at the site where a building collapsed in Gesr al-Suez, Cairo. Reuters
Rescuers work at the site where a building collapsed in Gesr al-Suez, Cairo. Reuters
Civilians, and security forces look on as rescue workers rush a victim to an ambulance after being removed from the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
Civilians, and security forces look on as rescue workers rush a victim to an ambulance after being removed from the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
Civilians, and security forces look on as rescue workers search for survivors, with the aid of a bulldozer, in the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
Civilians, and security forces look on as rescue workers search for survivors, with the aid of a bulldozer, in the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
Rescue team at work in the aftermath of a residential building collapse in Gesr Al Suez, Cairo. EPA
Rescue team at work in the aftermath of a residential building collapse in Gesr Al Suez, Cairo. EPA
People and rescuers gather around the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
People and rescuers gather around the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
Rescue team at work in the aftermath of a residential building collapse in Gesr Al Suez, Cairo. EPA
Rescue team at work in the aftermath of a residential building collapse in Gesr Al Suez, Cairo. EPA
Civilians, and security forces look on as rescue workers search for survivors, with the aid of bulldozers, in the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
Civilians, and security forces look on as rescue workers search for survivors, with the aid of bulldozers, in the rubble of a building that collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo. AFP
A coat sits among the rubble in the aftermath of a residential building collapse in Gesr Al Suez, Cairo. EPA
A coat sits among the rubble in the aftermath of a residential building collapse in Gesr Al Suez, Cairo. EPA

It was the week’s grim finale, though tragically not uncommon.

A 10-storey building not far from the centre of Cairo collapsed on Saturday. Reasons given for the collapse varied.

Some accounts said seven of the 10 storeys were added illegally, placing too much pressure on the foundations. Other reports spoke of the first floor being rented out to investors using it for giant refrigerators to store fresh fruits and vegetables, with water constantly leaking and weakening the foundations.

Mr El Sisi has personally led a high-profile campaign to stop illegal construction in Egypt. Last August, he threatened to deploy the army in “every village” to stop more illegal buildings going up. He said there were a total of 700,000 building violations across the country.

At least 70 per cent of all construction in Egypt since 1985 is illegal and 50 per cent of the country’s entire urban areas are the product of illegal or unplanned construction, he said.

Adding floors to existing buildings without permits or skipping the counsel of qualified architects and civil engineers is common in Egypt, where developers look for quick profit without heed to building codes or safety.

Corruption is also partially to blame, especially at local councils where officials turn a blind eye to violations in exchange for bribes or favours.

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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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.

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Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
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Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
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RACE SCHEDULE

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Friday, September 29
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Sunday, October 1
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1. Cecilie Hatteland (NOR) atop Alex - 31.46 seconds

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3. Georgia Tame (GBR) atop Cash Up - 32.81 seconds

4. Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmed Al Maktoum (UAE) atop Peanuts de Beaufour - 35.85 seconds

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6. Annika Sande (NOR) atop For Cash 2 - 31.42 seconds (4 penalties)

BMW M5 specs

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3. Pakistan - 261 points

 

4. South Africa - 253 points

 

5. Australia - 251 points 

 

6. New Zealand - 250 points

 

7. West Indies - 240 points

 

8. Bangladesh - 233 points

 

9. Sri Lanka - 230 points

 

10. Afghanistan - 226 points

 
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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
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  • Fly it within visual line of sight
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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

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Where to buy art books in the UAE

There are a number of speciality art bookshops in the UAE.

In Dubai, The Lighthouse at Dubai Design District has a wonderfully curated selection of art and design books. Alserkal Avenue runs a pop-up shop at their A4 space, and host the art-book fair Fully Booked during Art Week in March. The Third Line, also in Alserkal Avenue, has a strong book-publishing arm and sells copies at its gallery. Kinokuniya, at Dubai Mall, has some good offerings within its broad selection, and you never know what you will find at the House of Prose in Jumeirah. Finally, all of Gulf Photo Plus’s photo books are available for sale at their show. 

In Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a beautiful selection of catalogues and art books, and Magrudy’s – across the Emirates, but particularly at their NYU Abu Dhabi site – has a great selection in art, fiction and cultural theory.

In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum sells catalogues and art books at its museum shop, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has a bookshop that offers reads on art, theory and cultural history.

Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
%3Cp%3ECory%20Sandhagen%20v%20Umar%20Nurmagomedov%0D%3Cbr%3ENick%20Diaz%20v%20Vicente%20Luque%0D%3Cbr%3EMichael%20Chiesa%20v%20Tony%20Ferguson%0D%3Cbr%3EDeiveson%20Figueiredo%20v%20Marlon%20Vera%0D%3Cbr%3EMackenzie%20Dern%20v%20Loopy%20Godinez%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETickets%20for%20the%20August%203%20Fight%20Night%2C%20held%20in%20partnership%20with%20the%20Department%20of%20Culture%20and%20Tourism%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20went%20on%20sale%20earlier%20this%20month%2C%20through%20www.etihadarena.ae%20and%20www.ticketmaster.ae.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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UAE SQUAD

Omar Abdulrahman (Al Hilal), Ali Khaseif, Ali Mabkhout, Salem Rashed, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Zayed Al Ameri, Mohammed Al Attas (Al Jazira), Khalid Essa, Ahmed Barman, Ryan Yaslam, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Habib Fardan, Tariq Ahmed, Mohammed Al Akbari (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmin (Al Wasl), Adel Al Hosani, Ali Hassan Saleh, Majed Suroor (Sharjah), Ahmed Khalil, Walid Abbas, Majed Hassan, Ismail Al Hammadi (Shabab Al Ahli), Hassan Al Muharrami, Fahad Al Dhahani (Bani Yas), Mohammed Al Shaker (Ajman)

The%20stats%20and%20facts
%3Cp%3E1.9%20million%20women%20are%20at%20risk%20of%20developing%20cervical%20cancer%20in%20the%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E80%25%20of%20people%2C%20females%20and%20males%2C%20will%20get%20human%20papillomavirus%20(HPV)%20once%20in%20their%20lifetime%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EOut%20of%20more%20than%20100%20types%20of%20HPV%2C%2014%20strains%20are%20cancer-causing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E99.9%25%20of%20cervical%20cancers%20are%20caused%20by%20the%20virus%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EA%20five-year%20survival%20rate%20of%20close%20to%2096%25%20can%20be%20achieved%20with%20regular%20screenings%20for%20cervical%20cancer%20detection%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EWomen%20aged%2025%20to%2029%20should%20get%20a%20Pap%20smear%20every%20three%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EWomen%20aged%2030%20to%2065%20should%20do%20a%20Pap%20smear%20and%20HPV%20test%20every%20five%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EChildren%20aged%2013%20and%20above%20should%20get%20the%20HPV%20vaccine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Spec%20sheet
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7%22%20Retina%20HD%2C%201334%20x%20750%2C%20625%20nits%2C%201400%3A1%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EChip%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20A15%20Bionic%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%204-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%2C%20f%2F1.8%2C%205x%20digital%20zoom%2C%20Smart%20HDR%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%2B%40%2024%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full%20HD%2B%40%2030%2F60fps%2C%20HD%2B%40%2030%20fps%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFront%20camera%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7MP%2C%20f%2F2.2%2C%20Smart%20HDR%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%3B%20HD%20video%2B%40%2030fps%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%2015%20hours%20video%2C%2050%20hours%20audio%3B%2050%25%20fast%20charge%20in%2030%20minutes%20with%2020W%20charger%3B%20wireless%20charging%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Touch%20ID%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP67%2C%20dust%2C%20water%20resistant%20up%20to%201m%20for%2030%20minutes%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1%2C849%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20pillars%20of%20the%20Dubai%20Metaverse%20Strategy
%3Cp%3EEncourage%20innovation%20in%20the%20metaverse%20field%20and%20boost%20economic%20contribution%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20outstanding%20talents%20through%20education%20and%20training%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20applications%20and%20the%20way%20they%20are%20used%20in%20Dubai's%20government%20institutions%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAdopt%2C%20expand%20and%20promote%20secure%20platforms%20globally%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20the%20infrastructure%20and%20regulations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tomorrow 2021
Plastic tipping points
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Towering concerns
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
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Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Rating: 2/5
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What is Diwali?

The Hindu festival is at once a celebration of the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil, as outlined in the Ramayana.

According to the Sanskrit epic, penned by the sage Valmiki, Diwali marks the time that the exiled king Rama – a mortal with superhuman powers – returned home to the city of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after vanquishing the 10-headed demon Ravana and conquering his kingdom of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit thousands of earthen lamps to illuminate the city and to guide the royal family home.

In its current iteration, Diwali is celebrated with a puja to welcome the goodness of prosperity Lakshmi (an incarnation of Sita) into the home, which is decorated with diyas (oil lamps) or fairy lights and rangoli designs with coloured powder. Fireworks light up the sky in some parts of the word, and sweetmeats are made (or bought) by most households. It is customary to get new clothes stitched, and visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings.  

 

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

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Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

More on this story
RESULTS

Men
1 Marius Kipserem (KEN) 2:04:04
2 Abraham Kiptum (KEN) 2:04:16
3 Dejene Debela Gonfra (ETH) 2:07:06
4 Thomas Rono (KEN) 2:07:12
5 Stanley Biwott (KEN) 2:09:18

Women
1 Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) 2:20:16
2 Eunice Chumba (BRN) 2:20:54
3 Gelete Burka (ETH) 2:24:07
4 Chaltu Tafa (ETH) 2:25:09
5 Caroline Kilel (KEN) 2:29:14

MATCH INFO

Europa League final

Who: Marseille v Atletico Madrid
Where: Parc OL, Lyon, France
When: Wednesday, 10.45pm kick off (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

Egypt