Last year was undoubtedly difficult for many people across the world.
The Middle East faced its own challenges, with some countries heavily dependent on oil dealing with prices plummeting because of the pandemic. Others beset by long-running conflicts also had to grapple with the virus.
Though 2021 might offer some much-needed relief for some countries in the region, in others, the socio-economic and political landscape isn't looking as bright. The National's correspondents share their views on what to expect this year.
Lebanon
Lebanon is facing an unprecedented economic and financial crisis – the worst since the country's civil war ended in the early 90s, The National's Senior Beirut Correspondent Elias Sakr writes.
The small Mediterranean nation has been without a fully-functioning government since the resignation of the cabinet in the wake of the massive Beirut port explosion that killed more than 200 people and destroyed large parts of the capital in August.
The formation of a government of experts, tasked with implementing reforms and fighting corruption has been a long time demand of the international community and a prerequisite for much needed financial support amid dwindling foreign currency reserves.
Rival political parties have been trading blame over the crisis, with negotiations on the formation of a new Cabinet recently hitting deadlock.
Talks came to a standstill as the US further intensified sanctions on Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group, and its key political allies. Recent sanctions have targeted the president's son-in-law and leader of the largest parliamentary bloc, Gebran Bassil.
Barring a political breakthrough, Lebanon's crisis is expected to deepen with the World Bank projecting over half of the population plunging into poverty in 2021.
Sudan
This year could be big for Sudan as it reaps the benefits of its removal from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSTL) after 30 years, paving the way for a $111 million fund to help pay off its bilateral debt with the US, and an additional $120 million to pay off its International Monetary Fund loans.
Sudan will also receive $700 million in US assistance, which will be available until September 2022, writes Nada AlTaher, senior foreign reporter for The National's Foreign Desk.
Having already paid a $335 million settlement to victims of the 1998 US embassy bombings in East Africa – an amount that was negotiated down from billions of dollars – Sudan is now en route towards economic respite after decades of state failure. Corruption, political repression and poor economic planning had led to decades of untapped potential.
"Omar Al Bashir's regime engaged in a lot of ideological adventures but the Sudanese people are peace-loving, with no relation to extremism. They were victims of the former terrorist regime," Amjad Farid, Chief of Staff of Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, told The National.
Sudan has also regained its sovereign immunity, which protects it from being sued in US courts in relation to previous crimes committed under Al Bashir’s rule.
Sudan has also been witnessing a stream of legal reforms which are set to continue in 2021. These include the criminalisation of female genital mutilation and abolishing a law criminalising apostasy – steps that international rights groups have praised, and steps that Mr Farid said would help improve the country's human rights record.
In 2019, civilians and the military brokered a power-sharing agreement that led to the creation of the Transitional Sovereign Council. The 11-member body made up of six civilians and five military members is currently headed by General Abdul Fattah Al Burhan who, under the agreement, would preside over council for 18 months.
But the October signing of the Juba peace agreement between Sudan's transitional government and groups that played a role in the revolution has restarted the transitional process. The next 12 months are likely to see a lot more political jostling between military, tribal and civilian members of government.
Iraq
Iraq's woes are set to deepen in 2021, Baghdad correspondent Sinan Mahmoud writes.
Escalating tension between Iran and the US could spiral into open warfare, as nearly happened in early January last year. Even if Iran and the US manage to de-escalate tensions, Iran-backed militias could attack US forces on their own terms.
Secondly, the ongoing economic crisis caused by plummeting oil prices and the ongoing pandemic all add up to an uneasy year ahead for Iraqis.
The current interim government has suggested early national elections to be held in June, but that date has not been approved yet by the political parties. If approved, elections are expected to further increase tensions between the country's political rivals, mainly among pro-Iran and pro-US camps. One casualty of this tension could be a loss of focus on economic reform.
The sum of these crises, combined with pro-reform protests and violent crackdowns – mainly by pro-Iran groups – have pushed the country's poverty rate to 31.7 per cent this year, from 20 per cent in 2018. That rate is expected to rise further next year, with the inability of the government to address the issue.
Jordan
Jordan faces tough economic and public health challenges in 2021. Discontent is rising with the government response to the coronavirus, says Khaled Yacoub-Oweis, The National's Amman correspondent.
The government ignored warnings not to go ahead with elections for the country's mostly nominal parliament in November, amid a surge of deaths from the pandemic. Turnout was dismally low at less than 30 per cent.
In March, the king invoked an emergency law to deal with the coronavirus and authorities were keen to project a strong image of the system.
They renewed a coronavirus curfew and other pandemic measures after the elections.
The bans are expected to ease sharply in 2021 as part of a new strategy to try and reverse the country’s economic retreat. Citing potential pent-up demand, the finance ministry expects 2 per cent growth in 2021 compared with a 3 per cent contraction this year.
Official data shows that unemployment reached a record 23.9 per cent in the third quarter of this year.
By early 2021 officials expect Jordan to have at least six new coronavirus field hospitals. They say the new bed capacity, and immunisation against the virus, will make the public health system better able to cope with any new coronavirus wave without repeating the same curfew measures of 2020.
Amid a toughened crackdown on dissent, popular distrust runs high regarding the ability of the heavily indebted government to source and distribute vaccines equally, as well as easing Jordan’s social inequality.
Egypt
Much of what awaits Egypt in 2021 will hinge on how well its government handles a ferocious second wave of the coronavirus, which rocked the most populous Arab nation in the final weeks of 2020, writes Cairo Correspondent Hamza Hendawi.
The curve of infections is widely expected to start a downward trend by spring, although there is nothing scientifically concrete to suggest that the high number of cases is linked to the winter months, given that the virus’ new, more infectious strain may prove more resilient.
But assuming that the pandemic will ease by, say, April, Egypt is likely to go ahead with the inauguration of two milestone projects: The government's move to a new capital in the desert east of Cairo and an extravaganza marking the opening of its $1-billion Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids.
Both occasions had been planned for 2021 but the pandemic forced the government to reschedule them.
The two projects have taken years to build. More importantly, they both enjoy the personal attention of President Abdel Fatah El Sisi, whose six years in office have been defined by his high-octane construction drive.
Construction of the museum began about a decade ago, but the Egyptian leader has paid special attention to the project, which is likely to join the list of Egypt's major tourist attractions. The new capital, however, is a pet project of Mr El Sisi, who ensured building work did not stop during the March-July lockdown to contain the pandemic.
On the economic front, Egypt hopes that in 2021 it can repeat its stellar performance of 2020 when it avoided the meltdown suffered by many nations in the world, as a result of the pandemic. Egypt managed to post a GDP growth forecast at 3.5 per cent for the year, down from nearly six per cent in 2019 but still good for a year where recession is globally widespread.
Results
- Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
- Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
- AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
- Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- The Undertaker beat John Cena
- The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
- Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
- Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
- Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
- Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
- Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
- Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
- Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Transmission: CVT auto
Power: 181bhp
Torque: 244Nm
Price: Dh122,900
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Prophets of Rage
(Fantasy Records)
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
Company profile
Name: Dukkantek
Started: January 2021
Founders: Sanad Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani
Based: UAE
Number of employees: 140
Sector: B2B Vertical SaaS(software as a service)
Investment: $5.2 million
Funding stage: Seed round
Investors: Global Founders Capital, Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play, Comma Capital, Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
RESULTS
6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1.600m
Winner: Miller’s House, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Kanood, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Gervais, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Important Mission, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Firnas, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Super Saturday results
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, Brett Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Old Persian, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
FIGHT CARD
Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)
Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer.
There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis C is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This can occur through blood transfusions, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injecting drugs. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common.
People infected with hepatitis C experience few or no symptoms, meaning they can live with the virus for years without being diagnosed. This delay in treatment can increase the risk of significant liver damage.
There are an estimated 170 million carriers of Hepatitis C around the world.
The virus causes approximately 399,000 fatalities each year worldwide, according to WHO.
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
The fake news generation
288,000 – the number of posts reported as hate speech that were deleted by Facebook globally each month in May and June this year
11% – the number of Americans who said they trusted the news they read on Snapchat as of June 2017, according to Statista. Over a quarter stated that they ‘rarely trusted’ the news they read on social media in general
31% - the number of young people in the US aged between 10 and 18 who said they had shared a news story online in the last six months that they later found out was wrong or inaccurate
63% - percentage of Arab nationals who said they get their news from social media every single day.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
GROUPS
Group Gustavo Kuerten
Novak Djokovic (x1)
Alexander Zverev (x3)
Marin Cilic (x5)
John Isner (x8)
Group Lleyton Hewitt
Roger Federer (x2)
Kevin Anderson (x4)
Dominic Thiem (x6)
Kei Nishikori (x7)
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Racecard
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
9.30pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
