France gave the world its first glimpse of the restored Notre-Dame cathedral on Friday, more than five years after a fire toppled its spire and destroyed most of the Paris landmark's roof.
President Emmanuel Macron visited the 850-year-old cathedral in a visit that was broadcast live on television. He arrived about a week before the site is officially reopened on December 7. The restoration project was a "challenge that many considered insane", Mr Macron said in a statement released on the eve of his visit.
The blaze broke out in the early evening of April 15, 2019, destroying the wooden roof, toppling the spire and damaging the cathedral’s upper walls severely. The inside of the building was spared from more extensive damage because of the vaulted stone ceiling, which contained the roof as it collapsed.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing, with initial findings suggesting it was accident involving a short circuit, welder's torch or cigarette. At the time, Mr Macron set a five-year goal to rebuild the cathedral and make it "even more beautiful" than before – a target the French authorities say has been met.
World leaders are expected to attend the official reopening. All 2,000 people took part in the almost €700 million ($739.3 million) restoration project, with at least 1,300 expected to attend the inspection of the site on Friday.
"This final site visit is an opportunity to thank them in particular – from wood craftsmen to those of metal and stone, from scaffolders to roofers, from bell makers to art restorers, from gilders to masons and sculptors, from carpenters to organ builders, from architects, archaeologists, engineers and planners to logistical and administrative functions," Mr Macron said.
The altar inside Notre-Dame in 2019 and 2024
Mr Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte, inspected the key areas of the restoration, including the nave and chapel. He discussed the restoration efforts with workers.
The original 19th-century Gothic spire has been replaced with a copy, the stained windows have regained their colour and a restored organ awaits visitors and worshippers. A new fire safety system is also in place, with a discreet system of pipes ready to release water in case of another blaze.
The work was funded by €846 million delivered by donors from 150 countries. Notre-Dame, which welcomed 12 million visitors in 2017, expects to receive from 14 million to 15 million a year after it reopens, authorities said.
Some French ministers have suggested tourists could be charged to enter the site, but the Paris diocese said it was important to ensure admission remained free.
Mr Macron said in December last year that he invited Pope Francis to the reopening of the cathedral, but the pontiff announced in September that he would not attend. Instead, the Pope is to make a landmark visit to the French island of Corsica a week later.
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A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
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Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
Zayed Sustainability Prize
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.
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Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
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Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
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Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
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The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
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