It’s hard to believe, but it has already been four years since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic that not only cost millions of lives but disrupted daily routines around the world. To put it into perspective, that’s equal to the time between successive Olympic tournaments or football World Cups.
Despite the continuing economic effects of this disruption as well as its impact on tourism and the enduring psychological consequences, it appears that we have left the pandemic behind. Many people have returned to their regular office routines and socialise without wearing a mask. Major sporting and trade events have returned.
In the Gulf, there is a discernible sense of confidence: Dubai in particular seems to have strengthened its position; Qatar staged a successful 2022 World Cup and is currently hosting the Asian Cup; and Riyadh has landed both the 2034 World Cup and the 2030 Expo. Life, for the most part, has regained a semblance of normality.
Yet the question remains: how prepared are we for another pandemic? It’s an unsettling question, especially considering that Covid has not gone away. Questions also remain over the original pandemic, and the lingering effects that long Covid and repeated lockdowns have had on millions of people.
I’m optimistic, at least for the GCC countries. Setting aside the simple fact that we have collectively experienced a pandemic and are therefore better equipped as people to anticipate and respond to future crises, my optimism rests on two key factors.
Strengthening regional and international co-operation will overcome inequities and ensure that everyone has access to vaccines
First, I believe international co-operation will continue to grow. Last year, the UN General Assembly called for countries to step up their efforts to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Strengthening regional and international co-operation will overcome inequities and ensure that everyone has access to vaccines.
The GCC’s Gulf Health Council has become one of the most important bodies when it comes to enhancing health security in the region. In 2022, two years after the pandemic began, the council set up the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Based in Riyadh, it will monitor the spread of epidemics such as Covid-19.
Last year, this organisation, along with participating member states, worked on a unified Gulf technical contribution to the proposed International Treaty on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. Such an international agreement, a draft of which is expected to be finalised in May, is considered to be a major milestone on the journey to improving pandemic responses and ensuring global public health protection.
In the UAE, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi recently began an international collaboration with the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience. This collaboration involves the World Economic Forum, the London School of Economics, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and other important bodies to share learning and expertise that will ensure future health systems are able to prevent different crises, including pandemic threats.
Second, technological advancements and regulation have led to remarkable progress since the beginning of the pandemic, especially in the Middle East. These advancements are poised to address gaps in healthcare delivery and will strengthen the GCC’s already-resilient medical systems.
The pandemic sped up the adoption of telehealth and telemedicine solutions, allowing patients to consult doctors remotely, thus reducing the need for in-person visits and minimising the risk of virus transmission. In Saudi Arabia, for example, there have been notable telemedicine developments since the pandemic, and it will continue to make progress under its Vision 2030 plan and the national transformation of its healthcare sector.
In 2022, the kingdom launched Seha Virtual Hospital, the largest e-health provider of its kind in the world, and the first in the Middle East. More recently, Saudi digital health company Cura joined forces with the Saudi German Hospital Group, enabling patients to access virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
This leads us to one of the most significant stories of the post-pandemic world thus far: the evolution of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These applications have gained prominence in medical imaging, diagnostics and drug discovery. They are also being used to analyse large data sets, identify patterns and help healthcare professionals to make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.
Late last year, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Burjeel Holdings signed a deal to implement advanced solutions with integrated AI. This would help with resource allocation and make emergency departments more efficient. The regulator also signed an agreement with Microsoft to advance the use of generative AI in health care.
Pandemics are inherently complex and the next one may surpass the challenges we faced four years ago. The continuing effects of climate change could elevate the likelihood of more pandemics. It is crucial for us all to stay vigilant, avoid complacency and, as individuals, be responsible before and during any new outbreak.
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
RESULTS
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m
Winner: Lady Parma, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m
Winner: Tabernas, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash.
2.45pm: Handicap Dh95,000 1,200m
Winner: Night Castle, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,400m
Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
3.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Mutawakked, Szczepan Mazur, Musabah Al Muhairi.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Tafaakhor, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Cranesbill, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.
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
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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
The years Ramadan fell in May
Innotech Profile
Date started: 2013
Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari
Based: Muscat, Oman
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
The specs: 2018 Renault Koleos
Price, base: From Dh77,900
Engine: 2.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 170hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 233Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.3L / 100km
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
The specs
Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Torque: 66Nm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000
On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970
FA Cup quarter-final draw
The matches will be played across the weekend of 21 and 22 March
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Newcastle v Manchester City
Norwich v Derby/Manchester United
Leicester City v Chelsea
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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
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)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
