Towards the end of 2019, many of us were planning for places to visit, people to meet and work with, and professional and personal growth to be achieved. All of this has changed due to one of the smallest organisms on earth jumping from one species to another. Since the beginning of 2020 and until this day, the Covid-19 global pandemic continues to be one of the largest and most complex global challenges in our times.
It has affected many people, countries and entities. In the same breath, it’s incredible to note how the world has come together to tackle this issue that transcends national borders, communities and continents.
Under one unified goal, countries around the world have worked tirelessly and taken the necessary actions to safeguard the health and well-being of all segments of their communities, by finding robust solutions that mitigate the impact of the pandemic and put humanity on recovery path. In Abu Dhabi, this work has been ongoing for the past 14 months, and the results of these efforts have been recognised globally for its evidence and data-based decision making, balanced approach and effectiveness in responding to the pandemic. Many global leaders attending the World Immunisation and Logistics Summit in Abu Dhabi last week has singled out the shining example of Abu Dhabi and UAE in dealing with this global crisis, while continuing to be a pillar of collaboration and support for humanity.
Driven by the continuous support of our wise leadership, Abu Dhabi has faced the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic with resilience and determination, and it is no surprise seeing Abu Dhabi today being ranked first among 25 global cities in response to the pandemic according to the latest ranking issued by the London-based Deep Knowledge Group.
These prestigious global rankings are the product of effort and teamwork. Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector has proven its efficiency, the strength of its infrastructure, and the professionalism of its organisations and staff.
Pandemics, like other crises throughout history, have been valuable opportunities for accelerating scientific innovation and adopting new technologies, ways of thinking and processes. We have witnessed this when countries around the world came together to develop several safe and effective vaccines within 10 months from the outbreak of the pandemic.
Here in Abu Dhabi, we continue to be part of these efforts through the “4 Humanity” campaign that allowed more than 32,000 volunteers to be part of two of the largest successful global vaccine clinical trials. In parallel, we have put our human capital and infrastructure into developing and deploying solutions not only for Abu Dhabi and UAE, but to be extended to help other populations of the world.
We will also continue to invest in infrastructure, digital solutions, research and innovation to support the fight against the pandemic, and the future development of Abu Dhabi's health sector will continue to be shaped by our current and ongoing focus on scientific research and innovation. This was lately evident by the start of the first line of vaccine manufacturing in the UAE.
Our wise leadership has prioritised the safety of the UAE’s community by providing all members with the necessary health care and livelihood support throughout the pandemic. This national support has gone hand-in-hand with supporting the wider world, underpinned by the strong belief that no one is out of this pandemic until everyone is out of this pandemic. This was evident through the UAE’s humanitarian aid extended to over 250 international destinations, translating into over 80 per cent of total global aid, which was coming from the UAE.
We strongly believe that no one can overcome this crisis alone
The global co-operation in the fight against the pandemic is of paramount importance, and we believe that the Hope Consortium is a catalyst for even greater co-operation between partners worldwide. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is proud to be spearheading this effort and is a founding partner in the Hope Consortium, supporting the urgent distribution of and providing its equitable access worldwide.
We strongly believe that no one can overcome this crisis alone and international collaboration is the seed we plant today for a fruitful result. Together with our partners in the Hope Consortium, we have the capacity to handle over six billion doses of all different vaccines this year, and we are already increasing this capacity to over 18 billion vaccine doses by the end of 2021, to be delivered to people anywhere in the world. This capacity was built with an immediate global pooling of resources to respond to a global pandemic. This has also reflected Abu Dhabi’s vision to lead regionally and globally in world-class quality of care and life science sector investment. We are open to the world and to serve the world.
We look forward to using this platform as a springboard to foster more partnerships in the near future. Through collaboration and innovation, we look forward to paving the way towards a more resilient, healthy and prosperous future for humanity, allowing us all to resume our plans to meet new people, visit new places and build on the growth with the resilience that we have developed last year.
Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed is Chairman of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
Celta Vigo 2
Castro (45'), Aspas (82')
Barcelona 2
Dembele (36'), Alcacer (64')
Red card: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
57kg quarter-finals
Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.
60kg quarter-finals
Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.
63.5kg quarter-finals
Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.
67kg quarter-finals
Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.
71kg quarter-finals
Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.
Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.
81kg quarter-finals
Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0
Results:
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah (PA) | Group 2 | US$55,000 (Dirt) | 1,600 metres
Winner: AF Al Sajanjle, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
7.05pm: Meydan Sprint (TB) | Group 2 | $250,000 (Turf) | 1,000m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
8.15pm: Meydan Trophy Conditions (TB) | $100,000 (T) | 1,900m
Winner: Art Du Val, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) | $250,000 (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Poetic Charm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (D) | 1,200m
Winner: Lava Spin, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Mountain Hunter, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THE BIO:
Sabri Razouk, 74
Athlete and fitness trainer
Married, father of six
Favourite exercise: Bench press
Must-eat weekly meal: Steak with beans, carrots, broccoli, crust and corn
Power drink: A glass of yoghurt
Role model: Any good man
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
ATP WORLD No 1
2004 Roger Federer
2005 Roger Federer
2006 Roger Federer
2007 Roger Federer
2008 Rafael Nadal
2009 Roger Federer
2010 Rafael Nadal
2011 Novak Djokovic
2012 Novak Djokovic
2013 Rafael Nadal
2014 Novak Djokovic
2015 Novak Djokovic
2016 Andy Murray
2017 Rafael Nadal
2018 Novak Djokovic
2019 Rafael Nadal
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Student Of The Year 2
Director: Punit Malhotra
Stars: Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Ananya Pandey, Aditya Seal
1.5 stars
