Dr.Li Wenliang who died from Coronavirus. Wuhan, China
Dr.Li Wenliang who died from Coronavirus. Wuhan, China
Excavators and workers are seen at the construction site where the new Huoshenshan Hospital is being built to treat patients of a new coronavirus on the outskirts of Wuhan, China. Reuters
Excavators and workers are seen at the construction site where the new Huoshenshan Hospital is being built to treat patients of a new coronavirus on the outskirts of Wuhan, China. Reuters
A policeman wearing a coronavirus-themed outfit composed of helmet, mace and shield, walks at a market to raise awareness about social distancing, during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Chennai, on April 2, 2020. / AFP / Arun SANKAR
A policeman wearing a coronavirus-themed outfit composed of helmet, mace and shield, walks at a market to raise awareness about social distancing, during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Chennai, on April 2, 2020. / AFP / Arun SANKAR
The quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship at Daikoku pier cruise terminal in Yokohama. AFP
The quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship at Daikoku pier cruise terminal in Yokohama. AFP
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - APRIL 3: Residents stand on white lines on the ground spaced to enforce social distancing as they queue to enter a slum area on April 3, 2020 in Manila, Philippines. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday ordered law enforcement to "shoot" residents caught violating quarantine rules during a month long lockdown in the country to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The Philippines' main island Luzon, which includes capital Manila, has been on lockdown for more than two weeks. Land, sea, and air travel has been suspended, while government work, schools, businesses, and public transportation have been ordered shut in a bid to keep some 55 million people at home. The Philippines' Department of Health has so far confirmed 3,018 cases of the new coronavirus in the country, with at least 136 recorded fatalities. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - APRIL 3: Residents stand on white lines on the ground spaced to enforce social distancing as they queue to enter a slum area on April 3, 2020 in Manila, Philippines. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday ordered law enforcement to "shoot" residents caught violating quarantine rules during a month long lockdown in the country to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The Philippines' main island Luzon, which includes capital Manila, has been on lockdown for more than two weeks. Land, sea, and air travel has been suspended, while government work, schools, businesses, and public transportation have been ordered shut in a bid to keep some 55 million people at home. The Philippines' Department of Health has so far confirmed 3,018 cases of the new coronavirus in the country, with at least 136 recorded fatalities. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
epa08325517 General view of the empty Piccadilly Circus in London, Britain, 26 March 2020. Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson has implemented social distancing measures banning social gatherings and groups of more than two people amid the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. People must stand more than two metres apart. Several European countries have closed borders, schools as well as public facilities, and have cancelled most major sports and entertainment events in order to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing the Covid-19 disease. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA
epa08325517 General view of the empty Piccadilly Circus in London, Britain, 26 March 2020. Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson has implemented social distancing measures banning social gatherings and groups of more than two people amid the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. People must stand more than two metres apart. Several European countries have closed borders, schools as well as public facilities, and have cancelled most major sports and entertainment events in order to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing the Covid-19 disease. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA
An electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes Covid-19. EPA
An electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes Covid-19. EPA
A security guard stands outside the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market where the coronavirus was detected in Wuhan on January 24, 2020. AFP
A security guard stands outside the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market where the coronavirus was detected in Wuhan on January 24, 2020. AFP
A cyclist travels down a nearly deserted road in the Chinese city of Wuhan on January 26, 2020. AFP
A cyclist travels down a nearly deserted road in the Chinese city of Wuhan on January 26, 2020. AFP
The World Health Organisation has warned all governments to be on alert and screening has been stepped up at airports around the world. Getty Images.
The World Health Organisation has warned all governments to be on alert and screening has been stepped up at airports around the world. Getty Images.
Mr Ghebreyesus announced that the coronavirus outbreak can now be characterised as a pandemic. AFP
Mr Ghebreyesus announced that the coronavirus outbreak can now be characterised as a pandemic. AFP
Members of a medical assistance team from Jiangsu province chant slogans at a ceremony marking their departure after helping with the COVID-19 coronavirus recovery effort, in Wuhan.
Members of a medical assistance team from Jiangsu province chant slogans at a ceremony marking their departure after helping with the COVID-19 coronavirus recovery effort, in Wuhan.
People wearing face masks walk at a riverside park in Wuhan of Hubei province. Reuters
People wearing face masks walk at a riverside park in Wuhan of Hubei province. Reuters
Staff members line up at attention as they prepare to spray disinfectant at Wuhan Railway Station in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province.AFP
Staff members line up at attention as they prepare to spray disinfectant at Wuhan Railway Station in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province.AFP
The Diamond Princess cruise ship was placed in quarantine off the port of Yokohama after a number of the 3,700 people on board were confirmed to have coronavirus. Getty Images
The Diamond Princess cruise ship was placed in quarantine off the port of Yokohama after a number of the 3,700 people on board were confirmed to have coronavirus. Getty Images
Lee Man-hee, leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, speaks during a press conference. The leader of a South Korean sect linked to more than half the country's 4,000-plus coronavirus cases apologised on March 2 for the spread of the disease. AFP
Lee Man-hee, leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, speaks during a press conference. The leader of a South Korean sect linked to more than half the country's 4,000-plus coronavirus cases apologised on March 2 for the spread of the disease. AFP
Army soldiers wearing protective suits spray disinfectant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in front of a branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu, South Korea. AP
Army soldiers wearing protective suits spray disinfectant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in front of a branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu, South Korea. AP
View of Palacio de Hielo ice skating centre in Madrid. The facilities will be used as a morgue for coronavirus fatalities. EPA/CHEMA MOYA
View of Palacio de Hielo ice skating centre in Madrid. The facilities will be used as a morgue for coronavirus fatalities. EPA/CHEMA MOYA
A student takes classes online with his companions using the Zoom APP at home during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in El Masnou, north of Barcelona, Spain. Reuters
A student takes classes online with his companions using the Zoom APP at home during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in El Masnou, north of Barcelona, Spain. Reuters
A boy with an Italian tricolor flag stands on a balcony during a flash mob launched across Italy to bring people together and try to cope with the emergency of the coronavirus, in Rome. EPA
A boy with an Italian tricolor flag stands on a balcony during a flash mob launched across Italy to bring people together and try to cope with the emergency of the coronavirus, in Rome. EPA
A nurse wearing protective mask and gear comforts another as they change shifts on March 13, 2020 at the Cremona hospital, southeast of Milan, Lombardy, during the country's lockdown aimed at stopping the spread of the COVID-19. EPA
A nurse wearing protective mask and gear comforts another as they change shifts on March 13, 2020 at the Cremona hospital, southeast of Milan, Lombardy, during the country's lockdown aimed at stopping the spread of the COVID-19. EPA
A worker wears protective gear to spray disinfectant on Piazza Duomo in Milan.AFP
A worker wears protective gear to spray disinfectant on Piazza Duomo in Milan.AFP
A police officer walks across an empty Seventh Avenue in a sparsely populated Times Square due to COVID-19 concerns in New York. AP
A police officer walks across an empty Seventh Avenue in a sparsely populated Times Square due to COVID-19 concerns in New York. AP
Stocks markets around the world have swung wildly in recent weeks as the coronavirus outbreak hammers global economy. Reuters
Stocks markets around the world have swung wildly in recent weeks as the coronavirus outbreak hammers global economy. Reuters
US President Donald Trump, center, at a Coronavirus Task Force news conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, on Friday, April 3, 2020. Bloomberg
US President Donald Trump, center, at a Coronavirus Task Force news conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, on Friday, April 3, 2020. Bloomberg
The military field hospital outside the Emile Muller Hospital in Mulhouse, eastern France. AFP
The military field hospital outside the Emile Muller Hospital in Mulhouse, eastern France. AFP
This picture tshows the Eiffel tower and the deserted place du Trocadero in Paris, on the twelveth day of a lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in France. AFP
This picture tshows the Eiffel tower and the deserted place du Trocadero in Paris, on the twelveth day of a lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in France. AFP
Health workers wearing protective gear transport a patient on a stretcher toward a tent used as the reception of the emergency services of the Aix Hospital Centre, Aix-en-Provence, southern France. AFP
Health workers wearing protective gear transport a patient on a stretcher toward a tent used as the reception of the emergency services of the Aix Hospital Centre, Aix-en-Provence, southern France. AFP
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attends a meeting about Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics at the prime minister's office in Tokyo. AFP
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attends a meeting about Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics at the prime minister's office in Tokyo. AFP
People wearing a mask walk near the Olympics' mark in Odaiba, Tokyo on February 22, 2020, amid the outbreak of a new coronavirus in Japan. AFP
People wearing a mask walk near the Olympics' mark in Odaiba, Tokyo on February 22, 2020, amid the outbreak of a new coronavirus in Japan. AFP
NHS workers applaud on the streets outside Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, London, Britain, Reuters
NHS workers applaud on the streets outside Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, London, Britain, Reuters
The ExCeL London has been transformed into a field hospital. AFP
The ExCeL London has been transformed into a field hospital. AFP
Boris Johnson on a screen as he remotely chairs the morning novel coronavirus Covid-19 meeting by video link, in Downing Street. AFP
Boris Johnson on a screen as he remotely chairs the morning novel coronavirus Covid-19 meeting by video link, in Downing Street. AFP
A man sits at New Delhi's border barricade during lockdown by the authorities to limit the spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New Delhi, India. Reuters
A man sits at New Delhi's border barricade during lockdown by the authorities to limit the spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New Delhi, India. Reuters
A migrant worker carries his son as they walk along a road with others to return to their village, during a 21-day nationwide lockdown to limit the spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New Delhi, India,F Reuters
A migrant worker carries his son as they walk along a road with others to return to their village, during a 21-day nationwide lockdown to limit the spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New Delhi, India,F Reuters
Police community support officers talk to a person as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Brighton, Britain. Reuters
Police community support officers talk to a person as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Brighton, Britain. Reuters
Medical staff celebrate after all patients were discharged at Wuchang Fangcang Hospital, a temporary hospital set up at Hongshan Gymnasium to treat people infected with the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. AP
Medical staff celebrate after all patients were discharged at Wuchang Fangcang Hospital, a temporary hospital set up at Hongshan Gymnasium to treat people infected with the coronavirus and COVID-19 disease, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. AP
Atmosphere of empty Westfield World Trade Center during coronavirus pandemic in New York City, NY, USA . Reuters
Atmosphere of empty Westfield World Trade Center during coronavirus pandemic in New York City, NY, USA . Reuters
The Central Park field hospital constructed by members of Samaritan's Purse are seen in New York. The hospital began taking patients on Tuesday and is equipped to accommodate 68 beds with ventilators. Reuters
The Central Park field hospital constructed by members of Samaritan's Purse are seen in New York. The hospital began taking patients on Tuesday and is equipped to accommodate 68 beds with ventilators. Reuters
Chinese travellers wear protective masks as they bow their heads at 10 AM for three minutes of silence to mark the country's national day of mourning for COVID-19 at Beijing Railway Station. Getty
Chinese travellers wear protective masks as they bow their heads at 10 AM for three minutes of silence to mark the country's national day of mourning for COVID-19 at Beijing Railway Station. Getty
On the 20th day of a lockdown in France, a cemetery, exceptionally open for Palm Sunday, April 5. AFP
On the 20th day of a lockdown in France, a cemetery, exceptionally open for Palm Sunday, April 5. AFP

Comment

Coronavirus: A pandemic is not a war – but it can save us from waging one

A period devoid of human contact could teach people to value life irrespective of differences

Kareem Shaheen
Kareem Shaheen

April 16, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic
War and the virus

War metaphors are everywhere you look in the age of coronavirus. It is a war against a hidden enemy, US President Donald Trump declares. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff are frontline workers, our first line of defence. China designated healthcare workers who died fighting the pandemic as martyrs.

I do not know where the desire to declare war on every challenge facing our societies comes from, but it does make some sense. Wartime rhetoric can make it easier to accept the radical measures needed to “flatten the curve” and control the pandemic. It elicits confidence in public institutions at a time when deep uncertainty reigns, with the knowledge that the government will spare no effort or expense to protect citizens.

Donald Trump has used war metaphors to describe the effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Reuters
Donald Trump has used war metaphors to describe the effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Reuters

This "rallying around the flag" effect, the greater propensity for sacrifice, the sense of solidarity that comes from knowing we are all in it together, can be enhanced by the war metaphors. The sweeping and extraordinary restrictions on movement in place require compliance, and that can only be achieved through serious reckoning with the crisis at hand.

And with that reckoning, the belief that the war can be won.

And yet, the dangers and limitations of wartime comparisons are also readily apparent. They inspire the sort of hoarding and run on essential goods over irrational fear of rationing that in the West has led to toilet paper shortages. It is still hard in some places to find diapers, baby wipes and infant formula.

A member of the Iraqi Civil Defence Corps disinfects the streets of Sadr City in Baghdad during the imposition of a curfew. AFP
A member of the Iraqi Civil Defence Corps disinfects the streets of Sadr City in Baghdad during the imposition of a curfew. AFP
Read More from Kareem Shaheen

Syrian chemical attacks: there's more to justice

Coronavirus is becoming Syria's other war

The rhetoric of war can also lead to the demonisation of minorities. Mr Trump has frequently described coronavirus as the “Chinese virus”, an epithet that is particularly concerning amid rising reports of attacks against Asian immigrants in the US that are purportedly prompted by the pandemic. There are historical parallels to this scapegoating of minorities, such as the pogroms of Jews in Europe during the Black Death.

We are also particularly attuned in the Middle East to the limitations of this rhetoric. The so-called war on terror sparked limitless misery and instability throughout the region because of the failure to imagine solutions to religious extremism that go beyond dropping bombs on faraway countries. When war is the norm, every problem then looks like it can be solved with drone strikes.

The rhetoric also risks creating the conditions for authoritarian, abusive governments to cement their power, and for the erosion of civil liberties and privacy rights. The “rally around the flag” effect of national crises and traumas can make it easier for some governments to concentrate power under the guise of fighting the pandemic.

Things rarely go back to the way they were once a national crisis is over, either. Just look at the US and the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

And it does not really feel like a war for most of us, does it? We are not being drafted into the military, or forced to work extra hours in artillery factories, or having to ration food and tea. This war is being fought by the few on behalf of the many, but the job of the many is to sit at home and forego the evolutionary imperative of human contact, of embracing loved ones, of mingling with strangers. The great sacrifice is one of enduring absence and loss, not action and martyrdom in defence of land and country.

Are we at war, then? It is hard to pinpoint an answer given how unprecedented this all is. But I will venture that perhaps the wartime metaphors miss the point. Because I do not know about you, but I feel like right now I need a dose of the human touch. To hug a friend I ran into at the corner store, to be drowned out by the noise in a crowded restaurant, to people-watch at the park. To step outside without being afraid.

Is that not what war inspires in most of us? Fear, panic, great acts of cruelty and inhumanity. I do not want to be afraid for too much longer every time I walk out the door to buy milk and bread. It helps, though, when I step onto the footpath and I see, through the windows of the houses nearby, the drawings of the children. They say, “everything will be alright” and "ca va bien aller".

There was hope that we might emerge out of the pandemic with a renewed sense of social cohesion, greater empathy towards the most vulnerable, a stronger understanding of the value of family ties and friendship, deeper solidarity in the face of existential crises such as climate change, and a feeling that we are in it together, that the polarisation that characterises politics and social media will retreat AP Photo
There was hope that we might emerge out of the pandemic with a renewed sense of social cohesion, greater empathy towards the most vulnerable, a stronger understanding of the value of family ties and friendship, deeper solidarity in the face of existential crises such as climate change, and a feeling that we are in it together, that the polarisation that characterises politics and social media will retreat AP Photo

Perhaps we will come out of this more tender, more kind to our neighbours and tolerant of difference because we crave human contact, any human contact. Perhaps our dealings with them will be redolent of greater tolerance and understanding. We will realise that it does not matter if our neighbour is liberal or conservative, Muslim or Hindu, Sunni or Shia, black or white, we will still need their help if the going gets tough. We are all in it together. I am reminded of that reality with the multitudes of stories of generosity in this pandemic.

Perhaps this war will be won if we emerge from it truly healed, as avatars of the better angels of our nature. Perhaps human life will be more valuable, and we will start trying to save it instead of going to war.

Kareem Shaheen is a former Middle East correspondent based in Canada

UAE currency
UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
AUSTRALIA SQUAD

Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Warner, Adam Zampa

On Women's Day
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Strait of Hormuz

Fujairah is a crucial hub for fuel storage and is just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route linking Middle East oil producers to markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond.

The strait is 33 km wide at its narrowest point, but the shipping lane is just three km wide in either direction. Almost a fifth of oil consumed across the world passes through the strait.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait, a move that would risk inviting geopolitical and economic turmoil.

Last month, Iran issued a new warning that it would block the strait, if it was prevented from using the waterway following a US decision to end exemptions from sanctions for major Iranian oil importers.

HOW TO WATCH

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10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

While you're here
THE SPECS

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Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

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On sale: Available for preorder now

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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While you're here
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
On Women's Day
Tips for taking the metro

- set out well ahead of time

- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines

- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on

- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers

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While you're here
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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SPECS

Nissan 370z Nismo

Engine: 3.7-litre V6

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 363hp

Torque: 560Nm

Price: Dh184,500

While you're here
Sonchiriya

Director: Abhishek Chaubey

Producer: RSVP Movies, Azure Entertainment

Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Manoj Bajpayee, Ashutosh Rana, Bhumi Pednekar, Ranvir Shorey

Rating: 3/5

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Tomorrow 2021
While you're here

Crazy Rich Asians

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeon, Gemma Chan

Four stars

Citizenship-by-investment programmes

United Kingdom

The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).

All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.

The Caribbean

Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport. 

Portugal

The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.

“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.

Greece

The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.

Spain

The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.

Cyprus

Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.

Malta

The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.

The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.

Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.

Egypt 

A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.

Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties

While you're here
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

War and the virus
OpinionComment