Since the internet first arrived in our homes nearly 30 years ago, it has revolutionised our lives. It shapes the way we think, our knowledge of the world, what we eat, read and watch. It enables children without access to schools to learn at home and can help us keep tabs on our mental and physical health. Access to it is incredibly important.
More than 56 per cent of the world's population is connected, which means from the click of a mouse in our own homes, we can communicate with someone on the other side of the world. It is therefore heartening to know the UAE has the fastest download speed in the region, with plans underway to make the process even faster when 5G technology comes online in the next four years.
But it is also among one of the most expensive places in the world for home internet access, with the average broadband package costing Dh577 per month. That might seem like small change to a high-earning professional but to those in a lower income bracket, it is a significant amount, beyond the realms of many budgets.
There is, of course, the argument that most people carry mobile phones and can easily go online but that is an additional cost. The ability to learn, connect and be part of a global conversation from the comfort of one’s home should be not be a luxury, affordable to a few, but a necessity.
The UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is doing much to enable more people to get online for less. This month it ordered Etisalat and du to discontinue expensive pay-per-use mobile data plans to protect customers from running up expensive bills.
And while most customers still have little choice about their provider when it comes to getting internet access at home, depending on where they live, the UAE is edging closer to full telecoms competition, with companies able to compete to provide the best options possible.
Since 2015, both telecoms firms have been allowed to bitstream on each other’s networks. Greater competition will of course bring prices down, which will undoubtedly be welcomed by customers. And as the UAE moves towards a knowledge economy, ensuring everyone has access to the internet can only be a good thing.
HOSTS
T20 WORLD CUP
2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland
ODI WORLD CUP
2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh
CHAMPIONS TROPHY
2025: Pakistan; 2029: India
Getting there
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town daily. Flights cost from about Dh3,325, with a flying time of 8hours and 15 minutes. From there, fly South African Airlines or Air Namibia to Namibia’s Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, for about Dh850. Flying time is 2 hours.
The stay
Wilderness Little Kulala offers stays from £460 (Dh2,135) per person, per night. It is one of seven Wilderness Safari lodges in Namibia; www.wilderness-safaris.com.
Skeleton Coast Safaris’ four-day adventure involves joining a very small group in a private plane, flying to some of the remotest areas in the world, with each night spent at a different camp. It costs from US$8,335.30 (Dh30,611); www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com
Top%2010%20most%20competitive%20economies
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Rafael Nadal's record at the MWTC
2009 Finalist
2010 Champion
Jan 2011 Champion
Dec 2011 Semi-finalist
Dec 2012 Did not play
Dec 2013 Semi-finalist
2015 Semi-finalist
Jan 2016 Champion
Dec 2016 Champion
2017 Did not play
Fixtures
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWednesday%2C%20April%203%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EArsenal%20v%20Luton%20Town%2C%2010.30pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EManchester%20City%20v%20Aston%20Villa%2C%2011.15pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EThursday%2C%20April%204%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ELiverpool%20v%20Sheffield%20United%2C%2010.30pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Q&A with Dash Berlin
Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.
Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
