Serge Gnabry, right, celebrates his side's second goal with teammates Robert Lewandowski, centre, and Thomas Mueller. AP
Serge Gnabry, right, celebrates his side's second goal with teammates Robert Lewandowski, centre, and Thomas Mueller. AP
Lyon supporters burn flares in Lyon. AFP
Lyon supporters burn flares in Lyon. AFP
Bayern's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side's third goal. AP
Bayern's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side's third goal. AP
Bayern's Serge Gnabry celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the Champions League semifinal against Lyon at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal. AP
Bayern's Serge Gnabry celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the Champions League semifinal against Lyon at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal. AP
Bayern's Serge Gnabry, right, celebrates his side's second goal with his teammate Thomas Mueller. AP
Bayern's Serge Gnabry, right, celebrates his side's second goal with his teammate Thomas Mueller. AP
Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring. AP
Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring. AP
Bayern's interim head coach Hans-Dieter Flick looks at the clock. AP
Bayern's interim head coach Hans-Dieter Flick looks at the clock. AP
A supporter holds a club scarf in Lyon after the 3-0 defeat. AFP
A supporter holds a club scarf in Lyon after the 3-0 defeat. AFP
Lyon supporters burn flares and hold the city's flag in Lyon. AFP
Lyon supporters burn flares and hold the city's flag in Lyon. AFP
Bayern players celebrate at the end of the match. AP
Bayern players celebrate at the end of the match. AP
Robert Lewandowski, left, and Bayern's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. AP
Robert Lewandowski, left, and Bayern's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. AP
Bayern's Thomas Mueller celebrates at the end of the semifinal. AP
Bayern's Thomas Mueller celebrates at the end of the semifinal. AP

Football

Serge Gnabry: from invisible at West Brom to main man at Bayern Munich

German winger's two goals against Lyon set up a mouth-watering Champions League final against PSG

Ian Hawkey
Ian Hawkey
London

August 21, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

On this day four years ago, Serge Gnabry was packing a medal in his case, and setting off for home. It had been an exhilarating three weeks in Brazil, but his feelings were bittersweet. The medal was silver, and although he had one prize for first place – top goalscorer in the men’s Olympic tournament – the finishing second, with Germany, left him with many what-might-have-been thoughts. Germany had lost the final, to Brazil, on penalties.

So he headed for home as a partial hero, and a puzzled one if you were to have asked him what ‘home’ meant. Over the previous 12 months it had been, variously, London, the English midlands, and his native Germany. He also feels an attachment to Ivory Coast, where his supportive father was born. As for belonging, the Germany Olympic under-23 team, a transient entity by its very nature, seemed more of an anchor than his clubs had lately been.

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Back in the summer of 2016, Gnabry was 21. And though he was top marksman in Brazil, he was nearly invisible at West Bromwich Albion, where he had started the season that finished with the Olympics. Just before the Games he been formally let go by Arsenal, his employers since he was 16, and was about to join Werder Bremen, to make an entirely new home.

Four years on, Gnabry, ex of Arsenal, West Brom, Bremen, Hoffenheim and the German Olympic, under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 sides is about compete for the greatest prize in club football.

He is now a certain starter, from a loosely defined position wide on the right, for the most in-form team in Europe, Bayern Munich, in Sunday's Champions League final. Munich is very much Gnabry’s settled home now, and it would take a very substantial amount of money in transfer fees to prise him away.

How much? Well, let’s start at a bare minimum of 10 times the €6 million (Dh26m) fee Bremen paid Arsenal, in the summer of 2016, when he collected his Olympic silver and his Golden Boot from the Rio Games.

Back then Arsenal were still proud that the teenaged Gnabry was one of the many young talents spotted and brought to North London under the long reign of Arsene Wenger as manager. He had been scouted and brought from Stuttgart at 16. Ninety-eight days after his 17th birthday he became Arsenal’s second-youngest debutant in a league fixture.

Keen to progress, Gnabry, who would instinctively describe himself as a winger, soon saw the competition for places was keen. Earlier this season, reflecting on his Arsenal education to English reporters, Gnabry reeled off the list of more senior men who formed the queue ahead of him as he reached his 20s: “Arsenal had so many wingers at the time – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil. So I had to go. Sadly.”

He moved on from Arsenal after 18 first-team appearances – nine starts – in search of minutes on the pitch. To Wenger’s approval, and Gnabry’s, he was offered a potential breakthrough year in the Premier League. West Brom took him on loan.

_____________________

Lyon v Bayern Munich player ratings

LYON: Anthony Lopes – 6, The Portuguese goalkeeper did well to paw away Goretzka’s miscued shot early in the piece. He stood no chance with Gnabry’s goals, but might have come for the cross that led to Lewandowski’s. Reuters
LYON: Anthony Lopes – 6, The Portuguese goalkeeper did well to paw away Goretzka’s miscued shot early in the piece. He stood no chance with Gnabry’s goals, but might have come for the cross that led to Lewandowski’s. Reuters
Jason Denayer – 6, Struggled to keep track of Lewandowski and Gnabry in the first half, but was plucky when he and Marcelo were short-handed at the back later on. EPA
Jason Denayer – 6, Struggled to keep track of Lewandowski and Gnabry in the first half, but was plucky when he and Marcelo were short-handed at the back later on. EPA
Marcelo – 7, His yellow card, for a foul a long way off the ball on Lewandowski, spoke of panic as Bayern started to purr in the first half. AP Photo
Marcelo – 7, His yellow card, for a foul a long way off the ball on Lewandowski, spoke of panic as Bayern started to purr in the first half. AP Photo
Marcal – 6, Fortunate not to be punished when his nervy header presented a chance to Gnabry – and even more so when he was spared a second yellow card in the second. AFP
Marcal – 6, Fortunate not to be punished when his nervy header presented a chance to Gnabry – and even more so when he was spared a second yellow card in the second. AFP
Leo Dubois – 6, One of the players withdrawn as Lyon chased the game in the second half, having failed to make much of an impression while he was on. Getty Images
Leo Dubois – 6, One of the players withdrawn as Lyon chased the game in the second half, having failed to make much of an impression while he was on. Getty Images
Maxence Caqueret – 7, Intercepted an Alcantara pass and played smart through ball to set up Depay’s fourth-minute chance. He was bright throughout. AFP
Maxence Caqueret – 7, Intercepted an Alcantara pass and played smart through ball to set up Depay’s fourth-minute chance. He was bright throughout. AFP
Bruno Guimaraes – 5, Struggled to make an impact in the first half, and was the fall guy as Rudi Garcia shuffled his pack at half time to try to bridge the gap in the second. AFP
Bruno Guimaraes – 5, Struggled to make an impact in the first half, and was the fall guy as Rudi Garcia shuffled his pack at half time to try to bridge the gap in the second. AFP
Houssem Aouar – 8, Showed plenty of purpose as he tried to keep Lyon in the contest in the second phase. AP Photo
Houssem Aouar – 8, Showed plenty of purpose as he tried to keep Lyon in the contest in the second phase. AP Photo
Maxwel Cornet – 7, He was to the fore during Lyon’s fast start, but was unable to get a vital cross past Boateng. That might have been a crucial moment. Reuters
Maxwel Cornet – 7, He was to the fore during Lyon’s fast start, but was unable to get a vital cross past Boateng. That might have been a crucial moment. Reuters
Karl Toko Ekambi – 6, Brilliant run to beat Davies early on, but hit the post when he should have scored, and he hit Neuer’s leg when well placed in the second, too. Reuters
Karl Toko Ekambi – 6, Brilliant run to beat Davies early on, but hit the post when he should have scored, and he hit Neuer’s leg when well placed in the second, too. Reuters
Memphis Depay – 7, Found the side netting when one on one with Neuer in the fourth minute. Was full of endeavour but ran out of puff and made way for Dembele again. EPA
Memphis Depay – 7, Found the side netting when one on one with Neuer in the fourth minute. Was full of endeavour but ran out of puff and made way for Dembele again. EPA
SUBS: Thiago Mendes – 5, His most notable contribution after being introduced at half time was being yellow carded for a rash tackle. AP Photo
SUBS: Thiago Mendes – 5, His most notable contribution after being introduced at half time was being yellow carded for a rash tackle. AP Photo
Moussa Dembele – 6, Provided a different threat to Depay, and was more of a focal point for the attack. EPA
Moussa Dembele – 6, Provided a different threat to Depay, and was more of a focal point for the attack. EPA
Jeff Reine-Adelaide – 7, Brought a much-needed spark when he was one of a raft of changes in the second half, and linked up well with fellow sub Tete. Getty Images
Jeff Reine-Adelaide – 7, Brought a much-needed spark when he was one of a raft of changes in the second half, and linked up well with fellow sub Tete. Getty Images
Kenny Tete – 6, Needed greater urgency when he found himself in a good position to cross shortly after coming on. AFP
Kenny Tete – 6, Needed greater urgency when he found himself in a good position to cross shortly after coming on. AFP
Rayan Cherki – 6, The 17 year old mishit a shot when well placed almost immediately after coming on for the centre back Machal. PA
Rayan Cherki – 6, The 17 year old mishit a shot when well placed almost immediately after coming on for the centre back Machal. PA
BAYERN MUNICH: Manuel Neuer – 7, Luck was on his side when Depay shot wide, and Toko Ekambi struck a post early on. He made a fine block from the latter in the second. AFP
BAYERN MUNICH: Manuel Neuer – 7, Luck was on his side when Depay shot wide, and Toko Ekambi struck a post early on. He made a fine block from the latter in the second. AFP
Joshua Kimmich – 6, The full back was in the wars in the first half as Lyon’s young midfielders seemed to be taking turns to crash into him. Suitably solid in defence. AP Photo
Joshua Kimmich – 6, The full back was in the wars in the first half as Lyon’s young midfielders seemed to be taking turns to crash into him. Suitably solid in defence. AP Photo
Jerome Boateng – 6, Made a crucial block of a cross from Cornet as Lyon enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges. He was replaced at half time. EPA
Jerome Boateng – 6, Made a crucial block of a cross from Cornet as Lyon enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges. He was replaced at half time. EPA
David Alaba – 7, Provided some dominant defending to help quell Lyon’s bright start. Quite why he took a late free-kick ahead of Lewandowski, who knows? AP
David Alaba – 7, Provided some dominant defending to help quell Lyon’s bright start. Quite why he took a late free-kick ahead of Lewandowski, who knows? AP
Alphonso Davies – 6, Nowhere near the explosive levels of the Barcelona game, and was given a tough time by Toko Ekambi. AFP
Alphonso Davies – 6, Nowhere near the explosive levels of the Barcelona game, and was given a tough time by Toko Ekambi. AFP
Thiago Alcantara – 7, Was culpable early on when he gave the ball to Caqueret, who split the defence to create a chance for Depay, but otherwise rarely wasted possession. EPA
Thiago Alcantara – 7, Was culpable early on when he gave the ball to Caqueret, who split the defence to create a chance for Depay, but otherwise rarely wasted possession. EPA
Leon Goretzka – 8, Saw a bobbling, mishit shot kept out by Lopes, then a fiercely struck drive in the second kept out by his own teammate, Muller. EPA
Leon Goretzka – 8, Saw a bobbling, mishit shot kept out by Lopes, then a fiercely struck drive in the second kept out by his own teammate, Muller. EPA
Serge Gnabry – 9, Bayern might have been 2-0 down when Gnabry struck. His spectacular finish turned the tide. His second, shortly after, could not have been simpler. PA
Serge Gnabry – 9, Bayern might have been 2-0 down when Gnabry struck. His spectacular finish turned the tide. His second, shortly after, could not have been simpler. PA
Thomas Muller – 7, Not an influence for any of the goals, and he headed his clearest chance wide just as the clock was ticking to 90 minutes. EPA
Thomas Muller – 7, Not an influence for any of the goals, and he headed his clearest chance wide just as the clock was ticking to 90 minutes. EPA
Ivan Perisic – 6, He should have killed the tie at the start of the second half, but hit a tame shot too close to Lopes. He was replaced by Coman not long after. AFP
Ivan Perisic – 6, He should have killed the tie at the start of the second half, but hit a tame shot too close to Lopes. He was replaced by Coman not long after. AFP
Robert Lewandowski – 7, Had a very rare shocker in the first half: missed a sitter (which Gnabry followed up to score), had an air shot from a yard out, then got in the way of a goalbound shot by a teammate. Was not to be denied, though, as he netted a fine late header. EPA
Robert Lewandowski – 7, Had a very rare shocker in the first half: missed a sitter (which Gnabry followed up to score), had an air shot from a yard out, then got in the way of a goalbound shot by a teammate. Was not to be denied, though, as he netted a fine late header. EPA
SUBS: Niklas Sule – 6, Diligent enough after coming on for Boateng at the interval, and had to be sharp to keep Depay away from the danger area. AP
SUBS: Niklas Sule – 6, Diligent enough after coming on for Boateng at the interval, and had to be sharp to keep Depay away from the danger area. AP
Kingsley Coman – 7, Typically perky when he was brought on for Perisic, as he went up against a side including his close mate Dembele. AP
Kingsley Coman – 7, Typically perky when he was brought on for Perisic, as he went up against a side including his close mate Dembele. AP
Philippe Coutinho – 6, Had one good shooting chance after coming on for the outstanding Gnabry, but saw it deflected wide. AP
Philippe Coutinho – 6, Had one good shooting chance after coming on for the outstanding Gnabry, but saw it deflected wide. AP
Benjamin Pavard – 6, The Frenchman was eased back into action after injury with a brief appearance late on. AP
Benjamin Pavard – 6, The Frenchman was eased back into action after injury with a brief appearance late on. AP
Corentin Tolisso – 6, He was a ballboy for Lyon the last time these sides met in Europe. He might have scored against his former club, but blazed a shot over in injury time. AP
Corentin Tolisso – 6, He was a ballboy for Lyon the last time these sides met in Europe. He might have scored against his former club, but blazed a shot over in injury time. AP

_____________________

It was a very bad move. Six months in, Gnabry seemed further back in a queue led by James McClean, Stephane Sessegnon and Callum McManaman than he had been in the Cazorla-Ozil-Alexis hierarchy.

The West Brom manager of the time, Tony Pulis, played Gnabry three times in six months in the 2015/16 season. Two of those were in the League Cup; In Premier League, he got 12 minutes as a substitute. Arsenal recalled him in the January, and sold their Olympic star to Bremen the following summer.

From there, things really took off. His maiden Bundesliga season with Bremen yielded 11 goals, and a bid from Bayern. He had a successful loan season at Hoffenheim. Bayern had seen him mature exactly as they wished. Since he turned 25 last summer, Gnabry has become ever more essential to Bayern, a regular in the German national team and a Champions League record-breaker: He scored four away goals in a single night at Tottenham Hotspur in the group phase. He put two past Chelsea in the 3-0 away win in the last-16. Evidently, he likes going back to London.

He likes leadership, too. In Wednesday’s semi-final against Lyon, no Bayern player responded with greater authority to an alarming opening quarter-hour, when Lyon were brisk and menacing, than Gnabry. Cutting in from the right, he dared a parade of Lyon defenders to steal the ball from him, before unleashing a rocket from his left foot. 1-0. Once he poached his second goal 12 minutes before half time, Bayern were all but certain of their place in the final.

Abu Dhabi traffic facts

Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road

The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.

Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.

The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.

The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Signs%20of%20%20%20%20%20%20%20heat%20stroke
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20loss%20of%20sodium%20chloride%20in%20our%20sweat%20can%20lead%20to%20confusion%20and%20an%20altered%20mental%20status%20and%20slurred%20speech%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBody%20temperature%20above%2039%C2%B0C%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHot%2C%20dry%20and%20red%20or%20damp%20skin%20can%20indicate%20heatstroke%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EA%20faster%20pulse%20than%20usual%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDizziness%2C%20nausea%20and%20headaches%20are%20also%20signs%20of%20overheating%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIn%20extreme%20cases%2C%20victims%20can%20lose%20consciousness%20and%20require%20immediate%20medical%20attention%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
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

Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
While you're here
ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

MATCH INFO

UAE Division 1

Abu Dhabi Harlequins 12-24 Abu Dhabi Saracens

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures

October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA

While you're here
JERSEY INFO

Red Jersey
General Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the leader of the General Classification by time.
Green Jersey
Points Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprints.
White Jersey
Young Rider Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the best young rider born after January 1, 1995 in the overall classification by time (U25).
Black Jersey
Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the rider who has gained the most Intermediate Sprint Points.

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

Quick%20facts
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Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting

-      Don’t do it more than once in three days

-      Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days

-      Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode

-      Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well

-      Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days

-      Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates

-      Manage your sleep

-      People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting

-      Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed

Based: Muscat

Launch year: 2018

Number of employees: 40

Sector: Online food delivery

Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception 

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
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
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
In numbers

- Number of children under five will fall from 681 million in 2017 to 401m in 2100

- Over-80s will rise from 141m in 2017 to 866m in 2100

- Nigeria will become the world’s second most populous country with 791m by 2100, behind India

- China will fall dramatically from a peak of 2.4 billion in 2024 to 732 million by 2100

- an average of 2.1 children per woman is required to sustain population growth

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Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
%3Cp%3EMATA%0D%3Cbr%3EArtist%3A%20M.I.A%0D%3Cbr%3ELabel%3A%20Island%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Pots for the Asian Qualifiers

Pot 1: Iran, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China
Pot 2: Iraq, Uzbekistan, Syria, Oman, Lebanon, Kyrgyz Republic, Vietnam, Jordan
Pot 3: Palestine, India, Bahrain, Thailand, Tajikistan, North Korea, Chinese Taipei, Philippines
Pot 4: Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Yemen, Afghanistan, Maldives, Kuwait, Malaysia
Pot 5: Indonesia, Singapore, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Guam, Macau/Sri Lanka

Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas

Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa

Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong

Rating: 3/5

While you're here
'Dark Waters'

Directed by: Todd Haynes

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, William Jackson Harper 

Rating: ****

On Women's Day
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%205%2C%201994%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jeff%20Bezos%20founds%20Cadabra%20Inc%2C%20which%20would%20later%20be%20renamed%20to%20Amazon.com%2C%20because%20his%20lawyer%20misheard%20the%20name%20as%20'cadaver'.%20In%20its%20earliest%20days%2C%20the%20bookstore%20operated%20out%20of%20a%20rented%20garage%20in%20Bellevue%2C%20Washington%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%2016%2C%201995%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20formally%20opens%20as%20an%20online%20bookseller.%20%3Cem%3EFluid%20Concepts%20and%20Creative%20Analogies%3A%20Computer%20Models%20of%20the%20Fundamental%20Mechanisms%20of%20Thought%3C%2Fem%3E%20becomes%20the%20first%20item%20sold%20on%20Amazon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1997%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20goes%20public%20at%20%2418%20a%20share%2C%20which%20has%20grown%20about%201%2C000%20per%20cent%20at%20present.%20Its%20highest%20closing%20price%20was%20%24197.85%20on%20June%2027%2C%202024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1998%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20IMDb%2C%20its%20first%20major%20acquisition.%20It%20also%20starts%20selling%20CDs%20and%20DVDs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2000%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Marketplace%20opens%2C%20allowing%20people%20to%20sell%20items%20on%20the%20website%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2002%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20forms%20what%20would%20become%20Amazon%20Web%20Services%2C%20opening%20the%20Amazon.com%20platform%20to%20all%20developers.%20The%20cloud%20unit%20would%20follow%20in%202006%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2003%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20turns%20in%20an%20annual%20profit%20of%20%2475%20million%2C%20the%20first%20time%20it%20ended%20a%20year%20in%20the%20black%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2005%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Prime%20is%20introduced%2C%20its%20first-ever%20subscription%20service%20that%20offered%20US%20customers%20free%20two-day%20shipping%20for%20%2479%20a%20year%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2006%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Unbox%20is%20unveiled%2C%20the%20company's%20video%20service%20that%20would%20later%20morph%20into%20Amazon%20Instant%20Video%20and%2C%20ultimately%2C%20Amazon%20Video%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2007%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20first%20hardware%20product%2C%20the%20Kindle%20e-reader%2C%20is%20introduced%3B%20the%20Fire%20TV%20and%20Fire%20Phone%20would%20come%20in%202014.%20Grocery%20service%20Amazon%20Fresh%20is%20also%20started%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2009%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20introduces%20Amazon%20Basics%2C%20its%20in-house%20label%20for%20a%20variety%20of%20products%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2010%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20foundations%20for%20Amazon%20Studios%20were%20laid.%20Its%20first%20original%20streaming%20content%20debuted%20in%202013%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2011%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Appstore%20for%20Google's%20Android%20is%20launched.%20It%20is%20still%20unavailable%20on%20Apple's%20iOS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2014%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Echo%20is%20launched%2C%20a%20speaker%20that%20acts%20as%20a%20personal%20digital%20assistant%20powered%20by%20Alexa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2017%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20Whole%20Foods%20for%20%2413.7%20billion%2C%20its%20biggest%20acquisition%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2018%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20market%20cap%20briefly%20crosses%20the%20%241%20trillion%20mark%2C%20making%20it%2C%20at%20the%20time%2C%20only%20the%20third%20company%20to%20achieve%20that%20milestone%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
if you go

The flights 

Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning. 

The trains

Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.

The hotels

Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.

More on this story:
The specs

Engine 60kwh FWD

Battery Rimac 120kwh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) chemistry

Power 204hp Torque 360Nm

Price, base / as tested Dh174,500 

Your rights as an employee

The government has taken an increasingly tough line against companies that fail to pay employees on time. Three years ago, the Cabinet passed a decree allowing the government to halt the granting of work permits to companies with wage backlogs.

The new measures passed by the Cabinet in 2016 were an update to the Wage Protection System, which is in place to track whether a company pays its employees on time or not.

If wages are 10 days late, the new measures kick in and the company is alerted it is in breach of labour rules. If wages remain unpaid for a total of 16 days, the authorities can cancel work permits, effectively shutting off operations. Fines of up to Dh5,000 per unpaid employee follow after 60 days.

Despite those measures, late payments remain an issue, particularly in the construction sector. Smaller contractors, such as electrical, plumbing and fit-out businesses, often blame the bigger companies that hire them for wages being late.

The authorities have urged employees to report their companies at the labour ministry or Tawafuq service centres — there are 15 in Abu Dhabi.

On Women's Day
While you're here
MATCH INFO

Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')

Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')

Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

On Women's Day
HOW TO WATCH

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While you're here
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

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo 

 Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua

 Based: Dubai, UAE

 Number of employees: 28

 Sector: Financial services

 Investment: $9.5m

 Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. 

 
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

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Joker: Folie a Deux

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson

Director: Todd Phillips 

Rating: 2/5

Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality

Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt

Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure

Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers

Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised

Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3EFounder%3A%20Hani%20Abu%20Ghazaleh%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20with%20an%20office%20in%20Montreal%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%202018%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Virtual%20Reality%3Cbr%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%241.2%20million%2C%20and%20nearing%20close%20of%20%245%20million%20new%20funding%20round%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Russia's Muslim Heartlands

Dominic Rubin, Oxford

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