New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern thanked her country's partners for their 'continued support in what remains a very difficult situation'. Getty Images
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern thanked her country's partners for their 'continued support in what remains a very difficult situation'. Getty Images
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern thanked her country's partners for their 'continued support in what remains a very difficult situation'. Getty Images
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern thanked her country's partners for their 'continued support in what remains a very difficult situation'. Getty Images

New Zealand’s PM Jacinda Ardern thanks UAE for evacuation support in Afghanistan


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  • Arabic

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday thanked the UAE for supporting her country’s evacuation efforts in Afghanistan.

New Zealand’s Minister of Defence Peeni Henare called Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, UAE's Minister of State for Defence Affairs, earlier during the day to praise the role played by the Emirates.

“I can say that the group were evacuated from Afghanistan to the UAE, where arrangements were made for their travel to New Zealand with the help of Australia’s Defence Force,” Ms Ardern said at a press conference.

“I do want to thank our partners, Australia, the UAE and the US who worked on securing the airport and for their continued support in what remains a very difficult situation on the ground.”

Matthew Hawkins, New Zealand’s ambassador to the UAE, told Wam news agency: “The UAE’s unwavering support in getting New Zealanders home from Afghanistan demonstrates the strength of our relationship.”

“More importantly it shows a kindness and generosity that is already felt by the 4,000 New Zealanders who live, work and raise their families in the UAE.”

Group Captain Nick Olney, New Zealand Defence Force Senior National Officer for the NZDF contingent, also thanked the “UAE for its generosity in hosting the contingent as we undertake our biggest evacuation effort for many years".

“With the UAE’s support, we are working with partners to bring New Zealand citizens, permanent residents who are in Afghanistan and their immediate families to safety, as well as those who have been put at risk due to their direct connection to New Zealand efforts in Afghanistan.”


'Spies in Disguise'

Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane

Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries

• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.

• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.

• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.

• For more information visit the library network's website.

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Not Dark Yet

Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer

Four stars

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULTS
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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

RESULTS

Main card

Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision

Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision

Lightweight 60kg:  Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3

Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision

Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision

Light heavyweight 81.4kg:  Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round

Updated: August 23, 2021, 6:12 PM`