Latest: Al Ain Cyclone Shaheen alert winds down leaving residents relieved
Cycloon Shaheen "lost energy" on its approach to the UAE after leaving a trail of destruction in Oman.
Al Ain was placed on high alert and schools switched to remote learning in northern parts of the country as authorities stepped up safety precautions.
Coastal areas were braced for rain, rough waves and high winds.
But by Monday afternoon regions of the UAE expecting a storm were met with clouds and minimal rain as Cyclone Shaheen weakened inland.
Abu Dhabi authorities issued a notice for schools to return to in-person lessons, construction work to resume and for Covid-19 testing and vaccination tents to open as well as Jebel Hafeet.
Parts of neighbouring Oman have been hit by flooding, forcing hundreds to flee.
Forecasters said the storm weakened after making landfall in Oman.
The cyclone sent large waves crashing into Oman’s coast on Sunday morning, with heavy rain and wind reaching 120 kilometres per hour.
Here is all you need to know about Shaheen, including the latest updates on its movement via a live weather map:
Where has Cyclone Shaheen reached landfall?
Cyclone Shaheen was formed from the remains of Cyclone Gulab, which began as a depression in the Bay of Bengal on September 24.
Cyclone Gulab lashed India’s eastern coast with heavy rainfall but then weakened as it moved west across the country, before intensifying again as it reached the Arabian Sea on India’s western coast, becoming Cyclone Shaheen on Friday.
It has since entered the Arabian Gulf, hitting northern Oman and south-eastern Iran on Sunday morning.
Fifty-two people were injured in the southern Iranian provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, as rains and high winds lashed port cities including Chabahar.
Five fishermen are reportedly missing off Iran.
To the south, the bulk of the cyclone hit Oman on Sunday morning.
Muscat and other coastal areas have been the worst hit. Thousands of people have been involved in evacuation operations and emergency services are on the highest state of alert as widespread flooding damaged electricity and submerged cars.
The government has declared a two-day national holiday on Sunday and Monday and urged people to stay indoors.
As of Monday afternoon, eleven people had been killed and hundreds more forced to flee.
Where is Cyclone Shaheen headed next?
Cyclone Shaheen is moving west across Oman.
UAE authorities warned it could affect the Emirates on Sunday evening and Monday.
The storm is expected to bring torrential rain to Al Ain from Sunday night. Pupils at schools in the city have been instructed to return to remote learning for Monday and Tuesday.
As of Monday afternoon, Al Ain had escaped the worst of the storm.
The UAE only experienced light to moderate rain as a result, with less than a quarter of an inch having fallen by 8.30am since it made landfall.
“Because the source of power is the sea, and since the sea has high temperatures, it made it stronger,” a forecaster at the National Centre of Meterology told The National.
“But then it landed over Oman, so it lost energy and is weakening.
“Since last night until now, the eastern part of the UAE, especially over Al Ain, has been affected by this with light to moderate rain.
“The highest rainfall recorded (by 8.30am) was 3.4mm over Hummel Shakla an area near Al Ain,” she said.
That is expected to continue to increase, but the rain will be nowhere near as intense as that seen in Oman.
UAE authorities also said that heavy rain and high winds could hit the country's northern and eastern coastal areas, where preparations have been made to mitigate the effects of the cyclone.
In Fujairah, on the UAE’s eastern coast, authorities have warned against swimming in the sea in case of rough waves. Emergency teams have been sent to prepare the coastline for high waves.
The Department of Housing in Sharjah said a number of homes and furnished apartments in hotels had been prepared in case residents were displaced by the storm.
The storm could also cross into a sparsely populated area of Saudi Arabia, where it would be expected to peter out.
Rainfall possible in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
“During the next 24 hours, they are expecting the low pressure to affect the Al Ain area with light to moderate rain and heavy rain at times,” said the forecaster.
“Then it will move south west, south of the UAE, until it passes to the west. Overall it is light to moderate rain, and maybe heavy at times.”
There is a “probability” Abu Dhabi and Dubai could see some rain, she said.
“If it moves a little bit further there will be light rain or drizzle over Dubai. But now on the Dubai Al Ain road, there is light to moderate rain.
“[If there is rain in Abu Dhabi] it won’t be any time soon. It is still further away. So maybe we will see some rain later today, or maybe nothing.”
The low pressure system will exit the UAE on Monday night, she added.
What are officials in the UAE saying?
The UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority held a media briefing with the National Centre of Meteorology on Sunday.
The authority said it is at maximum readiness and constantly monitoring the storm. An NCM official said that the storm could create wind speeds as fast as 140 kph in the Emirates.
“We would like to reassure everyone that all competent authorities are on high alert to deal with the upcoming tropical situation, and take all proactive and preventive measures to mitigate its impact on the country,” the authority said earlier.
It previously called on residents to follow the National Centre of Meteorology online for the latest safety updates. It said that people in affected areas should stay away from beaches in case of rising waters, and avoid valleys, which are prone to flooding.
Expo 2020 Dubai officials say they are keeping a close eye on the weather and advise anyone planning to visit the site on Sunday or Monday to check (www.expo2020dubai.com) or the National Centre of Meteorology's website (www.ncm.ae) before leaving home.
When was the last big storm in the UAE?
The UAE has not been hit by a big storm in over five years.
Wind speeds of up to 126 kph were recorded at Al Bateen Airport, in Abu Dhabi, in March 2016. Heavy rainfall caused flooding in areas of the country including Dubai and Sharjah.
In the region, Cyclone Shaheen is only the second tropical storm to make landfall through the Gulf of Oman since records began.
The previous one was in 1890, when a tropical storm struck Muscat after entering the Gulf of Oman.
Other cyclones have entered the region from the Arabian Sea, such as tropical storm Gonu in 2007. That was a category five tropical storm, stronger than Shaheen, which is expected to remain category one.
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The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
Pieces of Her
Stars: Toni Collette, Bella Heathcote, David Wenham, Omari Hardwick
Director: Minkie Spiro
Rating:2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
If you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Chicago from Dh5,215 return including taxes.
The hotels
Recommended hotels include the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, located in an iconic skyscraper complete with a 1929 Olympic-size swimming pool from US$299 (Dh1,100) per night including taxes, and the Omni Chicago Hotel, an excellent value downtown address with elegant art deco furnishings and an excellent in-house restaurant. Rooms from US$239 (Dh877) per night including taxes.
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AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
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Racecard
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Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Stage 5 results
1 Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 3:48:53
2 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana Pro Team -
3 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott -
4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 0:00:04
5 Ilnur Zakarin (RUS) CCC Team 0:00:07
General Classification:
1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 20:35:04
2 Tadej Pogacar (SlO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:01
3 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana Pro Team 0:01:33
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5 Rafał Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe 0:02:11
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
What is graphene?
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged like honeycomb.
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were "playing about" with sticky tape and graphite - the material used as "lead" in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But as they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment had led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
At the time, many believed it was impossible for such thin crystalline materials to be stable. But examined under a microscope, the material remained stable, and when tested was found to have incredible properties.
It is many times times stronger than steel, yet incredibly lightweight and flexible. It is electrically and thermally conductive but also transparent. The world's first 2D material, it is one million times thinner than the diameter of a single human hair.
But the 'sticky tape' method would not work on an industrial scale. Since then, scientists have been working on manufacturing graphene, to make use of its incredible properties.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. Their discovery meant physicists could study a new class of two-dimensional materials with unique properties.
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
RESULTS
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Winner: Rajeh, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi (trainer)
6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes – Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Get Back Goldie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill
7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
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Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Hot Rod Charlie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill
8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Withering, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
9.30pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Creative Flair, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
