Sharjah sets aside Dh2bn for education and cultural projects

Sharjah has earmarked about Dh2 billion to support education and cultural projects in 2015, according to a report by the Sharjah Media Centre. This year’s budget will also boost economic progress, the report said.

It quoted Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, as saying that 11 per cent of the budget for this year has been allocated to culture and education, marking a 17 per cent increase on last year.

Sheikh Sultan added that the move was in line with the vision of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, of fostering human knowledge.

newsdesk@thenational.ae

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

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Adam Pavlasek v Novak Djokovic (2)
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Grigor Dimitrov (13) v Marcos Baghdatis
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Tsvetana Pironkova v Caroline Wozniacki (5)

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.