The UAE witnessed a spectacular solar eclipse on Sunday.
The Moon began to pass over the Sun and cast its shadow on the Earth at 8.14am in the Emirates.
People gathered outside houses and high-rises across the country shortly before the eclipse peaked at 9.36am.
The sky darkened, as if the Sun had passed behind thick clouds.
Amiel Baluch, 24, and his friend Yoana Zaneva stood outside a high-rise in JLT, Dubai, peering at the sun through eclipse glasses.
“We are just waiting for the peak,” said Mr Baluch, an account manager from the Netherlands.
“I assumed there was going to be a massive shadow.”
Raed and Jad Shatnawi, a Jordanian father and son, stood by the steps of the building next door.
“It’s too bright,” said Jad, 14.
“For me, my first eclipse was here, in 1999,” his father said.
“People were afraid. The streets were empty, it was like a lockdown.”
Abu Dhabi's Astronomy Centre shared images of the event shortly after it began.
The Dubai Astronomy Group warned residents not to look at the Sun directly during the event as it can permanently damage the retina.
A solar eclipse should be watched only through protective glasses or through a pinhole projector. Standard UV sunglasses do not offer enough protection.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Earth and the Sun.
Sunday's event is known as an annular solar eclipse. This occurs when the Moon is at such a great distance in its orbit from the Earth that it cannot completely block out the Sun, causing a circle of light to surround it like a halo.
The eclipse was visible across Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and Central and South-East Asia.
The UAE saw 86 per cent of the Sun obscured by the Moon. People in the Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, southern Pakistan, northern India and China will enjoy the best views.
"Never look at the Sun, eclipsed or otherwise, without proper eye protection, like eclipse glasses," said Hasan Al Hariri, chief executive officer of Dubai Astronomy Group, which broadcast the event online.
"The Sun’s rays can burn the retinas in the eyes leading to permanent damage or even blindness. A safe way to watch a solar eclipse is to wear protective eclipse glasses or to project an image of the eclipsed Sun using a pinhole projector."
The UAE last witnessed a ring of fire solar eclipse in December last year.
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Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
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Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
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3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
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5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
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Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
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US tops drug cost charts
The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
