Most of the world was placed under lockdown last year at some point to stem the rapid spread of Covid-19.
But the open-close cycle has since been repeated in a number of countries to combat surging cases.
England and Israel, faced with exponential growth of Covid-19 variants, have been subject to lockdowns in recent weeks, but are beginning to see a way out.
In other countries, however, strict restrictions remain.
The National outlines where some of the toughest lockdowns are in the world right now.
1. Eritrea
People in Eritrea are living under some of the world’s strictest coronavirus restrictions, according to the Government Response Stringency Index developed at Oxford University.
The small African country, in the north-east of the continent, has been under total lockdown since April 1 last year.
All public transport has ceased, and in late December the country banned the use of private cars and “other individual means of transportation” without a permit. Schools are closed and no one is allowed to leave their village or city to travel elsewhere in the country.
In addition, all businesses are closed except those offering essential “trade services”, which must shut by 8pm each day. Even the state newspaper has ceased to operate.
All borders remain closed. Police and neighbourhood watch groups enforce the rules, and residents have been warned additional restrictions are possible.
The country has registered 2,703 cases since the start of the pandemic, with seven deaths. On Monday, there were 18 new confirmed infections.
2. Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a particularly curious case.
Professing to be virus-free – it has never officially recorded a case – it practically banned the use of the word coronavirus early on in the pandemic and arrested people found to be wearing masks.
But a strict lockdown was imposed in July after a World Health Organisation team visited and advised the country to “act as if the virus was circulating”.
It is not clear when it was lifted but Turkmenistan is in lockdown again, with restrictions extended until the end of February.
They include the closure of all land borders, suspension of international flights, and travel restrictions that include mandatory 14-day quarantine for all domestic arrivals, rising to 21 days for the handful of those able to enter from abroad.
Rail and bus services are suspended and special permits are required to travel within or between provinces.
Shopping malls, entertainment venues, leisure and sports facilities, cultural venues and houses of worship have been closed indefinitely, according to security company GardaWorld.
Restaurants and cafes can open for deliveries only. Schools are allowed to open, provided they follow strict safety rules.
3. The Philippines
Restrictions in the Philippines are still tough. Parts of the country remain under lockdown and officials say controls will not be lifted in some areas for the foreseeable future.
The Cordillera Administrative Region in the northern Philippines was placed under a “general community quarantine” in February, joining Metro Manila and other regions with high rates of infection.
Lockdowns have been eased in other areas but restrictions remain.
Schools in the country remained closed for most of last year and have yet to open despite appeals from Unicef citing the harm to pupils.
Children are not only prevented from attending school – they cannot leave their homes.
Almost a year ago, a rule was introduced requiring an estimated 32 million Filipinos under the age of 15, a third of the total population, to stay in their homes at all times. It remains in place today.
The rule is intended to protect the old and vulnerable, who often live with younger relatives.
Only a fraction – less than a tenth – of those over 60 live alone. A higher proportion live with their grandchildren but not their children, who are often working elsewhere.
The Philippines has registered more than 564,000 cases and about 12,000 deaths. There were 2,283 new cases on Monday, despite limited testing.
4. UK
The UK’s four nations have taken different approaches to managing the spread of the virus but restrictions have generally been strict.
England entered its second lockdown in early November amid warnings its public health service was weeks away from being overwhelmed.
That triggered a stay-at-home order and the closure of all non-essential shops. Most people continue to work from home and schools remain closed.
People are permitted to leave their homes to exercise outdoors alone, or with one other person outside their household. This should be limited to once a day only and performed locally.
The surge in infections was partly due to the emergence of a virus variant that has been proven to be more transmissible and deadly than earlier ones.
This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a plan to ease the lockdown in England by June 21, if “strict conditions” are met.
The devolved nations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are also under lockdown, with similar restrictions.
The UK has registered one of the highest confirmed rates of infections and deaths in the world. More than 4.1 million cases including more than 120,000 deaths were reported since the start of the pandemic. The seven-day average of deaths stands at 480.
5. Israel
The most vaccinated country in the world has also, at times, reported the most new infections per capita.
Cases surged to more than 10,000 per day in January, in a country of about 10 million, a population similar in size to the UAE’s .
The high rate of infections led the country to impose three lockdowns, with the most recent announced in late December, when the UK variant was detected.
It barred people from travelling farther than one kilometre from their homes, with few exceptions. All shops, except those selling necessities, were closed, as were guesthouses, zoos, nature reserves, parks and other public places.
Schools remained open for most pupils.
The country has begun to lift some restrictions.
Street-front shops, malls, markets, museums and libraries opened to all Israelis on Sunday.
People who had either been vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 are now able to enter gyms, sports and cultural venues, hotels and swimming pools.
Almost half of Israeli residents have received at least one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which has been shown to be 98 per cent effective at preventing fever or breathing problems, according to the country’s health ministry.
Within the next two weeks, it is expected that almost all Israelis over the age of 50 will have been immunised.
The country has recorded more than 750,000 cases in total, including about 5,600 deaths. On Monday, it registered almost 5,000 new cases.
6. Australia
Australia has imposed some of the world’s most stringent Covid-19 restrictions, locking down the city of Melbourne for 112 days to stem an outbreak during the country’s second wave of the virus.
At one stage, cases in the state of Victoria, which has a population of 6.4 million people, surged to more than 700 a day.
The state entered a snap four-day lockdown this month to suppress an outbreak caused by the UK variant of the virus. The cases were linked to a worker at a quarantine centre.
It was the third lockdown in the city. The first, in autumn, confined people to their homes, restricted travel and closed shops and restaurants.
Australia has registered about 29,000 cases and 909 deaths since the start of the pandemic. On Tuesday, it announced seven new cases.
7. Peru
The country entered a 15-day lockdown recently in nine regions, including the capital Lima, to tackle a second wave of cases.
People were only allowed to leave home to buy essentials and everyone was advised to work from home if they could.
Restaurants were only allowed to accept takeout orders, and non-essential businesses were closed.
A curfew was also imposed from 8pm to 4am, with restrictions on private vehicles in place at the weekends.
It emerged from the lockdown on February 14.
The country recorded close to 1.3 million cases and about 45,000 deaths. On Tuesday, it announced 3,448 cases and 166 deaths.
Read more about the coronavirus
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EElmawkaa%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ebrahem%20Anwar%2C%20Mahmoud%20Habib%20and%20Mohamed%20Thabet%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24400%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500%20Startups%2C%20Flat6Labs%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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.
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
Match info
Bournemouth 0
Liverpool 4 (Salah 25', 48', 76', Cook 68' OG)
Man of the match: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
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Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
MATCH INFO
Southampton 0
Manchester City 1 (Sterling 16')
Man of the match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
The Voice of Hind Rajab
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
What is safeguarding?
“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
SPECS
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Tori Amos
Native Invader
Decca
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.6-litre%2C%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E285hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh159%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
CREW
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