I have just spent fourteen days sat at home in Abu Dhabi with a tracker device attached to my wrist. Such a previously unlikely scenario has been made not uncommon now by the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Spending 14 days in self-isolation and wearing a tracker is something currently required in Abu Dhabi if you have travelled outside the UAE and return to the capital. Although the procedures can differ if you land in another emirate.
Overall, I found the experience of wearing a tracker during the self-isolation period to be multidimensional. The practical aspects were straightforward; I landed in Abu Dhabi airport on a Friday and after collecting my bags and proceeding to the arrivals area, I waited for about 20 minutes for my turn to sit at one of seven desks manned by health officials in full PPE.
There was an ever-present stress, caused by the certain knowledge that I was being specifically tracked by some unseen authority
One official, at a computer, took my details and examined my passport, while the other attached the tracker – which is basically a watch with a sim card in it – to my left wrist. A small square copper plate covered the place where the two sides of the strap meet, creating a physical barrier to me trying to take it off.
The ladies who processed me were friendly and efficient. They reminded me not to try to take the watch off because the police would be alerted. I don’t know if they meant literally an alarm would go off in the police station but the message was clear – the bracelet could not be removed by me without the risk of penalties.
Although, I wasn’t told (and didn’t want to ask) exactly what those penalties were when they put it on. I had no intention of finding out anyway. I was done in a matter of minutes and was allowed to exit the building.
While at that point I understood what would be required, I didn’t quite know what to expect from the experience as I went straight home in taxi and settled into the rooms where I would be spending the next two weeks.
The tracker itself is relatively lightweight and slim. You can shower with it on. Twice a day I had to attach a charging device to it, that made it bulkier, but this only had to be kept on for about 20 minutes at a time to keep the watch adequately charged.
Receiving a negative Covid-19 result for my airport test the day after landing was a helpful, early milestone but emotionally I was up and down (more than usual) throughout the fortnight.
I found the psychological effect on me interesting. There was an ever-present stress, caused by the certain knowledge that I was being specifically tracked by some unseen authority.
There were times I felt lonely. Generally, I was overtired and my sleeps were fitful. Anger, fear and sadness were intermittent feelings. There were times when I felt calm and relaxed too. After all, I couldn’t do anything but wait. Work helped pass the time of course. The weekends were harder when there was less to do.
Waiting for any symptoms to potentially hit during the first week also added to my stress – my fear was there for two reasons. Firstly, this is a constructed scenario that encourages you to think you may have Covid – why else the need for isolation and a tracker? Secondly, I had flown across continents and had been on four aircraft and been through four different airports.
By the seventh day however, I had turned a corner in my mind and began to feel less worried that any symptoms would begin to present themselves. Still it was a difficult first week.
This is just one part of the massive effort to keep us as safe as possible from the coronavirus
Keeping a physical distance from my wife and kids was very hard. It was confusing and frustrating for my young boys certainly and also meant my wife was overburdened with parenting and household responsibilities. The dog probably wondered what had become of me during her daily walks. I am lucky though. I have a support network of friends, family and colleagues so even if I felt alone, and was physically by myself, I was never truly isolated from others.
The day 12 Covid-19 test was something I looked forward to. I saw it as an objective which once reached and cleared would help me feel that the experience was almost over. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is where all people with trackers in the capital must go for testing and processing.
Leaving the house was a little bit nerve inducing at first. My worries that I would be triggering an emirate-wide manhunt was not helped by the alarm on my tracker going off in the car just before I got to the exhibition centre. At any rate, I never saw any flashing blue and red lights behind me.
Anyway, the system is set up to provide permission retrospectively to leave my isolation spot for testing or tracker removal. Take your passport and Emirates ID with you to Adnec. You will need to show which date your arrived back in Abu Dhabi to confirm you have come to Adnec on the correct day. The Emirates ID is needed for the testing. Also have a credit card handy to pay for the test. They will ultimately take cash but that will take longer to process. On the day I went the test cost Dh180.
After finishing my test, having arrived at 8am when it opened, I had to then line up to get the permission recorded in the system, also using my Emirates ID. The whole thing took an hour from when I got there to when I left. Pretty fast. Still, the alarm on the tracker would periodically burst into life until about half an hour after I got back home. There was no sign of the police, thankfully.
Visiting Adnec provided a first-hand glimpse of the industrial scale of Abu Dhabi’s response to the health crisis.
I was there only twice for a total of about three hours but there were hundreds of people being processed during that time. If I extrapolate and estimate, the tracker device initiative could be handling thousands of people a day in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This is just one part of the massive effort to keep us as safe as possible from the coronavirus.
The last of my anxiety was dispelled after I received my negative Covid result on the morning of day 13. This meant I would be able to have the tracker removed the next day. I could begin to relax.
Friday, day 14, was busy at Adnec, even at 9am. It took two hours in total of waiting and being processed for the tracker to be removed (it actually takes seconds to take off) but once it was gone from my wrist, I was elated. It felt as if I had accomplished something.
There is a sacrifice you see and a kind of duty being performed when you are part of a programme like this. In a public health crisis, by doing this I sensed I was contributing to nationwide efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. It is a tiny role for sure but it is not nothing either.
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
Could%20We%20Be%20More
%3Cp%3EArtist%3A%20Kokoroko%3Cbr%3ELabel%3A%20Brownswood%20Recordings%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Kill%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nikhil%20Nagesh%20Bhat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Lakshya%2C%20Tanya%20Maniktala%2C%20Ashish%20Vidyarthi%2C%20Harsh%20Chhaya%2C%20Raghav%20Juyal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Overall standings
1. Christopher Froome (GBR/Sky) 68hr 18min 36sec,
2. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) at 0:18.
3. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 0:23.
4. Rigoberto Uran (COL/CAN) 0:29.
5. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) 1:17.
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Raha%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Kuwait%2FSaudi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tech%20Logistics%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2414%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Soor%20Capital%2C%20eWTP%20Arabia%20Capital%2C%20Aujan%20Enterprises%2C%20Nox%20Management%2C%20Cedar%20Mundi%20Ventures%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20166%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Ferrari
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Michael%20Mann%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adam%20Driver%2C%20Penelope%20Cruz%2C%20Shailene%20Woodley%2C%20Patrick%20Dempsey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
Paltan
Producer: JP Films, Zee Studios
Director: JP Dutta
Cast: Jackie Shroff, Sonu Sood, Arjun Rampal, Siddhanth Kapoor, Luv Sinha and Harshvardhan Rane
Rating: 2/5
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWomen%E2%80%99s%20race%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Tigist%20Ketema%20(ETH)%202hrs%2016min%207sec%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ruti%20Aga%20(ETH)%202%3A18%3A09%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Dera%20Dida%20(ETH)%202%3A19%3A29%0D%3Cbr%3EMen's%20race%3A%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Addisu%20Gobena%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A01%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Lemi%20Dumicha%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A20%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20DejeneMegersa%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A42%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Jersey 147 (20 overs)
UAE 112 (19.2 overs)
Jersey win by 35 runs
World%20Cup%202023%20ticket%20sales
%3Cp%3EAugust%2025%20%E2%80%93%20Non-India%20warm-up%20matches%20and%20all%20non-India%20event%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3EAugust%2030%20%E2%80%93%20India%20matches%20at%20Guwahati%20and%20Trivandrum%0D%3Cbr%3EAugust%2031%20%E2%80%93%20India%20matches%20at%20Chennai%2C%20Delhi%20and%20Pune%0D%3Cbr%3ESeptember%201%20%E2%80%93%20India%20matches%20at%20Dharamsala%2C%20Lucknow%20and%20Mumbai%0D%3Cbr%3ESeptember%202%20%E2%80%93%20India%20matches%20at%20Bengaluru%20and%20Kolkata%0D%3Cbr%3ESeptember%203%20%E2%80%93%20India%20matches%20at%20Ahmedabad%0D%3Cbr%3ESeptember%2015%20%E2%80%93%20Semi-finals%20and%20Final%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
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Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
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Fight card
1. Featherweight 66kg: Ben Lucas (AUS) v Ibrahim Kendil (EGY)
2. Lightweight 70kg: Mohammed Kareem Aljnan (SYR) v Alphonse Besala (CMR)
3. Welterweight 77kg:Marcos Costa (BRA) v Abdelhakim Wahid (MAR)
4. Lightweight 70kg: Omar Ramadan (EGY) v Abdimitalipov Atabek (KGZ)
5. Featherweight 66kg: Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Kagimu Kigga (UGA)
6. Catchweight 85kg: Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) v Iuri Fraga (BRA)
7. Featherweight 66kg: Yousef Al Husani (UAE) v Mohamed Allam (EGY)
8. Catchweight 73kg: Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Ahmed Abdelraouf of Egypt (EGY)
9. Featherweight 66kg: Jaures Dea (CMR) v Andre Pinheiro (BRA)
10. Catchweight 90kg: Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Juscelino Ferreira (BRA)
MATCH INFO
Group B
Bayern Munich v Tottenham, midnight (Thursday)
Brief scores:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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