Rallying cry in the sky: helicopter message tells UAE residents to 'stay at home'


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The UAE government has gone to great lengths to deliver the message of social distancing and now they have taken it to the skies.

People in Abu Dhabi looking out their windows on Tuesday may be able to spot a helicopter swooping in with an important message hanging from it: stay at home.

The helicopter is believed to have taken to the skies at about 11am and was spotted across the emirate.

The UAE has introduced a series of measures restricting movement across the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

While most emirates have introduced an 8pm-to-6am stay-at-home order while a disinfection drive is carried out, Dubai has gone a step further and limited movement 24 hours a day.

Any Dubai residents who need to leave home for essentials, including trips to the supermarket, pharmacy or hospital, must first apply for a permit.

The measures are in place to slow down the spread of infection, so that health systems do not become overwhelmed.

There is still uncertainty around the new virus but one thing experts do know is that it is highly contagious.

While a lot of people may end up being infected (some governments have said as many as 80 per cent of the population could catch coronavirus in a worst-case scenario) interventions can slow down how quickly it spreads among the population.

By staying at home, people can help "flatten the curve" of infections and avoid overwhelming hospitals.

Delaying the development of outbreaks ensures healthcare systems do not exceed capacity. The National
Delaying the development of outbreaks ensures healthcare systems do not exceed capacity. The National
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Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

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Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

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Price: From Dh590,000

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Rating: 5/5

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

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Last 10 winners of African Footballer of the Year

2006: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2007: Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla and Mali)
2008: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal and Togo)
2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2010: Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan and Cameroon)
2011: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2012: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2014: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2015: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund and Gabon)
2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City and Algeria)