Latest update: UAE to ease flight restrictions from six countries including India and Pakistan
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Etihad Airways has said passenger flights from India to Abu Dhabi could remain suspended after August 7, depending on information received from UAE authorities.
A ban on flights from India to the UAE began on April 25 after a surge in Covid-19 cases in India and the emergence of the fast spreading Delta variant.
A limited number of flights are operating from the UAE to India.
Etihad said “we’re not sure if the suspension will be extended” in response to a question from a passenger who asked if she should reschedule a connecting flight on August 8 from India to Chicago via Abu Dhabi.
On Saturday, an official at the Etihad call centre said the restrictions may continue.
“The suspension on flights from India to the UAE is currently until August 7. But there is a chance this suspension will be extended by UAE authorities from August 8 onwards,” the official said.
Last week, Emirates announced an extension of the suspension of passenger flights from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to Dubai until at least August 7, in line with UAE government directives.
Both airlines have regularly revised information about the ban on travel from all four countries in recent weeks.
Emirates also said passengers who transited through India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka in the past 14 days would not be permitted to travel from any other destination to the UAE.
Residents keen on returning to the UAE from the four countries have taken the long way back, after spending two weeks in countries such as Armenia, Maldives, Serbia, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia.
UAE citizens, residents with golden visas, members of diplomatic missions, and people with UAE visas that have Expo 2020 Dubai as a sponsor are exempt from the restrictions and can travel to the UAE.
Etihad and Emirates have asked travellers to check the latest travel regulations for entry to specific destinations or they may not be allowed to board their flights.
India reported more than 41,000 new Covid-19 cases and about 600 deaths in the past 24 hours, with more than 37,000 patients recovering.
More than 423,800 people have from the disease in India, official figures showed.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Profile of Whizkey
Date founded: 04 November 2017
Founders: Abdulaziz AlBlooshi and Harsh Hirani
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 10
Sector: AI, software
Cashflow: Dh2.5 Million
Funding stage: Series A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
Scoreline
Bournemouth 2
Wilson 70', Ibe 74'
Arsenal 1
Bellerin 52'
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."
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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
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Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
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Dhafeer Street
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Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
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Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
