Members of gendarmerie force catch fire during a demonstration in Sainte-Soline, France. Reuters
Members of gendarmerie force catch fire during a demonstration in Sainte-Soline, France. Reuters
Protesters walk on the Promenade des Anglais holding CGT labour union flags on the tenth day of nationwide strikes and protests against French government's pension reform, in Nice. Reuters
Protesters walk on the Promenade des Anglais holding CGT labour union flags on the tenth day of nationwide strikes and protests against French government's pension reform, in Nice. Reuters
Israeli police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators blocking a highway in Tel Aviv, Israel, during a protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to overhaul the judicial system. AP
Israeli police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators blocking a highway in Tel Aviv, Israel, during a protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to overhaul the judicial system. AP
Israeli military veterans wave national flags during a rally against the government's judicial reform bill, along a highway near Netanya. AFP
Israeli military veterans wave national flags during a rally against the government's judicial reform bill, along a highway near Netanya. AFP
Police officers detain a supporter of India's main opposition Congress party during a protest after parliament disqualified its leader Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi. Reuters
Police officers detain a supporter of India's main opposition Congress party during a protest after parliament disqualified its leader Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi. Reuters
An opposition supporter holds a stone during clashes with Kenya Police Officers at the informal settlement of Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya on March 27, 2023. - Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga called on his supporters to participate in countrywide protests every Monday and Thursday to demand that President William Ruto lowers the cost of living while questioning last year’s presidential elections results. Kenyans face economic hardship following the government’s recent tax measures and increased food and fuel prices. (Photo by Luis Tato / AFP)
An opposition supporter holds a stone during clashes with Kenya Police Officers at the informal settlement of Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya on March 27, 2023. - Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga called on his supporters to participate in countrywide protests every Monday and Thursday to demand that President William Ruto lowers the cost of living while questioning last year’s presidential elections results. Kenyans face economic hardship following the government’s recent tax measures and increased food and fuel prices. (Photo by Luis Tato / AFP)
Protests broke out against Israeli-Palestinian meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, at the Israel-Gaza border east of Gaza City. Reuters
Protests broke out against Israeli-Palestinian meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, at the Israel-Gaza border east of Gaza City. Reuters
Georgian police officers fire tear gas to disperse protesters objecting to a 'foreign agents' bill. AFP
Georgian police officers fire tear gas to disperse protesters objecting to a 'foreign agents' bill. AFP
Supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko gather two days before his trial in Dakar in Senegal. AFP
Supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko gather two days before his trial in Dakar in Senegal. AFP
Teachers clash with police officers during a protest against a new curriculum set by Bolivia's Ministry of Education in La Paz. Reuters
Teachers clash with police officers during a protest against a new curriculum set by Bolivia's Ministry of Education in La Paz. Reuters
Retired soldiers try to storm government palace in Beirut, Lebanon, last week. Matt Kynaston / The National
Retired soldiers try to storm government palace in Beirut, Lebanon, last week. Matt Kynaston / The National
Leader of the National Salvation Front, Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, centre, at a protest demanding the release of more than 20 opponents of Tunisia's President. EPA
Leader of the National Salvation Front, Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, centre, at a protest demanding the release of more than 20 opponents of Tunisia's President. EPA
Police carry Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, centre, after a demonstration outside Norway's Ministry of Finance against wind turbines at Fosen, Oslo. EPA
Police carry Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, centre, after a demonstration outside Norway's Ministry of Finance against wind turbines at Fosen, Oslo. EPA
Protesters demonstrate after Iraq's parliament approved amendments to the elections law, in Najaf. Reuters
Protesters demonstrate after Iraq's parliament approved amendments to the elections law, in Najaf. Reuters
Members of South Africa's far-left Economic Freedom Fighters party attend a 'National Shutdown' in a protest over a range of issues, in Durban. Reuters
Members of South Africa's far-left Economic Freedom Fighters party attend a 'National Shutdown' in a protest over a range of issues, in Durban. Reuters
Indonesian workers try to remove a barbed wire fence during a protest against the government in Jakarta. EPA
Indonesian workers try to remove a barbed wire fence during a protest against the government in Jakarta. EPA
Afghan women stage a protest for their rights to mark International Women's Day, in Kabul. AFP
Afghan women stage a protest for their rights to mark International Women's Day, in Kabul. AFP
Austrian police officers carry a protester during a demonstration against an international gas conference in Vienna. Reuters
Austrian police officers carry a protester during a demonstration against an international gas conference in Vienna. Reuters
Police watch as a group of residents hold the first authorised protest and march in several years in Hong Kong. AFP
Police watch as a group of residents hold the first authorised protest and march in several years in Hong Kong. AFP
Public transport employees strike in Frankfurt, Germany demanding higher wages to combat inflation. AFP
Public transport employees strike in Frankfurt, Germany demanding higher wages to combat inflation. AFP
Members of women's rights group 'Woman Life Freedom' attend a rally in New York condemning the mass poisoning of Iranian schoolgirls. AFP
Members of women's rights group 'Woman Life Freedom' attend a rally in New York condemning the mass poisoning of Iranian schoolgirls. AFP
Police detain a demonstrator protesting against former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's visit to China, in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Reuters
Police detain a demonstrator protesting against former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's visit to China, in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Reuters
A water cannon is used against Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists blocking the Utrechtsebaan in the Hague, in the Netherlands. EPA
A water cannon is used against Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists blocking the Utrechtsebaan in the Hague, in the Netherlands. EPA
Demonstrators attend a rally in support of England's National Health Service and better pay for its workers, in central London. AFP
Demonstrators attend a rally in support of England's National Health Service and better pay for its workers, in central London. AFP
A minute's silence in tribute to the 57 victims of the latest Greek rail tragedy, in Athens. AFP
A minute's silence in tribute to the 57 victims of the latest Greek rail tragedy, in Athens. AFP
A demonstrator shouts at riot police during a protest against the government of Peru's President Dina Boluarte, in Lima. AFP
A demonstrator shouts at riot police during a protest against the government of Peru's President Dina Boluarte, in Lima. AFP
Policewoman stand guard at an anti-government demonstration for International Women's Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AFP
Policewoman stand guard at an anti-government demonstration for International Women's Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AFP
Protesters gather during an anti-government rally called 'Czechia against poverty' organised by the new non-parliamentary PRO party in Prague. AFP
Protesters gather during an anti-government rally called 'Czechia against poverty' organised by the new non-parliamentary PRO party in Prague. AFP
South Korean politicians and protesters at a rally over plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, in Seoul. AFP
South Korean politicians and protesters at a rally over plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, in Seoul. AFP
Flares are set off as Belgian firefighters attend a protest in Brussels. Reuters
Flares are set off as Belgian firefighters attend a protest in Brussels. Reuters
A People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) activist protests in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. EPA
A People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) activist protests in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. EPA

Weekend

Photo essay: How demonstrations erupted around the world in March

From pension reform in France to a judiciary overhaul in Israel, plenty of issues brought people out onto the streets worldwide

Hadya Al Alawi

March 31, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Waves of protests engulfed much of the world in the past month. Hundreds of thousands marched across cities in France, Israel and Iraq, demonstrating against unpopular constitutional and political changes. Angry protesters also took to the streets in Kenya, Lebanon, Tunisia, Germany and Indonesia, among others.

The demonstrations were fuelled by different demands. For example, Israel saw one of its biggest protests over the government’s proposed overhaul of the judiciary. The reforms proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government would curtail the authority of Israel's Supreme Court and give greater power to politicians in appointing judges. Opposition groups and demonstrators described the changes as a threat to the country’s democracy.

READ MORE

Photo essay: Dubai chefs put finishing touches to Ramadan dishes

France on the other hand witnessed weeks of mass protests and industrial strikes over a controversial pension reform. The protests descended into violent clashes between police and demonstrators in large cities such as Paris and Nantes after President Emmanuel Macron forced through a change to the retirement age without a vote in parliament, raising it from 62 to 64. The move was largely opposed by unions.

In Iraq, people turned out to oppose changes to the country’s parliamentary and provincial elections law that would bring back a voting system that benefits large parties.

On a much smaller scale, dozens of Afghan women protested in Kabul on International Women’s Day to demand more freedoms and rights. While in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, the animal rights group Peta protested against animal cruelty.

With no sign of demonstrations slowing down in the coming weeks, The National looks back at some of the biggest that have taken place in March.

More coverage from the Future Forum
if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

On Women's Day
Specs

Engine: 2-litre

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 255hp

Torque: 273Nm

Price: Dh240,000

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP5
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Main%20%E2%80%93%206.7%22%20FHD%2B%20Dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%202640%20x%201080%2C%2022%3A9%2C%20425ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20up%20to%20120Hz%3B%20cover%20%E2%80%93%203%2F4%22%20Super%20Amoled%2C%20720%20x%20748%2C%20306ppi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%20Gen%202%2C%204nm%2C%20octa-core%3B%20Adreno%20740%20GPU%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%2C%20One%20UI%205.1.1%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%20wide%20(f%2F1.8)%2C%20OIS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%4030%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%4060%2F240fps%2C%20HD%40960fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010MP%20(f%2F2.2)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203700mAh%2C%2025W%20fast%20charging%2C%2015W%20wireless%2C%204.5W%20reverse%20wireless%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205G%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Samsung%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nano-SIM%20%2B%20eSIM%3B%20no%20microSD%20slot%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cream%2C%20graphite%2C%20lavender%2C%20mint%3B%20Samsung.com%20exclusives%20%E2%80%93%20blue%2C%20grey%2C%20green%2C%20yellow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Flip%204%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh3%2C899%20%2F%20Dh4%2C349%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

While you're here
How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

On Women's Day
Company profile

Company name: Nestrom

Started: 2017

Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi

Based: Jordan

Sector: Technology

Initial investment: Close to $100,000

Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

The specs: 2018 Maxus T60

Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km

Updated: April 01, 2023, 10:26 AM`