Lebanese protesters gather next to burning trash bins amid overnight confrontations with army soldiers in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli. AFP
Lebanese protesters gather next to burning trash bins amid overnight confrontations with army soldiers in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli. AFP
Lebanese protesters gather next to burning trash bins amid overnight confrontations with army soldiers in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli. AFP
Lebanese protesters gather next to burning trash bins amid overnight confrontations with army soldiers in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli. AFP

World

From riots to Qaddafi: the non-coronavirus news you may have missed

Many were killed in an explosion in north-eastern Syria and the son of Middle East immigrants may run for US president

The National

April 30, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

At least 40 killed in Afrin bomb

A tanker bombing in a market in northern Syria killed at least 46 people including Turkish-backed rebel fighters on Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The blast in Afrin, a city controlled by Ankara's proxies, came as people went shopping in preparation to break the Ramadan fast, according to the US State Department, which condemned the attack as a "cowardly act of evil".

Lebanon’s protesters say they're ready for a fight

Violence between protesters and security forces in Lebanon erupted again on Tuesday evening following the death of 26-year old mechanic Fawaz Fouad Al Samman during clashes with the army in the northern city of Tripoli on Monday.

Attacks on banks started on Saturday evening in Saida and Tyre and turned into a riot in Tripoli on Monday before clashes with security forces spread across the country.

Facebook takes down Saif Qaddafi pages

Facebook has removed 18 community pages that violated its terms by spreading co-ordinated inauthentic posts to create the impression that a large number of Libyans yearned for the return of the Qaddafi family, Stanford University researchers claim.

The accounts were removed for violating the platform's terms of service by amplifying their message through the use of inauthentic accounts.

Volunteers wear masks as they pack meals to be distributed for Iftar during the month of Ramadan at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia. The Islamic center had to handout meals to people as they drove by to help keep crowds down and keep volunteers safe because of the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP
Volunteers wear masks as they pack meals to be distributed for Iftar during the month of Ramadan at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia. The Islamic center had to handout meals to people as they drove by to help keep crowds down and keep volunteers safe because of the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP
Halal food boxes are distributed to those in need during Ramadan in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Food banks around the nation have witnessed a surge in clients as millions of Americans have either lost jobs or seen a decline in income due to the continued closure of businesses and economic life because of the coronavirus pandemic. Getty
Halal food boxes are distributed to those in need during Ramadan in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Food banks around the nation have witnessed a surge in clients as millions of Americans have either lost jobs or seen a decline in income due to the continued closure of businesses and economic life because of the coronavirus pandemic. Getty
Volunteers and security guards wear masks as they distribute meals for Iftar during the month of Ramadan at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia. The Islamic center had to handout meals to people as they drove by to help keep crowds down and keep volunteers safe because of the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP
Volunteers and security guards wear masks as they distribute meals for Iftar during the month of Ramadan at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia. The Islamic center had to handout meals to people as they drove by to help keep crowds down and keep volunteers safe because of the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP
Yusuf Kamel, 2, pulls on his traditional kufi hat as his mother, Nadia Chaouch, reads to him as they wait to break the Ramadan daily fast with an iftar meal just after sunset in their home during the coronavirus outbreak in Seattle. The family, as with most Muslims during the ongoing pandemic, are celebrating the Ramadan month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, prayer and reflection from their home, rather than in community gatherings and mosques. AP
Yusuf Kamel, 2, pulls on his traditional kufi hat as his mother, Nadia Chaouch, reads to him as they wait to break the Ramadan daily fast with an iftar meal just after sunset in their home during the coronavirus outbreak in Seattle. The family, as with most Muslims during the ongoing pandemic, are celebrating the Ramadan month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, prayer and reflection from their home, rather than in community gatherings and mosques. AP
A man buys food during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan amid a lockdown of the Punjab province due to the ongoing pandemic of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, in Lahore, Pakistan. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
A man buys food during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan amid a lockdown of the Punjab province due to the ongoing pandemic of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, in Lahore, Pakistan. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
Muslims gather at a street to buy food for breaking fast during their holy month of Ramadan near the Jama Masjid mosque under a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the old quarter of New Delhi. AFP
Muslims gather at a street to buy food for breaking fast during their holy month of Ramadan near the Jama Masjid mosque under a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the old quarter of New Delhi. AFP
In this Tuesday, April 28, 2020, photo made through glass window, Muslim women attend a Ramadan evening prayer at a mosque in Lhokseumawe, in Indonesia’s Aceh province. Muslim leaders in the province that practices Shariah law are allowing mass prayers in mosques if certain health protocols are in place. AP
In this Tuesday, April 28, 2020, photo made through glass window, Muslim women attend a Ramadan evening prayer at a mosque in Lhokseumawe, in Indonesia’s Aceh province. Muslim leaders in the province that practices Shariah law are allowing mass prayers in mosques if certain health protocols are in place. AP
A migrant worker prays during the holy month of Ramadan inside his dormitory, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Singapore. REUTERS
A migrant worker prays during the holy month of Ramadan inside his dormitory, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Singapore. REUTERS
An online Ramadan bazaar trader wraps "Popiah" spring rolls at his home, during the movement control order due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia. REUTERS
An online Ramadan bazaar trader wraps "Popiah" spring rolls at his home, during the movement control order due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia. REUTERS
A Thai Muslim family pray after breaking fast at the living room of their house as a food-delivery man rides past in Bangkok, Thailand. Most places of worship, including mosques remain closed to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus as Muslims across the world began marking the holy month of Ramadan under unprecedented coronavirus lockdowns. AP Photo
A Thai Muslim family pray after breaking fast at the living room of their house as a food-delivery man rides past in Bangkok, Thailand. Most places of worship, including mosques remain closed to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus as Muslims across the world began marking the holy month of Ramadan under unprecedented coronavirus lockdowns. AP Photo
A notice advices the Lakemba mosque closer due to coronavirus hang on a fence on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Sydney. Authorities have continued lockdown that prevent group gatherings and prayers in mosques despite their success in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. AFP
A notice advices the Lakemba mosque closer due to coronavirus hang on a fence on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Sydney. Authorities have continued lockdown that prevent group gatherings and prayers in mosques despite their success in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. AFP
An Algerian man wearing an Algerian national soccer team yersey walks next to an Arabic butcher shop in Arabic markets in Porte de Montreuil area in Paris, France. The majority of the residents around Porte de Montreuil area in Paris are Arab Muslims from North Africa. Adherents of Islam across France were unable to take part in the habitual collective prayers this year, as mosques have closed down due to the ongoing pandemic of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual acts between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in the Koran occurred during its last 10 nights. EPA
An Algerian man wearing an Algerian national soccer team yersey walks next to an Arabic butcher shop in Arabic markets in Porte de Montreuil area in Paris, France. The majority of the residents around Porte de Montreuil area in Paris are Arab Muslims from North Africa. Adherents of Islam across France were unable to take part in the habitual collective prayers this year, as mosques have closed down due to the ongoing pandemic of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual acts between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in the Koran occurred during its last 10 nights. EPA

Iraq needs independent government, says senior US diplomat

The US is urging the formation of "a credible government" in Iraq, a senior US diplomat said on Wednesday, as pro-Iranian players threaten to oust a prime minister-designate close to Washington.

Assistant State Department Secretary David Schenker told Al Arabiya Television that the next government in Baghdad should observe “the interest of Iraq as far as bilateral issues and respond to the demands and needs of the Iraqi people.”

Son of Middle Eastern migrants explores run for US President

Independent Congressman Justin Amash is exploring a third-party run for president in 2020 if the Libertarian party nominates him for its candidacy at the end of next month.

The congressman for a Michigan district is the son of immigrants. His father, Atallah, immigrated to US as a Christian Palestinian refugee, while his mother, Mimi, hails from Syria.

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
While you're here
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
The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
While you're here
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

WWE Super ShowDown results

Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title

Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship

Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns

Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party

Randy Orton beats Triple H

Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley

Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal

The Undertaker beat Goldberg

 

Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series

All matches at the Harare Sports Club

  • 1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
  • 2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
  • 3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
  • 4th ODI, Sunday, April 16

Squads:

  • UAE: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
  • Zimbabwe: Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
Biog

Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara

He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada

Father of two sons, grandfather of six

Plays golf once a week

Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family

Walks for an hour every morning

Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India

2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business

 

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

While you're here
The lowdown

Rating: 4/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EQureos%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E33%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESoftware%20and%20technology%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%243%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

FULL%20FIGHT%20CARD
%3Cp%3EFeatherweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Abdullah%20Al%20Qahtani%20v%20Taha%20Bendaoud%0D%3Cbr%3EBantamweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Ali%20Taleb%20v%20Nawras%20Abzakh%0D%3Cbr%3EBantamweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Xavier%20Alaoui%20v%20Rachid%20El%20Hazoume%0D%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Islam%20Reda%20v%20Adam%20Meskini%0D%3Cbr%3EBantamweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Tariq%20Ismail%20v%20Jalal%20Al%20Daaja%0D%3Cbr%3EBantamweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Elias%20Boudegzdame%20v%20Hassan%20Mandour%0D%3Cbr%3EAmateur%20Female%20Atomweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Hattan%20Al%20Saif%20v%20Nada%20Faheem%0D%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Maraoune%20Bellagouit%20v%20Motaz%20Askar%0D%3Cbr%3EFeatherweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Ahmed%20Tarek%20v%20Abdelrahman%20Alhyasat%0D%3Cbr%3EShowcase%20Featherweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Mido%20Mohamed%20v%20Yazeed%20Hasanain%0D%3Cbr%3EShowcase%20Flyweight%20Bout%3A%0D%20Malik%20Basahel%20v%20Harsh%20Pandya%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:

Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 

Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto 

Power: 1,600hp

Torque: 1,600Nm

0-100kph in 2.4seconds

0-200kph in 5.8 seconds

0-300kph in 12.1 seconds

Top speed: 440kph

Price: Dh13,200,000

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:

Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 

Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto 

Power: 1,500hp

Torque: 1,600Nm

0-100kph in 2.3 seconds

0-200kph in 5.5 seconds

0-300kph in 11.8 seconds

Top speed: 350kph

Price: Dh13,600,000

Final round

25 under -  Antoine Rozner (FRA)

23 - Francesco Laporta (ITA), Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA), Andy Sullivan (ENG), Matt Wallace (ENG)

21 - Grant Forrest (SCO)

20 - Ross Fisher (ENG)

19 - Steven Brown (ENG), Joakim Lagergren (SWE), Niklas Lemke (SWE), Marc Warren (SCO), Bernd Wiesberger (AUT)

At a glance - Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020

Launched: 2008

Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools

Prize: Dh2.2 million (Dh360,000 for global high schools category)

Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13

 

Impact in numbers

335 million people positively impacted by projects

430,000 jobs created

10 million people given access to clean and affordable drinking water

50 million homes powered by renewable energy

6.5 billion litres of water saved

26 million school children given solar lighting

KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%205%2C%201994%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jeff%20Bezos%20founds%20Cadabra%20Inc%2C%20which%20would%20later%20be%20renamed%20to%20Amazon.com%2C%20because%20his%20lawyer%20misheard%20the%20name%20as%20'cadaver'.%20In%20its%20earliest%20days%2C%20the%20bookstore%20operated%20out%20of%20a%20rented%20garage%20in%20Bellevue%2C%20Washington%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%2016%2C%201995%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20formally%20opens%20as%20an%20online%20bookseller.%20%3Cem%3EFluid%20Concepts%20and%20Creative%20Analogies%3A%20Computer%20Models%20of%20the%20Fundamental%20Mechanisms%20of%20Thought%3C%2Fem%3E%20becomes%20the%20first%20item%20sold%20on%20Amazon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1997%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20goes%20public%20at%20%2418%20a%20share%2C%20which%20has%20grown%20about%201%2C000%20per%20cent%20at%20present.%20Its%20highest%20closing%20price%20was%20%24197.85%20on%20June%2027%2C%202024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1998%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20IMDb%2C%20its%20first%20major%20acquisition.%20It%20also%20starts%20selling%20CDs%20and%20DVDs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2000%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Marketplace%20opens%2C%20allowing%20people%20to%20sell%20items%20on%20the%20website%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2002%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20forms%20what%20would%20become%20Amazon%20Web%20Services%2C%20opening%20the%20Amazon.com%20platform%20to%20all%20developers.%20The%20cloud%20unit%20would%20follow%20in%202006%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2003%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20turns%20in%20an%20annual%20profit%20of%20%2475%20million%2C%20the%20first%20time%20it%20ended%20a%20year%20in%20the%20black%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2005%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Prime%20is%20introduced%2C%20its%20first-ever%20subscription%20service%20that%20offered%20US%20customers%20free%20two-day%20shipping%20for%20%2479%20a%20year%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2006%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Unbox%20is%20unveiled%2C%20the%20company's%20video%20service%20that%20would%20later%20morph%20into%20Amazon%20Instant%20Video%20and%2C%20ultimately%2C%20Amazon%20Video%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2007%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20first%20hardware%20product%2C%20the%20Kindle%20e-reader%2C%20is%20introduced%3B%20the%20Fire%20TV%20and%20Fire%20Phone%20would%20come%20in%202014.%20Grocery%20service%20Amazon%20Fresh%20is%20also%20started%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2009%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20introduces%20Amazon%20Basics%2C%20its%20in-house%20label%20for%20a%20variety%20of%20products%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2010%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20foundations%20for%20Amazon%20Studios%20were%20laid.%20Its%20first%20original%20streaming%20content%20debuted%20in%202013%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2011%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Appstore%20for%20Google's%20Android%20is%20launched.%20It%20is%20still%20unavailable%20on%20Apple's%20iOS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2014%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Echo%20is%20launched%2C%20a%20speaker%20that%20acts%20as%20a%20personal%20digital%20assistant%20powered%20by%20Alexa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2017%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20Whole%20Foods%20for%20%2413.7%20billion%2C%20its%20biggest%20acquisition%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2018%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20market%20cap%20briefly%20crosses%20the%20%241%20trillion%20mark%2C%20making%20it%2C%20at%20the%20time%2C%20only%20the%20third%20company%20to%20achieve%20that%20milestone%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
World