A Saudi money exchanger wears a protective face mask and gloves as he counts Saudi riyal currency at a currency exchange shop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 10, 2020. Reuters
A Saudi money exchanger wears a protective face mask and gloves as he counts Saudi riyal currency at a currency exchange shop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 10, 2020. Reuters
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
Members of the Saudi armed forces attend prayers at a mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah on April 3, 2020. AFP
Members of the Saudi armed forces attend prayers at a mosque in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah on April 3, 2020. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
A policeman wearing a protective face mask blocks the road during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
A policeman wearing a protective face mask blocks the road during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
A combination of photos shows a small crowd of worshippers around the sacred Kaaba in Mecca's Grand Mosque on March 7, 2020, and a large crowd during the pilgrimage, on August 13, 2019. AFP
A combination of photos shows a small crowd of worshippers around the sacred Kaaba in Mecca's Grand Mosque on March 7, 2020, and a large crowd during the pilgrimage, on August 13, 2019. AFP
Muslim worshippers circumambulate the sacred Kaaba in Makkah's Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site, on April 3, 2020. AFP
Muslim worshippers circumambulate the sacred Kaaba in Makkah's Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site, on April 3, 2020. AFP
A man checks his phone as he crosses an empty street in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah on April 3, 2020. AFP
A man checks his phone as he crosses an empty street in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah on April 3, 2020. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
Birds are seen near the Grand Mosque during a curfew. Reuters
Birds are seen near the Grand Mosque during a curfew. Reuters
Police officers man a checkpoint in a street in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah on April 3, 2020. AFP
Police officers man a checkpoint in a street in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah on April 3, 2020. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. AFP
The clock tower is lit up with the phrase "Home Heroes" during a curfew. Reuters
The clock tower is lit up with the phrase "Home Heroes" during a curfew. Reuters
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
The deserted old town of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah. AFP
The deserted old town of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah. AFP
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
A view of a deserted street during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease in the holy city of Makkah. Reuters
The announcement comes amid uncertainty over the hajj which is due to take place at the end of July, after authorities this week urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage. AFP
The announcement comes amid uncertainty over the hajj which is due to take place at the end of July, after authorities this week urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage. AFP
The measures bar people from entering and exiting the capital as well as Jeddah, Mecca and Medina and prohibiting movement between all provinces to stem the spread of coronavirus with the number of deaths from the disease rising to 21. AFP
The measures bar people from entering and exiting the capital as well as Jeddah, Mecca and Medina and prohibiting movement between all provinces to stem the spread of coronavirus with the number of deaths from the disease rising to 21. AFP
Pigeons fly around closed shops in the old town of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on April 2, 2020. AFP
Pigeons fly around closed shops in the old town of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on April 2, 2020. AFP
A vegetable seller wearing a protective face mask sells fruits and vegetables at a market before markets close, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease, in Riyadh. Reuters
A vegetable seller wearing a protective face mask sells fruits and vegetables at a market before markets close, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease, in Riyadh. Reuters
Branded oil tanks at Saudi Aramco oil facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. Reuters
Branded oil tanks at Saudi Aramco oil facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. Reuters

Makkah officer killed in hit and run at curfew checkpoint

The driver sped through the checkpoint after ignoring the city's coronavirus lockdown

The National

April 06, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

A police officer in the holy city of Makkah was killed on Sunday in a hit and run after a driver breaking the curfew sped through a checkpoint.

The city, along with Madinah, Jeddah and Riyadh, has been isolated and movement strictly curtailed in a to stem the rising number of cases of Covid-19 in the country.

Maj Mohammed Abdel Wahab Al Ghamdi of the Makkah police department said that the driver failed to stop at a police checkpoint enforcing the curfew on Al Haramain Road.

“A traffic officer was run over by a vehicle whose driver failed to comply with instructions to stop and drove away at a high speed,” Maj Al Ghamdi said.

The driver was later arrested.

The kingdom has brought in a number of measures as cases rise. As well as locking down whole cities, most companies have been instructed to start working from home where possible, flights in and out of the country have been cancelled and schools and universities closed.

The government on Friday announced another package of aid to cover 60 per cent of Saudi salaries for affected workers to prevent companies from making layoffs.

Critical sectors, including security, health and the oil industry, are continuing to work as usual.

Tomorrow 2021
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

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
HWJN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Yasir%20Alyasiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Baraa%20Alem%2C%20Nour%20Alkhadra%2C%20Alanoud%20Saud%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

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 

Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5

Whiile you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20US%20Congress%20explained
%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20one%20of%20three%20branches%20of%20the%20US%20government%2C%20and%20the%20one%20that%20creates%20the%20nation's%20federal%20laws%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20divided%20into%20two%20chambers%3A%20The%20House%20of%20Representatives%20and%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%C2%A0The%20House%20is%20made%20up%20of%20435%20members%20based%20on%20a%20state's%20population.%20House%20members%20are%20up%20for%20election%20every%20two%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20bill%20must%20be%20approved%20by%20both%20the%20House%20and%20Senate%20before%20it%20goes%20to%20the%20president's%20desk%20for%20signature%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%20218%20seats%20to%20be%20in%20control%20of%20the%20House%20of%20Representatives%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20The%20Senate%20is%20comprised%20of%20100%20members%2C%20with%20each%20state%20receiving%20two%20senators.%20Senate%20members%20serve%20six-year%20terms%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%2051%20seats%20to%20control%20the%20Senate.%20In%20the%20case%20of%20a%2050-50%20tie%2C%20the%20party%20of%20the%20president%20controls%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds

Name: Brendalle Belaza

From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines

Arrived in the UAE: 2007

Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus

Favourite photography style: Street photography

Favourite book: Harry Potter

Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital

Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands

The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands

50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias

Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipAJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura

Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe

United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal

SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos

Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt

Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho

Singles match John Cena v Triple H

Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v tba

While you're here
The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

Company Profile:

Name: The Protein Bakeshop

Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

Size, number of employees: 12

Funding/investors:  $400,000 (2018) 

While you're here

Florence and the Machine – High as Hope
Three stars

GCCCoronavirus