Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in the Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Mosa'ab Elshamy / AP photo
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in the Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Mosa'ab Elshamy / AP photo
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in the Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Mosa'ab Elshamy / AP photo
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque in the Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Mosa'ab Elshamy / AP photo

Saudi Arabia lets Qataris go on Haj, despite diplomatic row


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Saudi Arabia will allow Qataris wanting to perform this year's Haj will be allowed into the kingdom, despite a diplomatic row between the two countries.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Saudi Haj ministry said Qataris and residents of the Gulf emirate could join the pilgrimage as they were already "electronically registered for the Haj" and they had the necessary permits from Riyadh and Doha.

But the ministry has imposed restrictions on Qatari pilgrims arriving by plane, saying they must use airlines in agreement with the Saudi authorities.They must also get visas on arrival in Jeddah or Medina, their sole points of entry into the kingdom.

This year the Haj is to take place at the beginning of September. Saudi Arabia and its allies Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic ties and imposed sanctions on Qatar in June, including the closure of their airspace to Qatari airlines.

The four Arab states accuse Qatar of supporting extremists and of growing too close to Shiite-dominated Iran, the regional arch-rival of Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia.

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About Krews

Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: January 2019

Number of employees: 10

Sector: Technology/Social media 

Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support

 

While you're here
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Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
The specs

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: nine-speed

Power: 542bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh848,000

On sale: now

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less