For most residents of the US capital Washington, living at the centre of national politics is a part of everyday life.
Citizens from across the country flock to the city to see its national monuments and museums, and often to protest on behalf of various causes.
As Washington prepares for the swearing in of president-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday, it feels markedly different from the inauguration of any previous president.
The city is still reeling from an assault on the Capitol by rioting supporters of President Donald Trump on January 6.
The events may have shocked those watching the chaos unfold on live television, but they arguably had a more immediate effect on the city’s 700,000 residents.
Grace Caldwell lives 600 metres away from the Capitol building. A call from her landlord alerted her to the seriousness of the situation.
“He was concerned about pipe bombs since [my apartment] is so close to the Senate buildings,” Ms Caldwell said.
“He sounded calm, but said, ‘If you have somewhere else to go that would be my recommendation’.”
Those fears were not without basis. Federal agents detonated two pipe bombs found near the Republican and Democratic national committees that day.
Shawntia Humphries and Peter Tracey were less than a kilometre away from the Capitol as the riots escalated.
On the afternoon of January 6, Ms Humphries was trying to drive her co-worker home after being called off work early because of the riots.
She said she was already frustrated with the protesters and rioters because of the traffic, and many of them were walking in the middle of the street near her car.
That is when Ms Humphries saw Mr Tracey screaming on his front porch.
“Get out of town,” he shouted, adding a few choice expletives at those he called "traitors".
“I wanted to say something already,” Ms Humphries said. “And there goes Peter on his porch.
"Peter was like the light of day, out there cursing them out and I was just like, yes!”
“I know. They’re really destroying our city,” Ms Humphries responded from her car.
The interaction, captured by Norwegian journalist Veronica Westhrin, went viral. The internet quickly dubbed them “#WomaninCar” and “#GuyonPorch.
As a resident of Washington for more than 20 years, Mr Tracey said he was used to demonstrations that he did not agree with. But the riots crossed a line.
“We understand people are going to come here and express views that are different from ours and you get used to that,” Mr Tracey said.
“That’s their right. But to come and destroy and come and violate what is really every American’s sacred space, we are not down with that.”
After the riots, President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration in the city lasting until January 24, given “emergency conditions” around the Wednesday inauguration of Mr Biden.
Local officials have also established an “inauguration perimeter”, with security checkpoints throughout the city. That entails closing roads in the downtown area and major bridges into the city.
The National Guard sent more than 25,000 troops into Washington for the inauguration. That is 10 times more guard members in the city’s 177 square kilometres than American troops in Afghanistan.
“The fence is just on the other side of my block but I’ve had my ID checked about where I’m going, asking me what I’m doing,” Ms Caldwell said.
“I feel pretty safe but it’s really scary having all these long-nosed guns all over the place. It’s pretty nerve-racking.”
She said the militarised presence in the city meant the loss of her daily routine.
“All around I’ve really loved living [on Capitol Hill] because it’s really quiet," Ms Caldwell said.
"Every morning I wake up, make myself coffee, try to get more steps in so I do a lap around the Capitol and listen to podcasts.
“I really hate how difficult it is to walk around now.”
Born and raised in Washington, Ms Humphries says she feels cautious but calm.
“I really don’t walk in fear but I’ll be aware of my surroundings," she said.
"But as a DC resident it is scary that other people are coming here to destroy what we have here because they’re upset.
“I did want to go see the inauguration but now I feel like you’re just putting yourself in harm’s way going down there.”
The threat of violence also loomed in the run-up to the historic Capitol riots.
Smaller Pro-Trump demonstrations have trickled into the city ever since the November election.
In December, four people were stabbed in the downtown area amid skirmishes near a gathering of white nationalist, chauvinist group the Proud Boys.
I do worry about what will be taken away after this
The chaos is increasing the burden on local businesses already facing stress because of the pandemic.
Centrolina is an Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown. It was among the businesses that decided to close theirs doors on January 6 and will stay closed until after the inauguration.
“I’m not sure people understand the extent to which you get nervous not being able to control what’s going to happen to your space,” said owner and head chef Amy Brandwein.
“There’s just a lot of emotions but mainly it's complete exasperation at this point.
"I have a feeling we will have to stay closed another few days after the inauguration. It’s just the unknown.”
For Washington restaurants, the added uncertainty comes at a time that would normally generate substantial revenue.
A city government report pointed to an increase of 5.7 per cent in city revenue in 2017, in part due to that year’s inauguration.
“Inauguration in DC is usually a huge event and restaurant time. People are usually out celebrating, spending a lot of money,” Ms Brandwein said.
“But this is completely different. There’s basically no business to be had.”
With the latest emergency order from city Mayor Muriel Bowser, all restaurants are closed for in-door dining until January 21.
Private businesses in the hotel and service industry are also deciding to close or limit services.
Airbnb has cancelled all reservations in the metro area, and some unions are pressuring the city’s hotels to do the same.
For Ms Brandwein, the importance of survival for Washington’s restaurants goes beyond business.
“I think sometimes people forget that food is a way for people to express culture," she said. "People can understand more about other people by eating food.
“We want to make sure the restaurants and all their different cultures can continue to operate.”
When the inauguration is over and demonstrations disperse, Washington locals such as Ms Caldwell wonder if life in the city will ever be the same.
“What I worry about is how long this period is going to last after the inauguration,” she said.
“I grew up in DC before 9/11 so I remember when you could walk around the Capitol terraces, and I do worry about what will be taken away after this.”
Company name: Play:Date
Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day
Founder: Shamim Kassibawi
Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US
Sector: Tech
Size: 20 employees
Stage of funding: Seed
Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Naga
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Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
HOW DO SIM CARD SCAMS WORK?
Sim swap frauds are a form of identity theft.
They involve criminals conning mobile phone operators into issuing them with replacement Sim cards, often by claiming their phone has been lost or stolen
They use the victim's personal details - obtained through criminal methods - to convince such companies of their identity.
The criminal can then access any online service that requires security codes to be sent to a user's mobile phone, such as banking services.
How to increase your savings
- Have a plan for your savings.
- Decide on your emergency fund target and once that's achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
- Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
- It's important to have a purpose for your savings as it helps to keep you motivated to continue while also reducing the temptation to spend your savings.
- Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Things Heard & Seen
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton
2/5
MEYDAN CARD
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m
10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
The National selections:
6.30pm AF Alwajel
7.05pm Ekhtiyaar
7.40pm First View
8.15pm Benbatl
8.50pm Zakouski
9.25pm: Kimbear
10pm: Chasing Dreams
10.35pm: Good Fortune
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
EXPATS
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More on animal trafficking
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP5
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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 years Ramadan fell in May
Third Test
Day 3, stumps
India 443-7 (d) & 54-5 (27 ov)
Australia 151
India lead by 346 runs with 5 wickets remaining
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on Quran memorisation:
