Former British chancellor Rishi Sunak arrives for a hustings event in central London. EPA
Former British chancellor Rishi Sunak arrives for a hustings event in central London. EPA
Former British chancellor Rishi Sunak arrives for a hustings event in central London. EPA
Former British chancellor Rishi Sunak arrives for a hustings event in central London. EPA

World

UK

Rishi Sunak's drive and intellect required in push for PM

A life of high achievement could yet see the bright, young former chancellor become Britain's first Asian leader

Thomas Harding
Thomas Harding

July 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

In his 42 years Rishi Sunak has achieved a remarkable amount in a very short time, a quality that will very much required if he is to become Britain’s next prime minister.

He will have to rocket out of the traps if he is to convince the Conservative membership that he would make the better candidate as leader than Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

A man of great capabilities, immense drive and smooth charm, he may be able to overhaul the front-runner in opinion polls.

But he has only days in which to make a positive effect as ballot letters to the 160,000 Conservative membership will be dropping on doormats from August 1. That membership, largely male, white, middle-class and living in southern England, might rapidly make up their minds and post their vote within a few days despite the deadline being September 3.

So, Mr Sunak needs to make something happen. For a man who has been focused and striven throughout his life, that is within his capabilities.

Born in 1980, to parents of Indian heritage who had arrived in Britain via East Africa, the young Rishi was given a solid start to life.

Like many successful immigrants, his father a doctor, his mother a pharmacist, his parents understood the advantages to be gained from a private British education.

With the fees challenging, the young Rishi was put forward for the prestigious Winchester College scholarship. He failed but the experience gave him — and his parents — the scent that life success could be achieved with an elite education. His parents took on extra jobs, found the money and Rishi excelled, becoming the first Asian head-boy of Winchester, the highly academic school in southern England.

The University of Oxford was the natural next stop, but unlike many of his contemporaries, the 18-year-old learnt hard graft and humility working as a waiter in an Indian restaurant to save money for college.

While not high-profile among the Oxford’s young Conservative buccaneers, he did become president of the university’s Investment Society inviting bankers on how to make it big in the City.

Former chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak is a candidate to replace Boris Johnson as British prime minister. PA
Former chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak is a candidate to replace Boris Johnson as British prime minister. PA
Rishi Sunak arrives at an event in London to launch his campaign to be the next Conservative leader and prime minister. Reuters
Rishi Sunak arrives at an event in London to launch his campaign to be the next Conservative leader and prime minister. Reuters
Mr Sunak arrives with his green budget box to deliver a keynote speech at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021. Getty Images
Mr Sunak arrives with his green budget box to deliver a keynote speech at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021. Getty Images
Mr Sunak works on his budget speech with staff in the offices at 11 Downing Street, October 2021. Photo: HM Treasury
Mr Sunak works on his budget speech with staff in the offices at 11 Downing Street, October 2021. Photo: HM Treasury
At the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester in October 2021. Getty Images
At the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester in October 2021. Getty Images
Mr Sunak with the budget box at 11 Downing Street in March 2021. Getty Images
Mr Sunak with the budget box at 11 Downing Street in March 2021. Getty Images
Mr Sunak on a visit to the Imperial Clinic Research Facility at Hammersmith Hospital, London, in November 2020. Getty Images
Mr Sunak on a visit to the Imperial Clinic Research Facility at Hammersmith Hospital, London, in November 2020. Getty Images
Rishi Sunak places a 'Eat Out To Help Out' sticker in the window of a restaurant during a visit to the Isle of Bute, Scotland, in August 2020. Getty Images
Rishi Sunak places a 'Eat Out To Help Out' sticker in the window of a restaurant during a visit to the Isle of Bute, Scotland, in August 2020. Getty Images
Meeting shoppers on the High Street in Northallerton in Yorkshire in June 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
Meeting shoppers on the High Street in Northallerton in Yorkshire in June 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak use hand sanitiser during a visit to Pizza Pilgrims in West India Quay, London Docklands, as lockdown rules eased in June 2020. Getty Images
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak use hand sanitiser during a visit to Pizza Pilgrims in West India Quay, London Docklands, as lockdown rules eased in June 2020. Getty Images

Firmly focused on financial success, he graduated in 2001 going straight into the money by working for investment bank Goldman Sachs.

An MBA at Stanford University, aged 24, not only rounded his education but also his personal life where he met the creative and fashion-loving Akshata Murthy, daughter of billionaire Narayan Murthy, India's sixth-richest person.

After a four-year courtship, where both also developed an admiration for California, they were married at a two-day celebration in Bangalore.

Having made his own fortune investing in companies from Silicon Valley to India, Mr Sunak set upon the idea of entering politics. His motivation, friends say, was driven by a desire for the common good rather than as an ideologue.

The Conservatives clearly recognised his qualities and he was given the very safe seat of Richmond in Yorkshire to fight in the 2015 general election.

Mr Sunak immediately set down his roots by purchasing a £1.5 million Georgian manor house with 12 acres and an ornamental lake.

Rishi Sunak opens the Great Ayton Village Fete in Yorkshire in June. Getty Images
Rishi Sunak opens the Great Ayton Village Fete in Yorkshire in June. Getty Images

Joined by his wife, dressed in Barbour jacket and Wellington boots, the couple toured fetes and markets gaining popularity and respect, as well as the seat.

Despite his 27,000 majority, Mr Sunak does not neglect his constituents, regularly entertaining locals at his manor in the seat.

His rise through Parliament was swift. He became chief secretary to the treasury — replacing the promoted Ms Truss — and then when Sajid Javid resigned in early 2020, was appointed chancellor, becoming the fifth Winchester old boy to hold the post.

Mr Sunak, who took his parliamentary oath to the queen on the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, was faced with the most challenging financial crisis of his generation when the Covid-19 pandemic hit only a few weeks later.

His furlough scheme and deft handling of the economy won many plaudits. But his economic views fell foul of Boris Johnson, ultimately leading to his resignation, only 10 minutes after Mr Javid’s on 5 July.

His campaign to win the votes of MPs went smoothly, his debate performance on live television cemented his coolness under pressure. But all those skills honed in the classroom, the boardroom and parliamentary corridors will be required if he is to succeed and become the first non-white British prime minister.

UK Conservatives on the leadership campaign trail - in pictures

Candidates Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings at Wembley Arena, London. This was the final hustings attended by Tory Party members who will vote for the new leader and next prime minister. EPA
Candidates Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings at Wembley Arena, London. This was the final hustings attended by Tory Party members who will vote for the new leader and next prime minister. EPA
Liz Truss addresses Conservative Party members at Wembley Arena. AP
Liz Truss addresses Conservative Party members at Wembley Arena. AP
Mr Sunak puts forward his case to be leader while speaking at Wembley Arena. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak puts forward his case to be leader while speaking at Wembley Arena. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy in Southampton, while on the campaign trail. Reuters
Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy in Southampton, while on the campaign trail. Reuters
Ms Truss speaks to staff at Condimentum Ltd at the Food Enterprise Park in Norwich. Getty Images
Ms Truss speaks to staff at Condimentum Ltd at the Food Enterprise Park in Norwich. Getty Images
A Rishi Sunak supporter at a hustings event in Norfolk. PA
A Rishi Sunak supporter at a hustings event in Norfolk. PA
Mr Sunak greets people at a leadership hustings in Manchester. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak greets people at a leadership hustings in Manchester. Bloomberg
Ms Truss poses for a selfie with a supporter as she arrives for the event in Manchester. Getty
Ms Truss poses for a selfie with a supporter as she arrives for the event in Manchester. Getty
Rishi Sunak looks through the sights of an anti-tank missile launcher, supplied to Ukraine, during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP
Rishi Sunak looks through the sights of an anti-tank missile launcher, supplied to Ukraine, during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP
Liz Truss at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event in Belfast. Getty
Liz Truss at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event in Belfast. Getty
Liz Truss meets supporters before a hustings in Perth, Scotland. Getty
Liz Truss meets supporters before a hustings in Perth, Scotland. Getty
Rishi Sunak speaks during a campaign visit to Cluny Castle in Inverurie, Scotland. Getty
Rishi Sunak speaks during a campaign visit to Cluny Castle in Inverurie, Scotland. Getty
Police hold back protesters outside Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, where Conservative leadership candidates Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak were speaking. PA
Police hold back protesters outside Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, where Conservative leadership candidates Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak were speaking. PA
A mural showing the two leadership contestants appears on a wall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP
A mural showing the two leadership contestants appears on a wall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP
Rishi Sunak during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue, north London. PA
Rishi Sunak during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue, north London. PA
Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings in Cheltenham. EPA
Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings in Cheltenham. EPA
Rishi Sunak during a hustings event in Cheltenham. Reuters
Rishi Sunak during a hustings event in Cheltenham. Reuters
Liz Truss speaks to scientists during a campaign visit to a life sciences laboratory at Alderley Park in Manchester. PA
Liz Truss speaks to scientists during a campaign visit to a life sciences laboratory at Alderley Park in Manchester. PA
Rishi Sunak during a campaign hustings in Darlington, England. Bloomberg
Rishi Sunak during a campaign hustings in Darlington, England. Bloomberg
Liz Truss meets party members before she speaks at the Darlington campaign hustings. Getty
Liz Truss meets party members before she speaks at the Darlington campaign hustings. Getty
Rishi Sunak arrives for the Darlington hustings. Getty
Rishi Sunak arrives for the Darlington hustings. Getty
Liz Truss plays pool during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters
Liz Truss plays pool during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters
Rishi Sunak looks at a book with Teddy Openshaw, 4, as his father, Henry, looks on after a Conservative leadership campaign event in Ribble Valley, Lancashire, England. Getty
Rishi Sunak looks at a book with Teddy Openshaw, 4, as his father, Henry, looks on after a Conservative leadership campaign event in Ribble Valley, Lancashire, England. Getty
Liz Truss plays table tennis with former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters
Liz Truss plays table tennis with former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters
Liz Truss with supporters at a campaign event in Solihull, England. Reuters
Liz Truss with supporters at a campaign event in Solihull, England. Reuters
Rishi Sunak attends a campaign event held by his party in Bexhill, England. Reuters
Rishi Sunak attends a campaign event held by his party in Bexhill, England. Reuters
A protester is removed as Ms Truss speaks during the Conservative Party leadership hustings in Eastbourne. Bloomberg
A protester is removed as Ms Truss speaks during the Conservative Party leadership hustings in Eastbourne. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak speaks at an event in Edinburgh. PA
Mr Sunak speaks at an event in Edinburgh. PA
Ms Truss leaves the hall in Exeter, south-west England, after her speech to a Conservative Party membership hustings. Getty
Ms Truss leaves the hall in Exeter, south-west England, after her speech to a Conservative Party membership hustings. Getty
Mr Sunak speaks at the University of Exeter in south-west England. AP
Mr Sunak speaks at the University of Exeter in south-west England. AP
A supporter of Ms Truss at a Conservative Party hustings in Exeter, south-west England. Getty
A supporter of Ms Truss at a Conservative Party hustings in Exeter, south-west England. Getty
Ms Truss at a hustings event at the Pavilion conference centre at Elland Road in Leeds. PA
Ms Truss at a hustings event at the Pavilion conference centre at Elland Road in Leeds. PA
Mr Sunak in Salisbury watching a screening of the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final between England and Germany at Wembley stadium. England won 2-1 in extra time. PA
Mr Sunak in Salisbury watching a screening of the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final between England and Germany at Wembley stadium. England won 2-1 in extra time. PA
Ms Truss before the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley stadium in London. AFP
Ms Truss before the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley stadium in London. AFP
Mr Sunak meets Tory members at Fontwell Park Racecourse. Reuters
Mr Sunak meets Tory members at Fontwell Park Racecourse. Reuters
Ms Truss at an event in Dereham, Norfolk. AFP
Ms Truss at an event in Dereham, Norfolk. AFP
Mr Sunak in Ropley, near Winchester, Hampshire. PA
Mr Sunak in Ropley, near Winchester, Hampshire. PA
Ms Truss speaks as Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat looks on at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event at Biggin Hill Airport. Getty
Ms Truss speaks as Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat looks on at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event at Biggin Hill Airport. Getty
Ms Truss on the campaign trail in Woodford Green, on the outskirts of London. Reuters
Ms Truss on the campaign trail in Woodford Green, on the outskirts of London. Reuters
Mr Sunak at a Conservative Party hustings event in Leeds. AFP
Mr Sunak at a Conservative Party hustings event in Leeds. AFP
Ms Truss speaks at the hustings event in Leeds. AFP
Ms Truss speaks at the hustings event in Leeds. AFP
Sunak and Truss-themed souvenirs at a stand during the Leeds hustings event. Reuters
Sunak and Truss-themed souvenirs at a stand during the Leeds hustings event. Reuters
Ms Truss, and her mother, Patricia, arrive for the hustings event. Getty
Ms Truss, and her mother, Patricia, arrive for the hustings event. Getty
Ms Truss poses with supporters in Morley, England. Getty
Ms Truss poses with supporters in Morley, England. Getty
Mr Sunak delivers a speech during a campaign event in Newmarket. AFP
Mr Sunak delivers a speech during a campaign event in Newmarket. AFP
Ms Truss and Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, during a visit to a broadband interchange company in Leeds. PA
Ms Truss and Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, during a visit to a broadband interchange company in Leeds. PA
Mr Sunak answers questions as he takes part in the hustings in Leeds. AFP
Mr Sunak answers questions as he takes part in the hustings in Leeds. AFP
Ms Truss speaks at an event at a private house with members of the Conservative Party in Woodford Green. PA
Ms Truss speaks at an event at a private house with members of the Conservative Party in Woodford Green. PA
Ms Truss and Mr Sunak pose for a picture before a BBC leadership debate at Victoria Hall in Hanley. Getty
Ms Truss and Mr Sunak pose for a picture before a BBC leadership debate at Victoria Hall in Hanley. Getty
Ms Truss addresses Mr Sunak during the televised debate. Getty
Ms Truss addresses Mr Sunak during the televised debate. Getty
Mr Sunak, with daughters Krishna and Anushka, and wife Akshata Murthy, during a visit to Vaculug tyre specialists at Gonerby Hill Foot, Grantham. PA
Mr Sunak, with daughters Krishna and Anushka, and wife Akshata Murthy, during a visit to Vaculug tyre specialists at Gonerby Hill Foot, Grantham. PA
Ms Truss speaks to people while campaigning in Marden. Getty
Ms Truss speaks to people while campaigning in Marden. Getty
Ms Truss celebrates after being named, along with Mr Sunak, one of the final two candidates in the race to become the UK's next prime minister. PA
Ms Truss celebrates after being named, along with Mr Sunak, one of the final two candidates in the race to become the UK's next prime minister. PA
Mr Sunak outside his campaign office in central London. EPA
Mr Sunak outside his campaign office in central London. EPA
Ms Truss outside Downing Street in London. Reuters
Ms Truss outside Downing Street in London. Reuters
Rishi Sunak meets Conservative Party members and activists, in Teesport, Redcar. Reuters
Rishi Sunak meets Conservative Party members and activists, in Teesport, Redcar. Reuters
Conservative leadership candidates Mr Sunak, Ms Truss, Kemi Badenoch, presenter Julie Etchingham, Tom Tugendhat and Penny Mordaunt during 'Britain's Next Prime Minister: The ITV Debate' in London. EPA
Conservative leadership candidates Mr Sunak, Ms Truss, Kemi Badenoch, presenter Julie Etchingham, Tom Tugendhat and Penny Mordaunt during 'Britain's Next Prime Minister: The ITV Debate' in London. EPA
Ms Badenoch arrives at Here East studios in Stratford, east London, before a live television debate. PA
Ms Badenoch arrives at Here East studios in Stratford, east London, before a live television debate. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at a London event to launch his campaign to be the next Conservative Party leader and UK prime minister. Reuters
Mr Sunak arrives at a London event to launch his campaign to be the next Conservative Party leader and UK prime minister. Reuters
Mr Tugendhat appears on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA
Mr Tugendhat appears on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA
Ms Badenoch, Ms Mordaunt, Mr Sunak, Ms Truss and Mr Tugendhat before the live television debate. PA
Ms Badenoch, Ms Mordaunt, Mr Sunak, Ms Truss and Mr Tugendhat before the live television debate. PA
Ms Mordaunt arrives for the launch of her Conservative leadership campaign at the Cinnamon Club in Westminster. PA
Ms Mordaunt arrives for the launch of her Conservative leadership campaign at the Cinnamon Club in Westminster. PA
Ms Truss speaks at the launch event for her campaign to become the next leader of the Tory Party and Britain's prime minister, in London. EPA
Ms Truss speaks at the launch event for her campaign to become the next leader of the Tory Party and Britain's prime minister, in London. EPA
Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, one of the candidates who has been knocked out of the race, giving a speech at the Churchill War Rooms. PA
Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, one of the candidates who has been knocked out of the race, giving a speech at the Churchill War Rooms. PA
Former leadership candidate Jeremy Hunt appearing on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA
Former leadership candidate Jeremy Hunt appearing on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA
Sajid Javid attending the launch of his campaign to be Conservative Party leader and prime minister, at the Cinnamon Club in London. He has since been knocked out of the contest. PA
Sajid Javid attending the launch of his campaign to be Conservative Party leader and prime minister, at the Cinnamon Club in London. He has since been knocked out of the contest. PA
Rehman Chishti is interviewed after announcing his bid to become the next prime minister. Mr Chishti is no longer in the race. Getty
Rehman Chishti is interviewed after announcing his bid to become the next prime minister. Mr Chishti is no longer in the race. Getty
Mr Tugendhat speaking at the launch of his campaign. PA
Mr Tugendhat speaking at the launch of his campaign. PA
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith arrive for the Truss campaign launch event. Getty
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith arrive for the Truss campaign launch event. Getty
Former leadership candidate Attorney General Suella Braverman at the Churchill War Rooms in central London. PA
Former leadership candidate Attorney General Suella Braverman at the Churchill War Rooms in central London. PA
Supporters of Mr Sunak wait for his arrival ahead of the campaign launch. Bloomberg
Supporters of Mr Sunak wait for his arrival ahead of the campaign launch. Bloomberg
Mr Tugendhat makes a speech at the launch of his campaign. PA
Mr Tugendhat makes a speech at the launch of his campaign. PA
Mr Javid mops his brow while launching his campaign. Getty
Mr Javid mops his brow while launching his campaign. Getty
Ms Truss leaves for work after her announcement that she would be running for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Getty
Ms Truss leaves for work after her announcement that she would be running for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Getty
Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

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Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Results

3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,000m; Winner: Dhafra, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Al Ajayib, Antonio Fresu, Eric Lemartinel

4pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Ashtr, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Majed Al Jahouri

4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Falcon Claws, Szczepan Mazur, Doug Watson

5pm: Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Cup – Prestige Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Al Mufham SB, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Badar Al Hajri

5.30pm: Sharjah Marathon – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 2,700m; Winner: Asraa Min Al Talqa, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi

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The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

Two-step truce

The UN-brokered ceasefire deal for Hodeidah will be implemented in two stages, with the first to be completed before the New Year begins, according to the Arab Coalition supporting the Yemeni government.

By midnight on December 31, the Houthi rebels will have to withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Al Saqef, coalition officials told The National. 

The second stage will be the complete withdrawal of all pro-government forces and rebels from Hodeidah city, to be completed by midnight on January 7.

The process is to be overseen by a Redeployment Co-ordination Committee (RCC) comprising UN monitors and representatives of the government and the rebels.

The agreement also calls the deployment of UN-supervised neutral forces in the city and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure distribution of aid across the country.

What is 'Soft Power'?

Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye. 
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength. 
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force. 
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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On Women's Day
Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

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Singham Again

Director: Rohit Shetty

Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone

Rating: 3/5

Volunteers offer workers a lifeline

Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men.

When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards.

Volunteers from St Mary’s Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance.

Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill.

“Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary’s.

Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children’s marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died.

“More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,” said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.

Company profile

Name: Tratok Portal

Founded: 2017

Based: UAE

Sector: Travel & tourism

Size: 36 employees

Funding: Privately funded

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Scoreline:

Cardiff City 0

Liverpool 2

Wijnaldum 57', Milner 81' (pen)

While you're here
The specs: 2019 Haval H6

Price, base: Dh69,900

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Andor
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Tomorrow 2021
Transgender report
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

While you're here
Plastic tipping point
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

The biog

Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia

Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins

Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
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What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

Updated: July 21, 2022, 4:55 PM`
Conservative leadership raceConservative Party