Christina Taft holds up poster in support of actress Amber Heard outside the Fairfax County Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia. Willy Lowry / The National
Christina Taft holds up poster in support of actress Amber Heard outside the Fairfax County Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia. Willy Lowry / The National
Fans of actor Johnny Depp try to take his picture through a gate at the courthouse. Willy Lowry / The National
Fans of actor Johnny Depp try to take his picture through a gate at the courthouse. Willy Lowry / The National
Tina Rhinehart, dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, came to the courthouse to show her support for Depp. Willy Lowry / The National
Tina Rhinehart, dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, came to the courthouse to show her support for Depp. Willy Lowry / The National
Two fans of Depp hold signs showing their support outside the courthouse. Willy Lowry / The National
Two fans of Depp hold signs showing their support outside the courthouse. Willy Lowry / The National
Andrea Diaz poses next to her two alpacas, Teddy and Truffles, outside the courthouse. Willy Lowry / The National
Andrea Diaz poses next to her two alpacas, Teddy and Truffles, outside the courthouse. Willy Lowry / The National
A Depp fan holds a sign saying, 'You are loved, Johnny!' outside the courthouse. Willy Lowry / The National
A Depp fan holds a sign saying, 'You are loved, Johnny!' outside the courthouse. Willy Lowry / The National
Most of the fans are there to support Depp. Willy Lowry / The National
Most of the fans are there to support Depp. Willy Lowry / The National
Depp fans wait for hours in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the star. Willy Lowry / The National
Depp fans wait for hours in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the star. Willy Lowry / The National
Police cars line the street outside the courthouse in Fairfax. Willy Lowry / The National
Police cars line the street outside the courthouse in Fairfax. Willy Lowry / The National
Fans of Depp have gone to great lengths to get the actor's attention. Getty Images / AFP
Fans of Depp have gone to great lengths to get the actor's attention. Getty Images / AFP
Priscilla Valdes of Waldorf, Maryland, dresses as 'Amber Turd' at the courthouse. Getty Images / AFP
Priscilla Valdes of Waldorf, Maryland, dresses as 'Amber Turd' at the courthouse. Getty Images / AFP
Depp waves to fans before entering the courtroom. Getty Images / AFP
Depp waves to fans before entering the courtroom. Getty Images / AFP
Depp fans bring balloons and other gifts for the actor. AFP
Depp fans bring balloons and other gifts for the actor. AFP
KB Plesnik of Baltimore spent the night on the sidewalk in the hope of getting inside the courtroom. AFP
KB Plesnik of Baltimore spent the night on the sidewalk in the hope of getting inside the courtroom. AFP
The line for access to the courtroom stretches around the building. AFP
The line for access to the courtroom stretches around the building. AFP
People waiting after midnight. AFP
People waiting after midnight. AFP
Some people sleep while waiting in line. AFP
Some people sleep while waiting in line. AFP
The fans are mostly women and mostly pro-Depp. AFP
The fans are mostly women and mostly pro-Depp. AFP

World

US

Johnny Depp's diehard fans shrug off mounting evidence

Judge Penney Azcarate on Tuesday rejected a motion to throw out Amber Heard's $100m counter-suit

Holly Aguirre
Willy Lowry
Fairfax, Virginia

May 26, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial, which began on April 11, has captured the world’s attention — for the second time.

Depp is suing his ex-wife for $50 million, claiming that a Washington Post op-ed written by Heard in which, without naming names, she describes herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse”, is libellous.

Now in its sixth week, the court proceedings, which are being streamed live, have seen the ratings of small cable networks skyrocket, creating legions of armchair jurors — most of them in favour of Depp.

In spite of losing a similar case in the UK, where it is significantly easier to win defamation cases, Depp chose to pursue a second case against Heard.

In the UK case, Depp sued the publisher of the tabloid The Sun for calling him a “wife beater”.

Unlike the current trial, there were no cameras and no jurors, and only one judge rendering his verdict, in which e found 12 of the 14 alleged incidents of domestic violence had occurred.

The judge said The Sun had proved what was in the article to be “substantially true” and made reference to the couple’s now infamous row that took place in Australia in 2015, where Depp was filming a fifth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

“It is a sign of the depth of his rage that he admitted scrawling graffiti in blood from his injured finger and then, when that was insufficient, dipping his badly injured finger in paint and continuing to write messages and other things,” the judge said after rendering his final verdict.

Johnny Depp performs with his band, Hollywood Vampires, at Hessentags-Arena in 2016 during the 56th Hessentag in Herborn, Germany. Getty Images
Johnny Depp performs with his band, Hollywood Vampires, at Hessentags-Arena in 2016 during the 56th Hessentag in Herborn, Germany. Getty Images
Depp attends the 'La Hija / The Daughter' premiere during last year's 69th San Sebastian Film Festival in San Sebastian, Spain. Getty Images
Depp attends the 'La Hija / The Daughter' premiere during last year's 69th San Sebastian Film Festival in San Sebastian, Spain. Getty Images
Depp poses for photographers with his girlfriend, Vanessa Paradis, in 1999 after he was honoured with the 2,149th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California. Photo: Online USA / Newsmakers
Depp poses for photographers with his girlfriend, Vanessa Paradis, in 1999 after he was honoured with the 2,149th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California. Photo: Online USA / Newsmakers
Depp attends the Tokyo premiere of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' on July 10, 2006. Getty Images
Depp attends the Tokyo premiere of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' on July 10, 2006. Getty Images
American author and journalist Hunter S Thompson and Depp attend a book party at the Players Club in New York in 1997. Getty Images
American author and journalist Hunter S Thompson and Depp attend a book party at the Players Club in New York in 1997. Getty Images
Depp travels to Belgrade, Serbia, to meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in 2021. Getty Images
Depp travels to Belgrade, Serbia, to meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in 2021. Getty Images
Depp attends the 'Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane Macgowan' premiere during the 68th San Sebastian International Film Festival in San Sebastian, Spain. Getty Images
Depp attends the 'Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane Macgowan' premiere during the 68th San Sebastian International Film Festival in San Sebastian, Spain. Getty Images
Depp and actress Winona Ryder attend the 48th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 19, 1991, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Ron Galella Collection / Getty Images
Depp and actress Winona Ryder attend the 48th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 19, 1991, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Ron Galella Collection / Getty Images
Depp, Benicio Del Toro and model Kate Moss attend a screening of 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' at the 51st Cannes film festival in 1998. AFP
Depp, Benicio Del Toro and model Kate Moss attend a screening of 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' at the 51st Cannes film festival in 1998. AFP
Depp at the 'Alice In Wonderland' Tokyo premiere at Ebisu Garden Place. Getty Images
Depp at the 'Alice In Wonderland' Tokyo premiere at Ebisu Garden Place. Getty Images
Depp lost his 2020 libel case in the UK against News Group Newspapers, publishers of 'The Sun', which called him a 'wife beater'. Getty Images
Depp lost his 2020 libel case in the UK against News Group Newspapers, publishers of 'The Sun', which called him a 'wife beater'. Getty Images
Depp attends the 'Minamata' photo call during the 70th Berlinale International Film Festival at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Berlin, Germany in 2020. Getty Images
Depp attends the 'Minamata' photo call during the 70th Berlinale International Film Festival at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Berlin, Germany in 2020. Getty Images
Depp attends the 'Crock of Gold: A few Rounds with Shane McGowan' premiere in Zurich, Switzerland in 2020. Getty Images
Depp attends the 'Crock of Gold: A few Rounds with Shane McGowan' premiere in Zurich, Switzerland in 2020. Getty Images

“I accept her evidence of the nature of the assaults he committed against her. They must have been terrifying.”

Judge Penney Azcarate on Tuesday rejected a motion from Depp's lawyers to toss out Heard’s $100m counterclaim against Depp, which claims the actor's then-lawyer, Adam Waldman, defamed the actress when he called her abuse allegations “a hoax”.

Ms Azcarate said there is enough evidence to allow it to go forward and had earlier ruled that Depp could be held responsible for statements made by his lawyer — a principle Depp's team disputes.

Depp has denied that he ever struck or abused Heard.

Actor Johnny Depp watches as the jury of 11 men and one woman arrive in the courtroom of Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia. Depp is suing his former wife, Amber Heard, for $50 million, claiming that her accusations of domestic abuse in a 'Washington Post' opinion piece libelled him and caused him to lose work. AFP
Actor Johnny Depp watches as the jury of 11 men and one woman arrive in the courtroom of Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia. Depp is suing his former wife, Amber Heard, for $50 million, claiming that her accusations of domestic abuse in a 'Washington Post' opinion piece libelled him and caused him to lose work. AFP
Actor Amber Heard watches the jury arrive for day 20 of the case. Reuters
Actor Amber Heard watches the jury arrive for day 20 of the case. Reuters
Depp arrives in the courtroom for day 20 of his $50 million defamation suit against his ex-wife. AFP
Depp arrives in the courtroom for day 20 of his $50 million defamation suit against his ex-wife. AFP
Heard arrives to hear day 20 of evidence. AFP
Heard arrives to hear day 20 of evidence. AFP
Richard Moore, a doctor, testified that Depp's severed finger was likely caused by an accordion door or a car door being slammed on it. Reuters
Richard Moore, a doctor, testified that Depp's severed finger was likely caused by an accordion door or a car door being slammed on it. Reuters
Heard listens in the courtroom as jurors see an X-ray of Depp's severed finger. AFP
Heard listens in the courtroom as jurors see an X-ray of Depp's severed finger. AFP
Depp looks at his finger. AFP
Depp looks at his finger. AFP
Depp gestures to the gallery as he leaves for a break. EPA
Depp gestures to the gallery as he leaves for a break. EPA
According to a friend's testimony, Depp called his fans remoras, 'which is a type of suckerfish that attaches itself to the hull of a ship and puts a hole in it and then sinks it'. EPA
According to a friend's testimony, Depp called his fans remoras, 'which is a type of suckerfish that attaches itself to the hull of a ship and puts a hole in it and then sinks it'. EPA
David Spiegel, a psychiatrist, testified that he twice requested a meeting with Depp and was denied. EPA
David Spiegel, a psychiatrist, testified that he twice requested a meeting with Depp and was denied. EPA
Heard arrives in the courtroom after a break. AFP
Heard arrives in the courtroom after a break. AFP
Lawyer Camille Vasquez sits next to Depp in the courtroom. Reuters
Lawyer Camille Vasquez sits next to Depp in the courtroom. Reuters
Dr Spiegel testified that Depp has a 'severe substance abuse disorder'. AFP
Dr Spiegel testified that Depp has a 'severe substance abuse disorder'. AFP
Heard listens in the courtroom. EPA
Heard listens in the courtroom. EPA
Depp’s glasses, beverage and sketchbook in the courtroom. AFP
Depp’s glasses, beverage and sketchbook in the courtroom. AFP
Depp talks to his attorney Ben Chew. EPA
Depp talks to his attorney Ben Chew. EPA
Heard arrives into the courtroom after a break. EPA
Heard arrives into the courtroom after a break. EPA
Producer Kathryn Arnold testified that Depp's lawsuits did not help his waning reputation in Hollywood. AFP
Producer Kathryn Arnold testified that Depp's lawsuits did not help his waning reputation in Hollywood. AFP
Depp carries his notebook and phone in the courtroom. AFP
Depp carries his notebook and phone in the courtroom. AFP
Ms Arnold testified that Depp's 'erratic behaviour' was only part of his undoing in the eyes of studio executives. AFP
Ms Arnold testified that Depp's 'erratic behaviour' was only part of his undoing in the eyes of studio executives. AFP
The court gallery watches as Depp leaves the courtroom. EPA
The court gallery watches as Depp leaves the courtroom. EPA

Despite a parade of expert witnesses and mutual friends giving evidence that Depp’s drug and alcohol abuse turned him into “a monster” and that his consequent behaviour led Hollywood to turn their backs on the star, his legions of fans are sticking with him.

The trial is taking place in Fairfax County, Virginia, about 4,300 kilometres from Depp’s home in Los Angeles, California. He chose to file there as it is the corporate home of The Washington Post, which is owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos.

And every day since the trial began, legions of Depp fans have queued up for an opportunity to be seated in the courtroom, some of them sleeping on the pavement to guarantee their space in line.

Others come dressed in elaborate costumes, such as Tina Rhinehart, a hairdresser from Fairfax, who came as Depp's beloved character Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.

The lifelong Fairfax resident said the trial was the most excitement the Washington suburb had ever seen.

“There has never been anything like this in Fairfax and I don’t think there will be anything like this again. We don’t get movie stars in Fairfax,” Ms Rhinehart told The National.

If they are unable to be admitted, fans gather in the courthouse cafeteria or remain outside in hopes of catching a glimpse of Depp.

Amber Heard at the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2019 in Cannes, France. Getty
Amber Heard at the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2019 in Cannes, France. Getty
Heard attends the 'GQ' Men Of The Year Awards at The Star in Sydney, Australia. Getty
Heard attends the 'GQ' Men Of The Year Awards at The Star in Sydney, Australia. Getty
Heard attends the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. Getty
Heard attends the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. Getty
Heard at the Giffoni Film Festival 2019 in Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy. Getty
Heard at the Giffoni Film Festival 2019 in Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy. Getty
Heard leaves the Martinez Hotel during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in 2019. Getty
Heard leaves the Martinez Hotel during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in 2019. Getty
Heard at the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Getty
Heard at the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Getty
Heard at The Royal Courts of Justice in London, England, in July 2020. Getty
Heard at The Royal Courts of Justice in London, England, in July 2020. Getty
Heard's former husband Johnny Depp sued News Group Newspapers and the 'Sun's' executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an article published in 2018 that referred to him as a 'wife beater' during their marriage. He lost. Getty
Heard's former husband Johnny Depp sued News Group Newspapers and the 'Sun's' executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an article published in 2018 that referred to him as a 'wife beater' during their marriage. He lost. Getty
Heard in Cannes, France. Getty
Heard in Cannes, France. Getty
Heard is countersuing Depp for $100 million. Getty
Heard is countersuing Depp for $100 million. Getty
Jason Momoa and Heard in a scene from the film, 'Aquaman'. Photo: DC Entertainment
Jason Momoa and Heard in a scene from the film, 'Aquaman'. Photo: DC Entertainment
Depp's lawyers called a witness to say that Heard and Momoa did not have on-screen chemistry. Getty
Depp's lawyers called a witness to say that Heard and Momoa did not have on-screen chemistry. Getty
'Aquaman' was the highest-grossing Warner Bros-DC title yet, with a final gross of $1.1 billion worldwide. Getty
'Aquaman' was the highest-grossing Warner Bros-DC title yet, with a final gross of $1.1 billion worldwide. Getty
Several friends of the couple testified that Depp was abusive during their short marriage. Getty
Several friends of the couple testified that Depp was abusive during their short marriage. Getty
Heard in the Fairfax County courtroom. EPA
Heard in the Fairfax County courtroom. EPA

One woman brought her pet alpacas dressed in pirate costumes.

Sophia Kang, a lifelong fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, held a sign reading “Justice for Johnny”. The Fairfax resident was convinced of Depp’s innocence.

“I just hope that Johnny Depp gets the justice he deserves,” she said.

Deep in the recesses of the Fairfax County Circuit Court, three college students sat at a table in the cafeteria gossiping about the trial.

The three young women queued up at 12.45am to get a seat in the courtroom.

Christina Taft of Los Angeles voices her support for actress Amber Heard while standing with a supporter of actor Johnny Depp outside the Fairfax County Court in Fairfax, Virginia. AFP
Christina Taft of Los Angeles voices her support for actress Amber Heard while standing with a supporter of actor Johnny Depp outside the Fairfax County Court in Fairfax, Virginia. AFP

“It was kind of like The Hunger Games,” said one of the young women, who identified herself only as Abigail.

“They told us we weren't allowed to run but everyone just started sprinting, because it was all the way down the other end … it was a madhouse.”

A lone woman, Christina Taft of Los Angeles, holds up a sign supporting Heard. Using a bullhorn, Ms Taft voices her support for women who are the victims of abuse — and when she does, she is quickly surrounded by Depp supporters whose shouts drown her out.

Closing arguments are set for Friday and then the jury, comprised of mostly men, will decide Heard’s fate.

This photo was taken at the Los Angeles courthouse the day Heard filed her domestic violence restraining order against Johnny Depp. AP
This photo was taken at the Los Angeles courthouse the day Heard filed her domestic violence restraining order against Johnny Depp. AP
Evidence showing pictures of injuries to Heard appear on a screen. EPA
Evidence showing pictures of injuries to Heard appear on a screen. EPA
Actor Johnny Depp is seen laying in a hospital after his finger was injured while he and his ex-wife Amber Heard were in Australia in March 2015. Photo: Johnny Depp Legal Team / Reuters
Actor Johnny Depp is seen laying in a hospital after his finger was injured while he and his ex-wife Amber Heard were in Australia in March 2015. Photo: Johnny Depp Legal Team / Reuters
Evidence presented by US actress Amber Heard showing a bald spot in her head. AFP
Evidence presented by US actress Amber Heard showing a bald spot in her head. AFP
Evidence showing US actress Amber Heard's hair she testified was pulled out by her ex-husband Johnny Depp. AFP
Evidence showing US actress Amber Heard's hair she testified was pulled out by her ex-husband Johnny Depp. AFP
Evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard's injuries presented in court. AFP
Evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard's injuries presented in court. AFP
Evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard appear on a screen during a defamation trial. AFP
Evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard appear on a screen during a defamation trial. AFP
More evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard. AFP
More evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard. AFP
Johnny Depp reportedly wrote messages in his own blood to his former wife Amber Heard. EPA
Johnny Depp reportedly wrote messages in his own blood to his former wife Amber Heard. EPA
Pictures of shattered glass presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
Pictures of shattered glass presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
Photo presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
Photo presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
This is a photo of the ping pong table where Amber Heard testified she was sexually assaulted by her former husband Johnny Depp. EPA
This is a photo of the ping pong table where Amber Heard testified she was sexually assaulted by her former husband Johnny Depp. EPA
Johnny Depp's scribblings presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
Johnny Depp's scribblings presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
Evidence appears on a monitor during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial. EPA
Evidence appears on a monitor during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial. EPA
Evidence appears on a monitor during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial.
Evidence appears on a monitor during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial.
A photo of Johnny Depp that Amber Heard says she took of him whilst he was passed out. EPA
A photo of Johnny Depp that Amber Heard says she took of him whilst he was passed out. EPA
Communications presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
Communications presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
Evidence appears on a monitor in the courtroom during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, EPA
Evidence appears on a monitor in the courtroom during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, EPA
More evidence was shared in the courtroom in the US actor Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial. EPA
More evidence was shared in the courtroom in the US actor Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial. EPA
Johnny Depp's emails were submitted as evidence in today's trial. EPA
Johnny Depp's emails were submitted as evidence in today's trial. EPA
An image taken by US actress Amber Heard of her former husband, Johnny Depp, passed out was submitted as trial evidence. EPA
An image taken by US actress Amber Heard of her former husband, Johnny Depp, passed out was submitted as trial evidence. EPA
Johnny Depp testified that these pictures were taken during the period when he had 'fallen off the wagon'. EPA
Johnny Depp testified that these pictures were taken during the period when he had 'fallen off the wagon'. EPA
Evidence shown in today's proceedings. When asked if he would often drink whisky in the morning, Mr Depp replied: “Isn’t happy hour anytime?”
Evidence shown in today's proceedings. When asked if he would often drink whisky in the morning, Mr Depp replied: “Isn’t happy hour anytime?”
US actress Amber Heard reacts as she listens to an audio recording of she and US actor Johhny Depp arguing. AFP
US actress Amber Heard reacts as she listens to an audio recording of she and US actor Johhny Depp arguing. AFP
US actor Johnny Depp testifies during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. EPA
US actor Johnny Depp testifies during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. EPA
US actress Amber Heard during the trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. EPA
US actress Amber Heard during the trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. EPA
Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
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Transgender report
Pakistan T20 series squad

Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shahzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammed Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Amir Yamin, Mohammed Amir (subject to fitness clearance), Rumman Raees, Usman Shinwari, Umar Amin

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
More on this story
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
If you go

The flights

Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Chicago from Dh5,215 return including taxes.

The hotels

Recommended hotels include the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, located in an iconic skyscraper complete with a 1929 Olympic-size swimming pool from US$299 (Dh1,100) per night including taxes, and the Omni Chicago Hotel, an excellent value downtown address with elegant art deco furnishings and an excellent in-house restaurant. Rooms from US$239 (Dh877) per night including taxes. 

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
On Women's Day
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Transgender report
FINAL RESULT

Sharjah Wanderers 20 Dubai Tigers 25 (After extra-time)

Wanderers
Tries: Gormley, Penalty
cons: Flaherty
Pens: Flaherty 2

Tigers
Tries: O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly
Cons: Caldwell 2
Pens: Caldwell, Cross

Tomorrow 2021
Tomorrow 2021
World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Our commentary on Brexit

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
If you go

Flying

Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.

 

Touring

Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com 

Drivers’ championship standings after Singapore:

1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 162
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 138
6. Sergio Perez, Force India - 68

Whiile you're here
ANALYSTS’ TOP PICKS OF SAUDI BANKS IN 2019

Analyst: Aqib Mehboob of Saudi Fransi Capital

Top pick: National Commercial Bank

Reason: It will be at the forefront of project financing for government-led projects

 

Analyst: Shabbir Malik of EFG-Hermes

Top pick: Al Rajhi Bank

Reason: Defensive balance sheet, well positioned in retail segment and positively geared for rising rates

 

Analyst: Chiradeep Ghosh of Sico Bank

Top pick: Arab National Bank

Reason: Attractive valuation and good growth potential in terms of both balance sheet and dividends

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Abramovich London

A Kensington Palace Gardens house with 15 bedrooms is valued at more than £150 million.

A three-storey penthouse at Chelsea Waterfront bought for £22 million.

Steel company Evraz drops more than 10 per cent in trading after UK officials said it was potentially supplying the Russian military.

Sale of Chelsea Football Club is now impossible.

While you're here
The specs: 2018 Audi Q5/SQ5

Price, base: Dh183,900 / Dh249,000
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder /  3.0L, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic / Eight-speed automatic
Power: 252hp @ 5,000rpm / 354hp @ 5,400rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,600rpm / 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy: combined 7.2L / 100km / 8.3L / 100km

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

More on this story
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

Tomorrow 2021

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)

Farage on Muslim Brotherhood

Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.

Fixtures

Sunday, December 8, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v USA

Monday, December 9, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – USA v Scotland

Wednesday, December 11, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v Scotland

Thursday, December 12, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v USA

Saturday, December 14, ICC Academy, Dubai – USA v Scotland

Sunday, December 15, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v Scotland

Note: All matches start at 10am, admission is free

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
While you're here
More from this package
Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

Evacuations to France hit by controversy
  • Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
  • Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
  • The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
  • Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
  • It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
  • Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
  • Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
Zayed Sustainability Prize

Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday

On Women's Day
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more from Janine di Giovanni
See also
$1,000 award for 1,000 days on madrasa portal

Daily cash awards of $1,000 dollars will sweeten the Madrasa e-learning project by tempting more pupils to an education portal to deepen their understanding of math and sciences.

School children are required to watch an educational video each day and answer a question related to it. They then enter into a raffle draw for the $1,000 prize.

“We are targeting everyone who wants to learn. This will be $1,000 for 1,000 days so there will be a winner every day for 1,000 days,” said Sara Al Nuaimi, project manager of the Madrasa e-learning platform that was launched on Tuesday by the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to reach Arab pupils from kindergarten to grade 12 with educational videos.  

“The objective of the Madrasa is to become the number one reference for all Arab students in the world. The 5,000 videos we have online is just the beginning, we have big ambitions. Today in the Arab world there are 50 million students. We want to reach everyone who is willing to learn.”

Updated: May 26, 2022, 1:01 PM`
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