Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, a suburb 40 kilometres east of Johannesburg, and moved to the US almost 30 years ago. AFP
Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, a suburb 40 kilometres east of Johannesburg, and moved to the US almost 30 years ago. AFP
Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, a suburb 40 kilometres east of Johannesburg, and moved to the US almost 30 years ago. AFP
Charlize Theron was born in Benoni, a suburb 40 kilometres east of Johannesburg, and moved to the US almost 30 years ago. AFP

Culture

Pop Culture

Charlize Theron criticised for saying Afrikaans is 'a dying language'

The Oscar-winner has sparked controversy in her native South Africa

AFP

November 18, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Oscar-winner Charlize Theron has sparked a firestorm in her native South Africa for suggesting that Afrikaans, a language descended from Dutch settlers, was heading for oblivion.

"There's about 44 people still speaking it — it's definitely a dying language, it's not a very helpful language," the actress, 47, said this week on US podcast Smartless.

By Thursday, South Africans had taken to Twitter to voice outrage or support.

"Wow what a disrespectful comment to the millions of South Africans of all ages, races...that speak Afrikaans as their first language," said one Twitter user.

"Thank you Charlize Theron - that...racist language is dying and shouldn't even be recognized," said another, in contrast.

One of 11 official languages in South Africa, Afrikaans is commonly used by about 12 per cent of the population of nearly 60 million.

Laws imposing Afrikaans played a role in the oppression of black citizens during the apartheid era, and the language remains controversial in some sectors of society today.

A lawmaker from the opposition leftist Economic Freedom Fighters party tweeted in support of Theron's remarks, but the Freedom Front Plus, a small rightwing and predominantly white Afrikaner party, said she was misguided.

"She is not up to date with what is going on in her country of birth," it said in a statement.

The Hollywood star was born in Benoni, a suburb 40 kilometres east of Johannesburg, and moved to the US almost 30 years ago.

She said she didn't speak English until she was 19 because "nobody" in her predominantly Afrikaans neighbourhood spoke it.

Afrikaans is descended from Dutch spoken by settlers who began to arrive in South Africa in the mid-17th century.

Its centuries-long history in South Africa has sparked debate as to whether it should be considered an indigenous or imported language.

It is the country's third-most spoken language after Zulu, which is used by about 25 per cent of the population, and Xhosa, spoken by nearly 15 per cent, according to official statistics.

In 2020, a court overturned a decision by one of South Africa's largest universities, the University of South Africa, to abolish classes taught in Afrikaans.

Charlize Theron's style evolution in 63 photos: from 'Monster' to 'Mad Max' — in pictures

Charlize Theron, in a red ribbed dress, attends the premiere of 'The Devil's Advocate' in Westwood, California, on October 13, 1997. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a red ribbed dress, attends the premiere of 'The Devil's Advocate' in Westwood, California, on October 13, 1997. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a striped knee-length dress, attends the 46th annual BMI Pop Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on May 12, 1998. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a striped knee-length dress, attends the 46th annual BMI Pop Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on May 12, 1998. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a knitted metallic two-piece, attends the premiere of 'A Bright Shining Lie' in Los Angeles, California, on May 20, 1998. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a knitted metallic two-piece, attends the premiere of 'A Bright Shining Lie' in Los Angeles, California, on May 20, 1998. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a strapless LBD, attends the 26th annual People's Choice Awards in Pasadena, California, on January 9, 2000. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a strapless LBD, attends the 26th annual People's Choice Awards in Pasadena, California, on January 9, 2000. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in an embroidered slip dress, attends the 6th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on March 12, 2000 in Beverly Hills, California. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in an embroidered slip dress, attends the 6th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on March 12, 2000 in Beverly Hills, California. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Vera Wang, attends the 72nd annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on March 26, 2000. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Vera Wang, attends the 72nd annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on March 26, 2000. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a three-piece suit, attends a screening of 'Men of Honour' on October 22, 2000 at the United Artists Theatre in New York, US. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a three-piece suit, attends a screening of 'Men of Honour' on October 22, 2000 at the United Artists Theatre in New York, US. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a floral slip dress, attends the premiere of 'The Legend of Bagger Vance' in New York, US, on October 29, 2000. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a floral slip dress, attends the premiere of 'The Legend of Bagger Vance' in New York, US, on October 29, 2000. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Armani, and Keanu Reeves attend the 58th annual Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California, on January 21, 2001. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Armani, and Keanu Reeves attend the 58th annual Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California, on January 21, 2001. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in white tailoring, attends the premiere of 'Sweet November' on February 12, 2001 in Westwood, California. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in white tailoring, attends the premiere of 'Sweet November' on February 12, 2001 in Westwood, California. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in an off-shoulder knit, attends a photo call for 'The Italian Job' at the 29th American Film Festival of Deauville on September 12, 2003 in Deauville, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in an off-shoulder knit, attends a photo call for 'The Italian Job' at the 29th American Film Festival of Deauville on September 12, 2003 in Deauville, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Ralph Lauren, attends the premiere of 'The Italian Job' at the 29th American Film Festival of Deauville on September 12, 2003 in Deauville, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Ralph Lauren, attends the premiere of 'The Italian Job' at the 29th American Film Festival of Deauville on September 12, 2003 in Deauville, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Douglas Hannant, attends the premiere of 'The Italian Job' at the Empire Leicester Square on September 15, 2003 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Douglas Hannant, attends the premiere of 'The Italian Job' at the Empire Leicester Square on September 15, 2003 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a metallic gown, attends the Irish Film and Television Awards at the Burlington Hotel on November 1, 2003 in Dublin, Ireland. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a metallic gown, attends the Irish Film and Television Awards at the Burlington Hotel on November 1, 2003 in Dublin, Ireland. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a sequinned skirt and vest, attends a photo call at the 54th annual Berlinale International Film Festival on February 8, 2004 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a sequinned skirt and vest, attends a photo call at the 54th annual Berlinale International Film Festival on February 8, 2004 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a halterneck gown, arrives for a screening of 'Monster' at the 54th annual Berlinale International Film Festival on February 8, 2004 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a halterneck gown, arrives for a screening of 'Monster' at the 54th annual Berlinale International Film Festival on February 8, 2004 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Tom Ford for Gucci, and Stuart Townsend arrive at the 76th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on February 29, 2004. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Tom Ford for Gucci, and Stuart Townsend arrive at the 76th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on February 29, 2004. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the closing night ceremony of the 57th Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2004 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the closing night ceremony of the 57th Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2004 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 77th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on February 27, 2005. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 77th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on February 27, 2005. EPA
Charlize Theron, in a white gown and tailored coat, arrives at the Goldene Kamera Awards at the Axel Springer building on February 2, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a white gown and tailored coat, arrives at the Goldene Kamera Awards at the Axel Springer building on February 2, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Versace, arrives at the premiere for 'North Country' at the Warner Village Moderno Cinema on February 6, 2006 in Rome, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Versace, arrives at the premiere for 'North Country' at the Warner Village Moderno Cinema on February 6, 2006 in Rome, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Lanvin, attends the Baftas at the Odeon Leicester Square on February 19, 2006 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Lanvin, attends the Baftas at the Odeon Leicester Square on February 19, 2006 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 78th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on March 5, 2006. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 78th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on March 5, 2006. EPA
Charlize Theron, in a lace mini, attends the 'In The Valley of Elah' photo call during the 64th Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2007 in Venice, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a lace mini, attends the 'In The Valley of Elah' photo call during the 64th Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2007 in Venice, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Versace, attends the 'In The Valley of Elah' premiere during the 64th Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2007 in Venice, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Versace, attends the 'In The Valley of Elah' premiere during the 64th Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2007 in Venice, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a V-necked midi, attends the premiere of 'Hancock' on June 16, 2008 at L'Olympia Hall in Paris, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a V-necked midi, attends the premiere of 'Hancock' on June 16, 2008 at L'Olympia Hall in Paris, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a textured floral dress, attends the opening ceremony of the International Moscow Film Festival on June 19, 2008 in Moscow, Russia. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in a textured floral dress, attends the opening ceremony of the International Moscow Film Festival on June 19, 2008 in Moscow, Russia. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Givenchy, arrives at the 65th Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2008 in Venice, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Givenchy, arrives at the 65th Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2008 in Venice, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Versace, attends 'The Burning Plain' premiere at the Sala Grande during the 65th Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2008 in Venice, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Versace, attends 'The Burning Plain' premiere at the Sala Grande during the 65th Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2008 in Venice, Italy. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Lanvin, attends 'The Burning Plain' premiere at Publicis Drugstore on March 2, 2009 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Lanvin, attends 'The Burning Plain' premiere at Publicis Drugstore on March 2, 2009 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 82nd Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 7, 2010. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 82nd Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 7, 2010. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the Dior Cruise fashion show on May 15, 2010 in Shanghai, China. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the Dior Cruise fashion show on May 15, 2010 in Shanghai, China. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 69th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 2012. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 69th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 2012. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Stella McCartney, attends the 'Prometheus' photo call at Cinema Gaumont Marignan on April 11, 2012 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Stella McCartney, attends the 'Prometheus' photo call at Cinema Gaumont Marignan on April 11, 2012 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the premiere of 'Snow White and the Huntsman' at the Empire and Odeon Leicester Square on May 14, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the premiere of 'Snow White and the Huntsman' at the Empire and Odeon Leicester Square on May 14, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Giambattista Valli, attends a photo call for 'Snow White and the Huntsman' at Casa de America on May 17, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Giambattista Valli, attends a photo call for 'Snow White and the Huntsman' at Casa de America on May 17, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the premiere of 'Prometheus' at Empire Leicester Square on May 31, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the premiere of 'Prometheus' at Empire Leicester Square on May 31, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Gucci, attends the Cinema for Peace Gala during the 63rd Berlinale International Film Festival at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on February 9, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Gucci, attends the Cinema for Peace Gala during the 63rd Berlinale International Film Festival at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on February 9, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives at the 85th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 24, 2013. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives at the 85th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 24, 2013. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives for the Met Gala at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, US, on May 5, 2014. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives for the Met Gala at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, US, on May 5, 2014. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Stella McCartney, attends a photo call for 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' on May 27, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Stella McCartney, attends a photo call for 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' on May 27, 2014 in London, England. Getty Images
Sean Penn and Charlize Theron, in Dior, attend the Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion Week on July 7, 2014 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Sean Penn and Charlize Theron, in Dior, attend the Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion Week on July 7, 2014 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Sean Penn and Charlize Theron, in Halston, attend the premiere of 'The Gunman' at BFI Southbank on February 16, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
Sean Penn and Charlize Theron, in Halston, attend the premiere of 'The Gunman' at BFI Southbank on February 16, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Valentino, attends a photo call for 'Mad Max: Fury Road' during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2015 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Valentino, attends a photo call for 'Mad Max: Fury Road' during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2015 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the premiere of 'Mad Max: Fury Road' during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2015 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the premiere of 'Mad Max: Fury Road' during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2015 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives for the 88th annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 28, 2016. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives for the 88th annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 28, 2016. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Givenchy, attends 'The Last Face' photo call during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2016 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Givenchy, attends 'The Last Face' photo call during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2016 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends 'The Last Face' premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2016 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends 'The Last Face' premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2016 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Gucci, attends a 'Fast & Furious 8' photo call at Villamagna Hotel on April 6, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Gucci, attends a 'Fast & Furious 8' photo call at Villamagna Hotel on April 6, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the Chopard Trophy gala at Hotel Martinez on May 22, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the Chopard Trophy gala at Hotel Martinez on May 22, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 70th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 23, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 70th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 23, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the premiere of 'Atomic Blonde' at the Theatre am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany, on July 17, 2017. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the premiere of 'Atomic Blonde' at the Theatre am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany, on July 17, 2017. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 'Gringo' premiere in Los Angeles, California, on March 6, 2018. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 'Gringo' premiere in Los Angeles, California, on March 6, 2018. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 76th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on January 6, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 76th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on January 6, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives for the 91st annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 24, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives for the 91st annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 24, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Givenchy, attends a 'Long Shot' screening at Curzon Cinema Mayfair on April 25, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Givenchy, attends a 'Long Shot' screening at Curzon Cinema Mayfair on April 25, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Louis Vuitton, attends the 26th annual Elle Women in Hollywood event in Beverly Hills, California, on October 14, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Louis Vuitton, attends the 26th annual Elle Women in Hollywood event in Beverly Hills, California, on October 14, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the American Cinematheque Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California, on November 8, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the American Cinematheque Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California, on November 8, 2019. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Celine, attends the 25th annual Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Celine, attends the 25th annual Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall on February 2, 2020 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall on February 2, 2020 in London, England. Getty Images
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party following the 92nd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on February 9, 2020. EPA
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 'F9' premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 18, 2021 in Hollywood, California. AFP
Charlize Theron, in Dior, attends the 'F9' premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 18, 2021 in Hollywood, California. AFP
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%3Cp%3EElena%20Rybakina%20(Kazakhstan)%3Cbr%3EOns%20Jabeur%20(Tunisia)%3Cbr%3EMaria%20Sakkari%20(Greece)%3Cbr%3EBarbora%20Krej%C4%8D%C3%ADkov%C3%A1%20(Czech%20Republic)%3Cbr%3EBeatriz%20Haddad%20Maia%20(Brazil)%3Cbr%3EJe%C4%BCena%20Ostapenko%20(Latvia)%3Cbr%3ELiudmila%20Samsonova%3Cbr%3EDaria%20Kasatkina%3Cbr%3EVeronika%20Kudermetova%3Cbr%3ECaroline%20Garcia%20(France)%3Cbr%3EMagda%20Linette%20(Poland)%3Cbr%3ESorana%20C%C3%AErstea%20(Romania)%3Cbr%3EAnastasia%20Potapova%3Cbr%3EAnhelina%20Kalinina%20(Ukraine)%3Cbr%3EJasmine%20Paolini%20(Italy)%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Navarro%20(USA)%3Cbr%3ELesia%20Tsurenko%20(Ukraine)%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Raducanu%20(Great%20Britain)%20%E2%80%93%20wildcard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
SUCCESSION%20SEASON%204%20EPISODE%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreated%20by%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJesse%20Armstrong%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Brian%20Cox%2C%20Jeremy%20Strong%2C%20Kieran%20Culkin%2C%20Sarah%20Snook%2C%20Nicholas%20Braun%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Profile of Bitex UAE

Date of launch: November 2018

Founder: Monark Modi

Based: Business Bay, Dubai

Sector: Financial services

Size: Eight employees

Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings

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
What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

While you're here
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh122,745

On sale: now

The Matrix Resurrections

Director: Lana Wachowski

Stars:  Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick 

Rating:****

Top 10 most polluted cities
  1. Bhiwadi, India
  2. Ghaziabad, India
  3. Hotan, China
  4. Delhi, India
  5. Jaunpur, India
  6. Faisalabad, Pakistan
  7. Noida, India
  8. Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  9. Peshawar, Pakistan
  10. Bagpat, India
Meghan%20podcast
%3Cp%3EMeghan%20Markle%2C%20the%20wife%20of%20Prince%20Harry%2C%20launched%20her%20long-awaited%20podcast%20Tuesday%2C%20with%20tennis%20megastar%20Serena%20Williams%20as%20the%20first%20guest.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20Duchess%20of%20Sussex%20said%20the%2012-part%20series%2C%20called%20%22Archetypes%2C%22%20--%20a%20play%20on%20the%20name%20of%20the%20couple's%20oldest%20child%2C%20Archie%20--%20would%20explore%20the%20female%20experience.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ELast%20year%20the%20couple%20told%20Oprah%20Winfrey%20that%20life%20inside%20%22The%20Firm%22%20had%20been%20miserable%2C%20and%20that%20they%20had%20experienced%20racism.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%22I%20don't%20ever%20remember%20personally%20feeling%20the%20negative%20connotation%20behind%20the%20word%20ambitious%2C%20until%20I%20started%20dating%20my%20now-husband%2C%22%20she%20told%20the%20tennis%20champion.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega

Director: Tim Burton

Rating: 3/5

Ferrari
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WHAT%20START-UPS%20IS%20VISA%20SEEKING%3F
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More from Con Coughlin
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On Women's Day
On Women's Day

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

No Shame

Lily Allen

(Parlophone)

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Game is on BeIN Sports

The 12 breakaway clubs

England

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus

Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

'Will%20of%20the%20People'
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Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDirect%20Debit%20System%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sept%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20with%20a%20subsidiary%20in%20the%20UK%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elaine%20Jones%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Seven tips from Emirates NBD

1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details

2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet

3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details

4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure

5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs  (one-time passwords) with third parties

6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies

7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately

Titanium Escrow profile

Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue  
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family

Getting%20there%20
%3Cp%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenationalnews.com%2Ftravel%2F2023%2F01%2F12%2Fwhat-does-it-take-to-be-cabin-crew-at-one-of-the-worlds-best-airlines-in-2023%2F%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EEtihad%20Airways%20%3C%2Fa%3Eflies%20daily%20to%20the%20Maldives%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%20The%20journey%20takes%20four%20hours%20and%20return%20fares%20start%20from%20Dh3%2C995.%20Opt%20for%20the%203am%20flight%20and%20you%E2%80%99ll%20land%20at%206am%2C%20giving%20you%20the%20entire%20day%20to%20adjust%20to%20island%20time.%20%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERound%20trip%20speedboat%20transfers%20to%20the%20resort%20are%20bookable%20via%20Anantara%20and%20cost%20%24265%20per%20person.%20%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances

All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.

Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.

Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.

Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.

Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.

Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

Updated: November 18, 2022, 3:34 AM
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