Pawan Singh / The National
Pawan Singh / The National
Pawan Singh / The National
Pawan Singh / The National

UAE credit card costs to watch out for


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Minimum balance trap

Most people understand that paying only the minimum balance can cost you thousands of dirhams in interest very quickly. But what are the consequences of not paying the minimum balance? Apart from interest on the full amount spiralling, you will be charged a late fee – and going forward, you could also see a black mark on your Al Etihad Credit Bureau credit report – and any other debt you apply for will become more expensive. Also, if you have an introductory or discounted interest rate, a missed payment could lead to the bank withdrawing the deal.

Cash fees

This is a trap many fall into. Using your credit card, rather than a debit card, to withdraw cash can hit you in two ways – you will pay a cash advance fee of around 3 per cent and you will pay a cash advance interest rate of about 3 per cent, with interest starting to accrue from the day of withdrawal.

Forex fees

On top of cash fees, using your credit card overseas will attract a foreign currency processing fee of anywhere from 1 to 3 per cent, and a flat conversion fee of about Dh20.

Credit Shield

This can cost you 0.5 to 1 per cent of your monthly outstanding balance. When you apply for a card be sure to explicitly refuse it, if you do not feel you need this protection, and keep an eye on your statement. However, having a credit shield can be useful – it will clear some or all of the outstanding balance on your card, often to a maximum level, in the event of your death, permanent disability or even unemployment or hospital stay. Again, before accepting it, check what is covered and to what level by your bank.

Monthly fee

Instead of interest, Islamic or Sharia-compliant credit cards bear a (non-compounding) profit rate or a monthly fee (in addition to any annual fee) – make sure to check for either of these when choosing your card if you’re not familiar with Islamic finance. This is charged when your balance is not paid off in full.

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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
The Bio

Name: Lynn Davison

Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi

Children: She has one son, Casey, 28

Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite Author: CJ Sansom

Favourite holiday destination: Bali

Favourite food: A Sunday roast

While you're here
UAE squad

Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.

The specs

Engine: 5.2-litre V10

Power: 640hp at 8,000rpm

Torque: 565Nm at 6,500rpm

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto

Price: From Dh1 million

On sale: Q3 or Q4 2022 

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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
 

High profile Al Shabab attacks
  • 2010: A restaurant attack in Kampala Uganda kills 74 people watching a Fifa World Cup final football match.
  • 2013: The Westgate shopping mall attack, 62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers and four gunmen are killed.
  • 2014: A series of bombings and shootings across Kenya sees scores of civilians killed.
  • 2015: Four gunmen attack Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya and take over 700 students hostage, killing those who identified as Christian; 148 die and 79 more are injured.
  • 2016: An attack on a Kenyan military base in El Adde Somalia kills 180 soldiers.
  • 2017: A suicide truck bombing outside the Safari Hotel in Mogadishu kills 587 people and destroys several city blocks, making it the deadliest attack by the group and the worst in Somalia’s history.
How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

The Uefa Awards winners

Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)

Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League

Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)

Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)

Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona