Abu Dhabi last night scooped up some of the most sought-after travel awards in the industry.
Emirates Palace picked up two honours at the World Travel Awards, for the world's leading conference and meetings hotel, and the world's leading presidential suite.
Etihad Airways was named the world's leading airline at the ceremony for the third year in a row. The accolade comes following a year in which Etihad has continued its aggressive expansion.
"Highlights included the launch of seven new international routes, a move into operating profitability and the purchase of a 29.2 per cent stake in airberlin, a landmark deal that enables access to 33 million new passengers in Europe," Etihad said.
The airline also yesterday announced that it had started code-share flights with airberlin. Etihad became airberlin's biggest single shareholder last month.
Airberlin is to operate four flights a week between Berlin and Abu Dhabi starting on Sunday.
"Etihad Airways will place its EY code on these flights, providing European travellers with immediate access to a total of 29 flights a week to and through Abu Dhabi from four German hubs - Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich - with a plan to increase to 42 flights from mid-April," Etihad said.
"Part of the new strategic partnership will see airberlin place its AB code on Etihad Airways flights from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich to Abu Dhabi and on Etihad Airways' flights from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok, Malé and Singapore," Etihad said.
The Abu Dhabi airline also received awards for the world's leading first class and world's leading airline to the Middle East.
Judges in the World Travel Awards, which The Wall Street Journal has described as the "Oscars of the travel industry", consider areas including customer relations, service and business acumen.
"The fact recognition of investment at an industry level is happening should, in my view, be lauded and commended," said Saj Ahmad, the chief analyst at StrategicAero Research. "It is a recognised industry award. If nothing else, Etihad winning again shows how far ahead it has come."
The Kempinski Mall of the Emirates hotel in Dubai was named the world's leading leisure hotel and the world's leading shopping centre hotel.
rbundhun@thenational.ae
6.30pm Meydan Classic Trial US$100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
Winner Bella Fever, Dane O’Neill (jockey), Mike de Kock (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Woven, Harry Bentley, David Simcock.
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner Fore Left, William Buick, Doug O’Neill.
8.15pm Dubai Sprint Listed Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Rusumaat, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group Two $450,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Art Du Val, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
10pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Beyond Reason, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
