• Jorge Silva, 47, from Buenos Aires, is worried about being able to go to the Spain-Japan game because of confusion over the Hayya card. Nick Webster / The National
    Jorge Silva, 47, from Buenos Aires, is worried about being able to go to the Spain-Japan game because of confusion over the Hayya card. Nick Webster / The National
  • Fans queue for information outside the Hayya information centre in Doha. Sarah Forster / The National
    Fans queue for information outside the Hayya information centre in Doha. Sarah Forster / The National
  • Some fans are complaining that the Hayya app is not working properly. Sarah Forster / The National
    Some fans are complaining that the Hayya app is not working properly. Sarah Forster / The National
  • A Wales fan shows an error with their match ticket on the Hayya Qatar 2022 app for the World Cup match against USA at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. PA
    A Wales fan shows an error with their match ticket on the Hayya Qatar 2022 app for the World Cup match against USA at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. PA
  • England fan Paul Bine with the Hayya card that did not help him gain entry to Khalifa International Stadium for the World Cup tussle with Iran. Andy Scott / The National
    England fan Paul Bine with the Hayya card that did not help him gain entry to Khalifa International Stadium for the World Cup tussle with Iran. Andy Scott / The National

World Cup 2022: Hayya card issues leave football fans in limbo over travel to Qatar


  • English
  • Arabic

Football fans were left venting their frustration after being unable to fly into Qatar for the World Cup despite having Hayya cards.

Anyone travelling to Qatar during the tournament must possess the mandatory document for World Cup players, officials, staff, media, ticket holders and their guests.

Organisers said applications for international fans should take five calendar days for preliminary approval, subject to photo and passport copy quality compliance, and up to an additional 24 hours for accommodation confirmation, depending on its type.

We were even told to call Fifa in Switzerland for an update. They were very confused when we called them and that got us nowhere
David,
football fan, Abu Dhabi

The card offers free metro and bus travel in Doha.

From December 2, fans without tickets will be allowed to enter Qatar but still need to apply for a Hayya card, it was announced this month.

Fears of losing everything

However, many are experiencing confusion and frustration over delays in processing the Hayya card application — despite holding valid match tickets.

“I bought a ticket to go to the England game against Wales earlier in the week but am still awaiting clearance to travel and it’s just over 24 hours away,” said Dubai resident Hughie Bigley, 60, who runs a furniture manufacturing company in the emirate.

“My accommodation has not been cleared on the Hayya system yet, which is absolutely insane.

“I am due to fly over on Friday afternoon, with the match later that evening, but if the clearance doesn’t come through then I will have lost absolutely everything.”

The Englishman said he paid Dh9,000 ($2,450) for the flights to and from Doha, which he is worried will be wasted money if official clearance does not come through in time.

“I have gone to two previous World Cups in Russia and Japan and there was never anything like this,” he said.

“It’s a complete contrast to how smoothly Dubai ran the Expo when they had millions of visitors with no such issues.”

Another UAE resident is also worried he will miss out on the game he bought tickets for weeks ago.

“My friend in Doha transferred me his ticket three weeks ago for the Iran-Wales game as his wife is pregnant,” said David, a lawyer in Abu Dhabi who did not want to give his full name.

“It all came through OK on the Fifa app — that was all very smooth — the problem came when I tried to apply for the Hayya mobile application I need to get into Qatar.

“I had an error message saying my ticket apportion number was not valid. I could not get past the first step and there was no explanation why it didn’t work.

“I called the Hayya help centre twice a day for a week before I could get any clarity on where the issue was.”

  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. PA
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. PA
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Reuters
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Reuters
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Getty Images
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Getty Images
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Reuters
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Reuters
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. AFP
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. AFP
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. AP Photo
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. AP Photo
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. EPA
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. EPA
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Getty Images
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Getty Images
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Reuters
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Reuters
  • Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. AP Photo
    Saudi fans celebrate after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. AP Photo

As his friend’s wife had started the Hayya application but left it incomplete, a block had been placed on any associated tickets.

David was unable to pair his ticket with a Hayya app until the initial application from his friend’s wife had been completed, and then cancelled.

“She could not cancel anything until she had completed her Hayya application,” said David.

“The Hayya portal would not let her change her application, which caused a problem and her photo was not clear enough and the system would not accept another photo.

“She eventually got an SMS to upload the required documents, but we heard nothing and we were in a death-loop of administration about whether we could book flights or not.

“We were even told to call Fifa in Switzerland for an update. They were very confused when we called them and that got us nowhere.

“Our emails were ghosted and we just had to keep calling and were kept on hold for ages.

“I’m sure there are lots of people in the same position who have bought tickets on the secondary market in good faith but will struggle to activate their tickets.”

Issues in Doha

Fans on the ground are also experiencing frustration with finding information about their tickets.

“The problem is that no one here speaks Spanish, in all the shops or restaurants,” said Jorge Silva from Buenos Aires, 47, who works for Fischer and is a member of the second division Racing Club in the Argentinian capital.

“There are lots of people here from Spanish-speaking countries who don’t speak English and they can’t explain themselves properly at the Hayya help desk.

“They should have at least three different language speakers at each desk.”

Mr Silva has a ticket for the Spain v Japan game on December 1.

“I had a problem with my ticket. I bought it from my friend and received an email with the ticket on it but it doesn’t appear on my app,” he said.

“It has disappeared. He doesn’t have it and neither do I, so I am in limbo.

“They said to come back to the resolution centre tomorrow to try to sort it out. I’m here in Doha until December 10, I flew here via Madrid from Buenos Aires.”

Fifa World Cup 2022 day five - in pictures

  • Brazil's Richarlison scores with a bicycle kick in the match against Serbia at Lusail Stadium. EPA
    Brazil's Richarlison scores with a bicycle kick in the match against Serbia at Lusail Stadium. EPA
  • Richarlison celebrates with his teammates. Reuters
    Richarlison celebrates with his teammates. Reuters
  • The swollen ankle of Brazil forward Neymar, taken as he leaves the field at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G football match between Brazil and Serbia. AFP
    The swollen ankle of Brazil forward Neymar, taken as he leaves the field at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G football match between Brazil and Serbia. AFP
  • The group G match beteen Brazil and Servia at Lusail Stadium. Reuters
    The group G match beteen Brazil and Servia at Lusail Stadium. Reuters
  • Brazil fans are piling into Lusail Stadium in central Doha. PA
    Brazil fans are piling into Lusail Stadium in central Doha. PA
  • Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's first goal during Portugal's 3-2 over Ghana. He broke another record by becoming the only player to score in five World Cup tournaments. AFP
    Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's first goal during Portugal's 3-2 over Ghana. He broke another record by becoming the only player to score in five World Cup tournaments. AFP
  • Rafael Leao, left, scores his team's third goal past Lawrence Ati-Zigi, right. AFP
    Rafael Leao, left, scores his team's third goal past Lawrence Ati-Zigi, right. AFP
  • Ghana captain Andre Ayew, centre, celebrates after scoring the equaliser at 1-1. AFP
    Ghana captain Andre Ayew, centre, celebrates after scoring the equaliser at 1-1. AFP
  • Portugal's Joao Felix celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters
    Portugal's Joao Felix celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters
  • Fans cheer prior to the start of the Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at the Stadium 974. AP Photo
    Fans cheer prior to the start of the Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at the Stadium 974. AP Photo
  • Portugal's captain and talisman striker Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction to World Cups. He's scored in his previous four; now he's looking to break the record and make it five. AP
    Portugal's captain and talisman striker Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction to World Cups. He's scored in his previous four; now he's looking to break the record and make it five. AP
  • Young fans are ready to roar on Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974. AP
    Young fans are ready to roar on Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974. AP
  • Ghana fans are in the stands for the Group H tie. Getty Images
    Ghana fans are in the stands for the Group H tie. Getty Images
  • Son Heung-min couldn't help South Korea break the deadlock as their Group H opener against Uruguay ended 0-0. Getty Images
    Son Heung-min couldn't help South Korea break the deadlock as their Group H opener against Uruguay ended 0-0. Getty Images
  • Lee Jae-sung faces off against Uruguay's Rodrigo Bentancur. AFP
    Lee Jae-sung faces off against Uruguay's Rodrigo Bentancur. AFP
  • Uruguayan goalkeeper Sebastian Sosa's lion tattoo. Getty Images
    Uruguayan goalkeeper Sebastian Sosa's lion tattoo. Getty Images
  • South Korea fans are gathering for the Group H match against Uruguay at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, west of Doha. AFP
    South Korea fans are gathering for the Group H match against Uruguay at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, west of Doha. AFP
  • Cameroon's Nouhou Tolo couldn't help inspire his team to victory over Switerland, who ended up 1-0 winners. AFP
    Cameroon's Nouhou Tolo couldn't help inspire his team to victory over Switerland, who ended up 1-0 winners. AFP
  • Switzerland's Breel Embolo scores his side's opening goal against Cameroon, which proved to be the decisive winner. AP Photo
    Switzerland's Breel Embolo scores his side's opening goal against Cameroon, which proved to be the decisive winner. AP Photo
  • Martin Hongla for Cameroon. AFP
    Martin Hongla for Cameroon. AFP
  • Good news for England fans as captain and talisman striker Harry Kane, right, trains. He suffered an ankle injury during their opening 6-2 victory on Monday. PA
    Good news for England fans as captain and talisman striker Harry Kane, right, trains. He suffered an ankle injury during their opening 6-2 victory on Monday. PA
  • One Cameroon fan puts his faith in God while cheering on his team. AFP
    One Cameroon fan puts his faith in God while cheering on his team. AFP
  • Switzerland supporters ahead of their Group G game against Cameroon. AFP
    Switzerland supporters ahead of their Group G game against Cameroon. AFP
  • An aerial view of Switzerland players warming up ahead of the game. AFP
    An aerial view of Switzerland players warming up ahead of the game. AFP
  • Switzerland supporters celebrate their country's dairy heritage by wearing cow costumes for the match against Cameroon. AFP
    Switzerland supporters celebrate their country's dairy heritage by wearing cow costumes for the match against Cameroon. AFP
  • Cameroon fans wait for the start of their match against Switzerland. AFP
    Cameroon fans wait for the start of their match against Switzerland. AFP
  • Switzerland's players warm up. AFP
    Switzerland's players warm up. AFP
  • Cameroon defender Christopher Wooh traps the ball during the warm up for the Group G match against Switzerland. AFP
    Cameroon defender Christopher Wooh traps the ball during the warm up for the Group G match against Switzerland. AFP
THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

EXPATS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lulu%20Wang%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nicole%20Kidman%2C%20Sarayu%20Blue%2C%20Ji-young%20Yoo%2C%20Brian%20Tee%2C%20Jack%20Huston%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results

6pm: Dubai Trophy – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m 

Winner: Silent Speech, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby
(trainer) 

6.35pm: Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m 

Winner: Island Falcon, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor 

7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Dirt)
1,400m 

Winner: Rawy, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer 

7.45pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m 

Winner: Desert Fire, Hector Crouch, Saeed bin Suroor 

8.20pm: Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m 

Winner: Naval Crown, William Buick, Charlie Appleby 

8.55pm: Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m 

Winner: Al Tariq, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watsons 

9.30pm: Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m 

Winner: Dubai Icon, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor  

Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Federer's 11 Wimbledon finals

2003 Beat Mark Philippoussis

2004 Beat Andy Roddick

2005 Beat Andy Roddick

2006 Beat Rafael Nadal

2007 Beat Rafael Nadal

2008 Lost to Rafael Nadal

2009 Beat Andy Roddick

2012 Beat Andy Murray

2014 Lost to Novak Djokovic

2015 Lost to Novak Djokovic

2017 Beat Marin Cilic

Representing%20UAE%20overseas
%3Cp%3E%0DIf%20Catherine%20Richards%20debuts%20for%20Wales%20in%20the%20Six%20Nations%2C%20she%20will%20be%20the%20latest%20to%20have%20made%20it%20from%20the%20UAE%20to%20the%20top%20tier%20of%20the%20international%20game%20in%20the%20oval%20ball%20codes.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESeren%20Gough-Walters%20(Wales%20rugby%20league)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBorn%20in%20Dubai%2C%20raised%20in%20Sharjah%2C%20and%20once%20an%20immigration%20officer%20at%20the%20British%20Embassy%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20she%20debuted%20for%20Wales%20in%20rugby%20league%20in%202021.%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESophie%20Shams%20(England%20sevens)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EWith%20an%20Emirati%20father%20and%20English%20mother%2C%20Shams%20excelled%20at%20rugby%20at%20school%20in%20Dubai%2C%20and%20went%20on%20to%20represent%20England%20on%20the%20sevens%20circuit.%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFiona%20Reidy%20(Ireland)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMade%20her%20Test%20rugby%20bow%20for%20Ireland%20against%20England%20in%202015%2C%20having%20played%20for%20four%20years%20in%20the%20capital%20with%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20previously.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

Ukraine%20exports
%3Cp%3EPresident%20Volodymyr%20Zelenskyy%20has%20overseen%20grain%20being%20loaded%20for%20export%20onto%20a%20Turkish%20ship%20following%20a%20deal%20with%20Russia%20brokered%20by%20the%20UN%20and%20Turkey.%3Cbr%3E%22The%20first%20vessel%2C%20the%20first%20ship%20is%20being%20loaded%20since%20the%20beginning%20of%20the%20war.%20This%20is%20a%20Turkish%20vessel%2C%22%20Zelensky%20said%2C%20adding%20exports%20could%20start%20in%20%22the%20coming%20days%22%20under%20the%20plan%20aimed%20at%20getting%20millions%20of%20tonnes%20of%20Ukrainian%20grain%20stranded%20by%20Russia's%20naval%20blockade%20to%20world%20markets.%3Cbr%3E%22Our%20side%20is%20fully%20prepared%2C%22%20he%20said.%20%22We%20sent%20all%20the%20signals%20to%20our%20partners%20--%20the%20UN%20and%20Turkey%2C%20and%20our%20military%20guarantees%20the%20security%20situation.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands

50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias

Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

WWE World Heavyweight Championship AJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura

Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe

United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal

SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos

Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt

Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho

Singles match John Cena v Triple H

Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v tba

 

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 582bhp

Torque: 730Nm

Price: Dh649,000

On sale: now  

US tops drug cost charts

The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.

Thailand, Kenya and Malaysia were rated as nations with the lowest costs, about 90 per cent cheaper.

In the case of insulin, diabetic patients in the US paid five and a half times the global average, while in the UAE the costs are about 50 per cent higher than the median price of branded and generic drugs.

Some of the costliest drugs worldwide include Lipitor for high cholesterol. 

The study’s price index placed the US at an exorbitant 2,170 per cent higher for Lipitor than the average global price and the UAE at the eighth spot globally with costs 252 per cent higher.

High blood pressure medication Zestril was also more than 2,680 per cent higher in the US and the UAE price was 187 per cent higher than the global price.

'Jurassic%20World%20Dominion'
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Colin%20Trevorrow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Sam%20Neill%2C%20Laura%20Dern%2C%20Jeff%20Goldblum%2C%20Bryce%20Dallas%20Howard%2C%20Chris%20Pratt%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The story in numbers

18

This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens

450,000

More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps

1.5 million

There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m

73

The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association

18,000

The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme

77,400

The number of people believed to be affected by the current nationality law, according to the 2009 UN study

4,926

This is how many Lebanese-Palestinian households there were in Lebanon in 2016, according to a census by the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee

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.

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

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.

BULKWHIZ PROFILE

Date started: February 2017

Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce 

Size: 50 employees

Funding: approximately $6m

Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait

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Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

MATCH INFO

Manchester City 6 Huddersfield Town 1
Man City: Agüero (25', 35', 75'), Jesus (31'), Silva (48'), Kongolo (84' og)
Huddersfield: Stankovic (43')

Story of 2017-18 so far and schedule to come

Roll of Honour

Who has won what so far in the West Asia rugby season?

 

Western Clubs Champions League

Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Runners up: Bahrain

 

Dubai Rugby Sevens

Winners: Dubai Exiles

Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

 

West Asia Premiership

Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons

Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

 

UAE Premiership Cup

Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Runners up: Dubai Exiles

 

Fixtures

Friday

West Asia Cup final

5pm, Bahrain (6pm UAE time), Bahrain v Dubai Exiles

 

West Asia Trophy final

3pm, The Sevens, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Sports City Eagles

 

Friday, April 13

UAE Premiership final

5pm, Al Ain, Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Updated: November 25, 2022, 4:53 AM