International Edition  

Abu Dhabi, UAEWednesday 25 November 2020

Argentina legend Diego Maradona dies age 60
The Hope Consortium will store and distribute Covid-19 vaccines across the world. Courtesy: Hope Consortium

Abu Dhabi logistics hub to distribute vaccines worldwide

World
The Agrari oil tanker is operated by TMS Tankers. Image: Shipspotting.com

Oil tanker damaged as Saudi coalition destroys Houthi terror boat

GCC
A car crashed into the gate of the office of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. Reuters

Car crashes into gates of Angela Merkel's office

Europe
EDITOR'S PICKS
The Iranian diplomat Assadollah Assadi goes on trial this week accused over an alleged plot to blow up a dissidents' rally. 

The Iranian spy whose Paris 'bomb plot' could have sparked a war

Europe
The extent of Covid damage on Britain’s economy was laid bare on Wednesday, as British finance editor Rishi Sunak outlined his spending review. EPA

The staggering numbers revealed in Britain's spending review

Economy
DUBAI , UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , November 25 – 2020 :- Jack Wilshere, an English Professional Footballer during the interview at the NAS sports complex in Dubai. ( Pawan Singh / The National ) For Sports/Online/Instagram. Story by Paul Radley

Jack Wilshere interview: Returning to Arsenal would be a dream come true

Football

After evidence of brutal war crimes, what Australia owes Afghans

Sulaiman Hakemy
Rockefeller, the owl found hiding in the Rockefeller Centre's Christmas tree, has been released back into the wild.

Rocky flies free: Owl found hiding in New York Christmas tree released into wild
Mars Petcare Comedy Pet Photo Awards 2020.  Mighty horse category winner.   Gossip girls by Magdalena Strakova

Horsing around: funniest moments captured in 2020 Comedy Pet Photo Awards
A metal monolith is pictured in a remote area of Red Rock Country in Utah, U.S. November 18, 2020. Picture taken November 18, 2020. Utah Department of Public Safety via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT

Art or aliens? Mysterious monolithic object discovered in Utah desert
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation operation met his Slovakian counterpart, Ivan Korcok, on Tuesday. Wam

UAE and Slovakian foreign ministers in al fresco meeting
Ali Mabkhout, left, helped UAE defeat Tajikistan in their friendly on Thursday. Courtesy UAE FA

UAE confirmed to play in 22-nation Fifa Arab Cup
UAE space minister Sarah Al Amiri and British-Iraqi health expert Dr Nisreen Alwan were both named on the BBC's most influential list. Emirates Mars Mission/University of Southampton

Middle Eastern women appear on the BBC’s most influential list
The guard at the historical Saqqara site south of Cairo, the Egyptian capital. Hamza Hendawi / The National.  

Uncovering Saqqara's secrets: Egypt's ancient treasure trove
The Dubai Address Beach Resort hopes to have the world's tallest infinity pool. Courtesy Address Hotels

Address Beach Resort: Peek inside the Dubai hotel before it opens next month

Coronavirus

Italy is calling for a blanket ban on holidays in the Alps over Christmas. AFP

Italy calls for ban on Alpine skiing over Christmas

Europe
A worshipper performs prayers at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

UAE worshippers rejoice as mosques prepare to reopen for Friday prayers

UAE Government
Photographer Ramesh Shukla at his home in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

How residents are preparing to enjoy National Day after a tough year

UAE
King Abdullah II inaugurates a field hospital on the premises of the Royal Medical Services’ Prince Hashim bin Al Hussein Hospital in Zarqa Governorate. Courtesy The Royal Hashemite Court

Jordan’s king lends high profile to combat coronavirus surge

MENA

US Elections

US President-elect Joe Biden stands with his nominees for his national security team at his transition headquarters in the Queen Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware, November 24, 2020. Reuters

America is back, says Joe Biden as he unveils Cabinet

World
Joe Biden in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2007. Photo by HO / Joe Biden / AFP

Joe Biden could help Iraq by defusing US-Iran tensions, Iraqi adviser says

MENA
In this file photo Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks to supporters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 3, 2020. Pennsylvania officially certified Democrat Joe Biden's election victory in the state over Donald Trump on November 24, 2020. AFP

Pennsylvania certifies election results cementing Biden’s victory

The Americas
Michele Flournoy (left), a politically moderate Pentagon veteran, is regarded by US officials and political insiders as a top choice for President-elect Joe Biden to choose to head the Pentagon. AP Photo

Who are Biden’s front-runners for the Defence and Treasury posts

The Americas

World

Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai says Covid could force more than 20 million girls out of school, which is why the UK's foreign aid is so essential. AFP

Malala Yousafzai urges UK not to slash foreign aid

Economy
Tigray refugees who fled the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, receive aid from the UNHCR at Umm Rakouba refugee camp in Qadarif, eastern Sudan, Tuesday, November 24, 2020. (P Photo

'At least 600 civilians killed’ in Tigray massacre in early November

Africa
Syrian soldiers stand atop a destroyed building in the town of Quneitra on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. Israeli and Syrian forces, the latter backed by Iran, are fighting a low level conflict in the area, which has escalated since 2018. AFP

Israel hits Iranian forces in Syria air strikes

World
Period poverty is a common problem, where those on low incomes can’t afford or access suitable menstrual products. Creative Commons

Scotland becomes first country in the world to make menstrual products free

Europe

UAE

Mina Plaza will be demolished on Friday. Victor Besa / The National 

Mina Zayed demolition: Abu Dhabi announces major road closures

Transport

Abu Dhabi's Yas Island to become the Hollywood of the Middle East

UAE

Dubai foils biggest drug-smuggling attempt at port

UAE

UAE National Day car rules revealed by Abu Dhabi Police

Transport

Business

To date, the Targeted Economic Supprt Scheme has benefited more than 310,000 retail customers, nearly 10,000 small and medium sized enterprises and more than 1,500 private sector corporates. Ryan Carter / The National

Lenders welcome Tess extension by UAE Central Bank

Money

Britain slashes foreign aid budget to 0.5% of national income in spending review

Economy

Mubadala looks to step up tech investments in Europe and India

Technology

FinTech agreements with Israel to expand market access and funding, ADGM exec says

Technology

Exclusives

Lebanon’s caretaker finance minister Ghazi Wazni says the country has lost faith in the banking system. AFP

Lebanon: caretaker finance minister warns of 'the end' of the country

World
SoftBank Group's profit rebounded after a global rally in tech shares helped it improve its start-ups' valuations. AFP 

SoftBank Vision Fund to boost tech investments and eyes more IPOs

Technology
Al Batool Hospital in Mosul, where many war-damaged medical facilities are operating out of caravans. Courtesy: Facebook

‘We’re treating patients in caravans’: corruption and neglect intensify Mosul’s coronavirus crisis

MENA
Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States. Evelyn Hockstein for The National

Yousef Al Otaiba: 'The biggest fault line right now is how to deal with Iran'

World

Opinion

There will be smaller numbers at this year's Thanksgiving celebrations around the US. The National

Finding hope this Thanksgiving

10 reasons to feel grateful this Thanksgiving

The voice of the UAE at the G20

After evidence of brutal war crimes, what Australia owes Afghans

UAE is putting the sun back at the centre of our world

Lifestyle

Gigi Hadid has voiced her support for Halima Aden after the hijabi model expressed her regret over past fashion shoots. 

Gigi Hadid expresses support for hijabi model Halima Aden: 'You make me proud'

Bespoke bikes: Dubai cafe Pedal offers coffee and customised cycles

16 National Day staycations under Dh1,500: Getaways across the emirates

Duchess of Sussex reveals she suffered a miscarriage

Emirates to take delivery of first A380 Premium Economy cabin in December

Arts & Culture

Emirati poet Hoor Al Nuaimi is set to study at Oxford University in the UK next year. NYU Abu Dhabi

How Emirati poet Hoor Al Nuaimi fuses the best of Arabic and English in her work

From club to Dh,2000 caviar: how White Dubai transformed into a fine-dining lounge

Justin Bieber, The Weeknd and Nicki Minaj slam Grammy nominations

'Delhi Crime' and 'For Sama' win top prizes at International Emmys

Sharjah Film Platform awards: Syria's Yaser Kassab among filmmakers honoured

Podcasts

Changes to the Commercial Companies' law are expected to boost FDI to the UAE and spur business activity. Reem Mohammed/The National

What changes to UAE company foreign ownership rules mean for you

Mosques to reopen, National Day car rules, 1,310 new cases - The Daily Update

Meet the three female artists from Abu Dhabi Art’s commissions programme

Business ownership changes, Trump agrees transition, 1,065 new cases - The Daily Update

Adnoc’s Dh160bn contribution, UAE holidays, Boeing 737 Max - The Daily Update

IPL

Trent Boult of Mumbai Indians celebrates the wicket of Marcus Stoinis of Delhi Capitals during the final of season 13 of the Dream 11 Indian Premier League (IPL) between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on the 10th November 2020. Photo by: Ron Gaunt / Sportzpics for BCCI

How Mumbai Indians became one of the greatest T20 teams of all time

Cricket
Robin Singh, right, watches the IPL 2020 final unfold in his role as Mumbai Indians' batting coach. Sportzpics for BCCI

Robin Singh returns to UAE duties after role in Mumbai's IPL title triumph

Cricket
Mumbai Indians owners Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani with Rohith Sharma during the final of season 13 of the Dream 11 Indian Premier League (IPL) between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on the 10th November 2020. Photo by: Samuel Rajkumar / Sportzpics for BCCI

Calls grow for Rohit to replace Kohli as India's T20 captain

Cricket
Mumbai Indians players with the trophy during the final of season 13 of the Dream 11 Indian Premier League (IPL) between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on the 10th November 2020. Photo by: Vipin Pawar / Sportzpics for BCCI

IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians crowned champions for the fifth time

Cricket

Sport

Diego Maradona Diego Maradona, holds up the trophy, after Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 in their World Cup soccer final match, at the Atzeca Stadium, in Mexico City. On this day: Maradona leads Argentina to its second World Cup triumph Soccer WCup On This Day, Mexico City, Mexico  Carlo Fumagalli/AP/Shutterstock

Argentina legend Diego Maradona dies age 60

Football

Jack Wilshere interview: Returning to Arsenal would be a dream come true

Football

UAE confirmed to play in 22-nation Fifa Arab Cup

Football

UAE Warriors 14: Fiorot 'looking for a knockout' against Campo

Sport

'I was star struck' - UAE spinner's IPL exile with the Bangalore stars

Cricket

LONG READS

Bodo/Glimt, in yellow, took on AC Milan in the Europa League third qualifying round and narrowly came up short. Next season, the soon-to-be Norwegian champions will have the chance to compete in the Champions League. Getty Images

The Big Read: Remarkable rise of Norway's next champions Bodø Glimt

Football
The threat of ISIS has been reborn in Africa. The National

ISIS regenerates in Africa to deadly effect

World
Khabib Nurmagomedov at the weigh-in for UFC 254. Courtesy UFC

UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov, a 'crazy' destroyer from the very first day

Sport
Construction worker Sabah Abdulamir Al Sultani had just completed vocational training when he was killed in the Al Qa Qaa explosion. He had been married just over a month. Courtesy Safa Al Ameedee

'Like a nuclear bomb': the untold story of Iraq’s Al Qa Qaa disaster

MENA

MONEY

Mathew Kurian / The National

The Debt Panel: 'My salary was cut and I am struggling to pay off my Dh140,000 loan'

How sustained US dollar weakness will benefit the UAE

Markets in buoyant mood after multiple Covid-19 vaccine breakthroughs

Why Janet Yellen's nomination to lead Treasury bodes well for the US economy

Why child-free couples should plan their finances differently

Travel

Head to The Abu Dhabi Edition to catch a pop-up National Day art exhibit.

16 National Day staycations under Dh1,500: Getaways across the emirates

Emirates to take delivery of first A380 Premium Economy cabin in December

Feel 38,000 feet high at home: British Airways sells accessories from planes

From flydubai to Etihad: A guide to flights scheduled between the UAE and Israel

Address Beach Resort: Peek inside the Dubai hotel before it opens next month

Technology

 Ibrahim Ajami, head of ventures, Mubadala. Covid-19 has led to the emergence of new technology hubs around the world. Victor Besa/The National

Mubadala looks to step up tech investments in Europe and India

Abu Dhabi Global Market rolls out new digital lab

FinTech agreements with Israel to expand market access and funding, ADGM exec says

ADGM to sign MoU with Israel Securities Authority to develop FinTech sector

FinTech Abu Dhabi begins as Covid-19 pandemic brings digital payments in focus

Motoring

The Taycan Turbo should return 450 kilometres of range; the 4S gets 463km when fitted with the Performance Battery Plus package, while the high-performance Turbo S gets 412km 

Porsche Taycan Turbo: Road testing the luxury electric vehicle

Artwork or automotive? Emirati designer reimagines one-off Land Cruiser

Lighter but mightier: Road testing Lamborghini's Huracan STO

Testing the Rolls-Royce Ghost: Less is more when it comes to the luxury ride

General Motors delivers breakthrough battery tech with Cadillac Lyriq crossover
Rockefeller, the owl found hiding in the Rockefeller Centre's Christmas tree, has been released back into the wild.

Rocky flies free: Owl found hiding in New York Christmas tree released into wild
Mars Petcare Comedy Pet Photo Awards 2020.  Mighty horse category winner.   Gossip girls by Magdalena Strakova

Horsing around: funniest moments captured in 2020 Comedy Pet Photo Awards
A metal monolith is pictured in a remote area of Red Rock Country in Utah, U.S. November 18, 2020. Picture taken November 18, 2020. Utah Department of Public Safety via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT

Art or aliens? Mysterious monolithic object discovered in Utah desert
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation operation met his Slovakian counterpart, Ivan Korcok, on Tuesday. Wam

UAE and Slovakian foreign ministers in al fresco meeting
Ali Mabkhout, left, helped UAE defeat Tajikistan in their friendly on Thursday. Courtesy UAE FA

UAE confirmed to play in 22-nation Fifa Arab Cup
UAE space minister Sarah Al Amiri and British-Iraqi health expert Dr Nisreen Alwan were both named on the BBC's most influential list. Emirates Mars Mission/University of Southampton

Middle Eastern women appear on the BBC’s most influential list
The guard at the historical Saqqara site south of Cairo, the Egyptian capital. Hamza Hendawi / The National.  

Uncovering Saqqara's secrets: Egypt's ancient treasure trove
The Dubai Address Beach Resort hopes to have the world's tallest infinity pool. Courtesy Address Hotels

Address Beach Resort: Peek inside the Dubai hotel before it opens next month