The latest viral trend on social media is to get off social media.
Monk mode, a new catchphrase circulating online, promotes taking a break from apps such as TikTok and Instagram to focus on a task at hand. It is a form of digital detox, pulling away from the constant stream of notifications with the aim of boosting productivity.
The hashtag #monkmode has gained traction, particularly on TikTok, raking tens of millions of views. People are sharing tips on how to go about their day to boost productivity, from waking up early and making the bed to exercising and eating right. But it all begins with laying off social media to focus.
Monk mode can be hard to access via sheer willpower. If you’re looking for a crutch to help you take a break from the steady and highly-addicting flow of content, here are three apps to help you out.
Freedom
Freedom sets up a block on the apps and websites you find time consuming. Freedom’s founder Fred Stutzman told BBC that he developed the app while he was in university and was having trouble writing his dissertation because he was constantly on Facebook.
The app allows users to set a timer to block access to apps and websites. There is a workaround that lets you stop the timer early, but the paid premium version allows for locked version and lets you schedule timeouts.
Cold Turkey
If Freedom isn’t intense enough, then there is Cold Turkey. Ideal to boost your desktop productivity, Cold Turkey prides itself for being “the toughest website blocker on the internet".
Like Freedom, users can tailor the apps and websites on the block list, as well as the duration of the block. Users can also choose to cordon themselves off the internet. An added advantage of Cold Turkey is that its premium version doesn’t operate on a subscription model, with its Blocker Pro available to own with a one-time purchase.
Cold Turkey also has other apps to boost productivity, including Writer, which turns the computer into a typewriter, meaning the only thing users can do with it is write.
Forest
Forest puts its own spin on the productivity app. Every time users enter focus mode, a tree is planted on the screen, growing as users focus and work. Leaving the app before the timer is up will kill the tree. If users stay committed and keep up daily goals, they will have a sprawling virtual forest to prove it.
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Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
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
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MATCH INFO
Pakistan 106-8 (20 ovs)
Iftikhar 45, Richardson 3-18
Australia 109-0 (11.5 ovs)
Warner 48 no, Finch 52 no
Australia win series 2-0
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The biog
Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.
Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.
Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.
Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.
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