• Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu, left, is crowned Miss Universe 2021 by Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza from Mexico during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Eilat, Israel. Contestants from 80 countries and territories competed in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu, left, is crowned Miss Universe 2021 by Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza from Mexico during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Eilat, Israel. Contestants from 80 countries and territories competed in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
  • Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu reacts as the Miss Universe crown is placed on her head by the outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Red Sea resort of Eilat in Israel. Reuters
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu reacts as the Miss Universe crown is placed on her head by the outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Red Sea resort of Eilat in Israel. Reuters
  • Contestants congratulate Miss Universe 2021 winner Harnaaz Sandhu. Reuters
    Contestants congratulate Miss Universe 2021 winner Harnaaz Sandhu. Reuters
  • Miss Universe contestants congratulate Harnaaz Sandhu as she is crowned Miss Universe during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    Miss Universe contestants congratulate Harnaaz Sandhu as she is crowned Miss Universe during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu walks on the stage among celebrations after being crowned Miss Universe 2021. EPA
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu walks on the stage among celebrations after being crowned Miss Universe 2021. EPA
  • Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu from India speaks to reporters after winning the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu from India speaks to reporters after winning the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Miss Universe second runner-up Lalela Mswane from South Africa reacts during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    Miss Universe second runner-up Lalela Mswane from South Africa reacts during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • The final three Miss Universe contestants, left to right, Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane; Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu; and Miss Paraguay, Nadia Ferreira, pose on stage during the pageant. AFP
    The final three Miss Universe contestants, left to right, Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane; Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu; and Miss Paraguay, Nadia Ferreira, pose on stage during the pageant. AFP
  • US singer JoJo performs on stage during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    US singer JoJo performs on stage during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu during the swimsuit round of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu during the swimsuit round of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane poses in the evening gown competition during the pageant. AFP
    Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane poses in the evening gown competition during the pageant. AFP
  • US television host Steve Harvey asks Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu the final question during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AFP
    US television host Steve Harvey asks Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu the final question during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AFP
  • Miss Universe 2021 contestants pose during the pageant. Reuters
    Miss Universe 2021 contestants pose during the pageant. Reuters
  • Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza appears during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
    Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza appears during the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
  • Outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico poses during the event. Reuters
    Outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico poses during the event. Reuters
  • Miss France Clemence Botino poses during the swimsuit round at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
    Miss France Clemence Botino poses during the swimsuit round at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
  • Miss Puerto Rico Michelle Colon poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
    Miss Puerto Rico Michelle Colon poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
  • Miss Colombia Valeria Ayos poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
    Miss Colombia Valeria Ayos poses during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA
  • Miss USA Elle Smith poses during the Miss Universe pageant. Reuters
    Miss USA Elle Smith poses during the Miss Universe pageant. Reuters
  • Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu and at the pageant. AFP
    Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu and at the pageant. AFP
  • Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira poses during the final round of the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
    Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira poses during the final round of the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
  • Miss Universe semifinalists pose on stage during the swimsuit competition of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat. AFP
    Miss Universe semifinalists pose on stage during the swimsuit competition of the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat. AFP
  • US television host Steve Harvey hosts the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
    US television host Steve Harvey hosts the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant. AFP
  • Judges Adriana Lima, left, and Lori Harvey at the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo
    Judges Adriana Lima, left, and Lori Harvey at the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AP Photo

Miss Universe 2022 postponed to next year


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  • Arabic

There will be no Miss Universe pageant this year, with the 2022 winner likely to be crowned in the first half of next year, sources have confirmed to The National. An official announcement is set to be made soon.

While no reason has been given for the postponement, it is probable that two Miss Universe pageants will be held next year, with the 2023 winner being crowned later in the year.

An internal memo sent to national directors and seen by Puerto Rican daily El Vocero de Puerto Rico simply reads: "We are going to hold the Miss Universe event in the first quarter of 2023, we will announce it soon."

The news effectively extends the reign of Harnaaz Sandhu from India, who was crowned Miss Universe 2021 in December last year. But the longest-reigning Miss Universe is Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, who won the tile in 2019.

Tunzi reigned for 525 days after the 2020 pageant was cancelled owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. She crowned her successor Andrea Meza from Mexico in May 2021, in turn making Meza's the shortest reign in history. Meza passed on her crown to Sandhu at a pageant in Israel in December last year after 211 days.

More than 50 countries, from the UK to Ukraine and Guatemala to Ghana, have named their representatives for the 71st Miss Universe, the location for which is yet to revealed. In the region, Miss Universe Bahrain will be named on September 11, according to organisers.

Last week, architect and model Divita Rai was crowned as Miss Universe India, better known as Miss Diva, with Sandhu on hand to name her Indian successor.

Scroll through the gallery below for pictures of Miss Universe 2022 contestants who have already been crowned, from India to Lebanon

  • Miss Universe Turkey 2022 is Aleyana Sirin. Photo: Instagram / Aleyanasirinn
    Miss Universe Turkey 2022 is Aleyana Sirin. Photo: Instagram / Aleyanasirinn
  • Miss Universe Italy 2022 is Virginia Stablum. Photo: / Instagram / Virginia.Stablum
    Miss Universe Italy 2022 is Virginia Stablum. Photo: / Instagram / Virginia.Stablum
  • Miss Universe Kyrgyzstan 2022 is Altynai Botoyarova. Photo: Instagram / botoyarova_altynai
    Miss Universe Kyrgyzstan 2022 is Altynai Botoyarova. Photo: Instagram / botoyarova_altynai
  • Evlin Khalifa, 24, is the second Miss Universe Bahrain. Photo: Miss Universe Bahrain
    Evlin Khalifa, 24, is the second Miss Universe Bahrain. Photo: Miss Universe Bahrain
  • Miss Universe Spain, Alicia Faubel, comes from Alicante and has lived in Dubai and the Philippines. Photo: Instagram / alicia.aliccia
    Miss Universe Spain, Alicia Faubel, comes from Alicante and has lived in Dubai and the Philippines. Photo: Instagram / alicia.aliccia
  • Divita Rai, 23, winner of India's Miss Diva Universe 2022. Photo: Miss Diva
    Divita Rai, 23, winner of India's Miss Diva Universe 2022. Photo: Miss Diva
  • Sophiya Bhujel was crowned Oriflame Miss Universe Nepal 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Nepal
    Sophiya Bhujel was crowned Oriflame Miss Universe Nepal 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Nepal
  • Ndavi Nokeri, winner of Miss Universe South Africa 2022. Photo: Miss South Africa
    Ndavi Nokeri, winner of Miss Universe South Africa 2022. Photo: Miss South Africa
  • Anna Sueangam-iam was named Miss Universe Thailand 2022. Photo: Miss Universe
    Anna Sueangam-iam was named Miss Universe Thailand 2022. Photo: Miss Universe
  • Balsam Hussein when she was declared Miss Iraq 2022. Azhar Al-Rubaie for The National
    Balsam Hussein when she was declared Miss Iraq 2022. Azhar Al-Rubaie for The National
  • Yasmina Zaytoun after being crowned Miss Lebanon 2022 at Forum De Beirut. EPA
    Yasmina Zaytoun after being crowned Miss Lebanon 2022 at Forum De Beirut. EPA
  • Noky Simbani was crowned Miss Universe Great Britain 2022. Photo: Instagram / Miss Universe Great Britain
    Noky Simbani was crowned Miss Universe Great Britain 2022. Photo: Instagram / Miss Universe Great Britain
  • Miss Ukraine 2022 is Viktoria Apanasenko, first runner-up from last year's contest. There was no pageant held this year owing to the war in the country. Photo: Instagram / Viktoria Apanasenko
    Miss Ukraine 2022 is Viktoria Apanasenko, first runner-up from last year's contest. There was no pageant held this year owing to the war in the country. Photo: Instagram / Viktoria Apanasenko
  • Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau has been named Miss Universe Vietnam 2022. Photo: Facebook / Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau
    Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau has been named Miss Universe Vietnam 2022. Photo: Facebook / Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau
  • Filipino-Italian beauty queen Celeste Cortesi was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 in Manila. EPA-EFE
    Filipino-Italian beauty queen Celeste Cortesi was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 in Manila. EPA-EFE
  • Bhutan is marking its pageant debut this year and Tashi Choden is the country's first beauty queen. Photo: Tashi Choden
    Bhutan is marking its pageant debut this year and Tashi Choden is the country's first beauty queen. Photo: Tashi Choden
  • Laksmi Suardana took the Puteri Indonesia 2022 crown, becoming the first contestant from Bali to enter Miss Universe. Photo: Laksmi Shari De Neefe Suardana
    Laksmi Suardana took the Puteri Indonesia 2022 crown, becoming the first contestant from Bali to enter Miss Universe. Photo: Laksmi Shari De Neefe Suardana
  • Miss Universe Ghana 2022 Engracia Afua K Mofuman was one of the first women to be crowned in 2022, in order to compete in the 71st Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Engracia Mofuman
    Miss Universe Ghana 2022 Engracia Afua K Mofuman was one of the first women to be crowned in 2022, in order to compete in the 71st Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Engracia Mofuman
  • Hanna Kim, from Seoul, will represent South Korea in the next Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Hanna Ming
    Hanna Kim, from Seoul, will represent South Korea in the next Miss Universe pageant. Photo: Hanna Ming
  • The first and last time the Seychelles competed in Miss Universe was 1995 and so, after that 27-year hiatus, Gabriella Gonthier, from Mahe, will be representing her home country. Photo: Gabriella Gonthier/ Miss University Africa
    The first and last time the Seychelles competed in Miss Universe was 1995 and so, after that 27-year hiatus, Gabriella Gonthier, from Mahe, will be representing her home country. Photo: Gabriella Gonthier/ Miss University Africa
  • Amelia Tu, from Vancouver, winner of Miss Universe Canada 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Canada
    Amelia Tu, from Vancouver, winner of Miss Universe Canada 2022. Photo: Miss Universe Canada
  • Miss Universe Jamaica 2022, Toshami Calvin, 26, is the cousin of Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh. Photo: Instagram / officialmissuniversejamaica
    Miss Universe Jamaica 2022, Toshami Calvin, 26, is the cousin of Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh. Photo: Instagram / officialmissuniversejamaica

Early in August, the Miss Universe Organisation made history by introducing a major rule change for eligibility. Starting with the 72nd pageant, the annual competition will accept married women and mothers.

In an internal memo seen by The National, the organisation says it has always strived to evolve with the times and the latest decision was the natural next step.

"We all believe that women should have agency over their lives and that a human's personal decisions should not be a barrier to their success," the memo said.

Previously, only single women aged between 18 and 28, who have never been married or had children, were allowed to apply.

The contest has been changing with the times. Last year, Miss Universe Bahrain made history by choosing to walk the swimsuit round in fully-covered sportswear.

The Miss Universe Organisation, which operates out of New York, also owns the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, besides the global Miss Universe pageant.

How Lebanon's Mouawad became the Miss Universe crown jeweller — in pictures

  • Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu of India, wearing the Power of Unity crown crafted by Lebanese jeweller Mouawad. EPA
    Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu of India, wearing the Power of Unity crown crafted by Lebanese jeweller Mouawad. EPA
  • Featuring interwoven petals, leaves and vines all crafted in 18-karat gold and set with white diamonds, the highlight of the Power of Unity crown is a 62.83 carat canary diamond placed in the centre. Photo: Mouawad
    Featuring interwoven petals, leaves and vines all crafted in 18-karat gold and set with white diamonds, the highlight of the Power of Unity crown is a 62.83 carat canary diamond placed in the centre. Photo: Mouawad
  • The Miss Universe Power of Unity crown is valued at between $4 million and $5 million. Photo: Mouawad
    The Miss Universe Power of Unity crown is valued at between $4 million and $5 million. Photo: Mouawad
  • Fred Mouawad is the co-guardian of Mouawad, in partnership with his brothers Alain and Pascal. Photo: Mouawad
    Fred Mouawad is the co-guardian of Mouawad, in partnership with his brothers Alain and Pascal. Photo: Mouawad
  • Mouawad also designs the crown for Miss Universe Thailand. For 2022, its creation is named the Power of Resilience crown. Photo: Mouawad
    Mouawad also designs the crown for Miss Universe Thailand. For 2022, its creation is named the Power of Resilience crown. Photo: Mouawad
  • Fred Mouawad at the unveiling of the Power of Resilience crown for Miss Universe Thailand. Photo: Mouawad
    Fred Mouawad at the unveiling of the Power of Resilience crown for Miss Universe Thailand. Photo: Mouawad
  • Miss Universe Thailand 2022, Anna Sueangam-iam, wearing the Power of Resilience crown. Photo: Miss Universe
    Miss Universe Thailand 2022, Anna Sueangam-iam, wearing the Power of Resilience crown. Photo: Miss Universe
  • Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza, right, crowns India's Harnaaz Sandhu as Miss Universe 2021 during the 70th Miss Universe pageant in December. AP
    Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza, right, crowns India's Harnaaz Sandhu as Miss Universe 2021 during the 70th Miss Universe pageant in December. AP
  • Andrea Meza winning the Miss Universe 2020 crown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on May 16, 2021 in Hollywood, Florida. Getty Images
    Andrea Meza winning the Miss Universe 2020 crown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on May 16, 2021 in Hollywood, Florida. Getty Images
  • Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Empire State Building in New York May 2021. AP
    Miss Universe 2020, Andrea Meza of Mexico, at the Empire State Building in New York May 2021. AP
  • Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa, was the first to wear the Mouawad Power of Unity crown. Photo: Miss Universe
    Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa, was the first to wear the Mouawad Power of Unity crown. Photo: Miss Universe
  • Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi with the Power of Unity crown. Photo: Mouawad
    Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi with the Power of Unity crown. Photo: Mouawad
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Ballon d’Or shortlists

Men

Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool), Sergio Aguero (Aregentina/Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (Netherlans/Barcelona), Hugo Lloris (France/Tottenham), Dusan Tadic (Serbia/Ajax), Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England/Liverpool), Donny van de Beek (Netherlands/Ajax), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Arsenal), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Juventus), Alisson (Brazil/Liverpool), Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands/Juventus), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands/Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands/Liverpool), Bernardo Silva (Portugal/Manchester City), Son Heung-min (South Korea/Tottenham), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich), Roberto Firmino (Brazil/Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria/Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal/Napoli), Antoine Griezmann (France/Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Eden Hazard (BEL/Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Brazil/Paris-SG), Raheem Sterling (Eengland/Manchester City), Joao Félix(Portugal/Atletico Madrid)

Women

Sam Kerr (Austria/Chelsea), Ellen White (England/Manchester City), Nilla Fischer (Sweden/Linkopings), Amandine Henry (France/Lyon), Lucy Bronze(England/Lyon), Alex Morgan (USA/Orlando Pride), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands/Arsenal), Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany/Lyon), Pernille Harder (Denmark/Wolfsburg), Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Lyon), Megan Rapinoe (USA/Reign FC), Lieke Martens (Netherlands/Barcelona), Sari van Veenendal (Netherlands/Atletico Madrid), Wendie Renard (France/Lyon), Rose Lavelle(USA/Washington Spirit), Marta (Brazil/Orlando Pride), Ada Hegerberg (Norway/Lyon), Kosovare Asllani (Sweden/CD Tacon), Sofia Jakobsson (Sweden/CD Tacon), Tobin Heath (USA/Portland Thorns)

 

 

Warlight,
Michael Ondaatje, Knopf 

Water waste

In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.

Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.

A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.

The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.

The specs

  Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.

It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.

There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.

In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.

In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.

It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.

SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Atalanta v Juventus (6pm)

AC Milan v Napoli (9pm)

Torino v Inter Milan (11.45pm)

Sunday

Bologna v Parma (3.30pm)

Sassuolo v Lazio (6pm)

Roma v Brescia (6pm)

Verona v Fiorentina (6pm)

Sampdoria v Udinese (9pm)

Lecce v Cagliari (11.45pm)

Monday

SPAL v Genoa (11.45pm)

MATCH INFO

Day 1 at Mount Maunganui

England 241-4

Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28

New Zealand 

Yet to bat

Saturday's results

West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
Brighton 0-2 Leicester City
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 0-2 Norwich City
Watford 0-3 Burnley

Manchester City v Chelsea, 9.30pm 

Updated: September 05, 2022, 12:30 PM