Emirates was the first international airline to land in the Seychelles as it reopens to tourists. Twitter / seychellescaa
Emirates was the first international airline to land in the Seychelles as it reopens to tourists. Twitter / seychellescaa
Emirates was the first international airline to land in the Seychelles as it reopens to tourists. Twitter / seychellescaa
Emirates was the first international airline to land in the Seychelles as it reopens to tourists. Twitter / seychellescaa

Emirates given 'warm welcome' as it becomes the first international airline to return to the Seychelles


Farah Andrews
  • English
  • Arabic

Emirates touched down in the Seychelles yesterday, making it the first international airline to arrive in the country as it reopens to tourists after months of Covid-19 travel restrictions.

The airline tweeted about the warm welcome it received.

The flight touched down at Seychelles International Airport near the capital city, Victoria, at 6.27am local time on Saturday, August 1. A second Emirates Boeing 777 arrived in the country today.

The Seychelles is a four-hour flight from the UAE, and is a popular destination for tourists from the Emirates.

It was announced on Wednesday, July 22 that Emirates would resume services to the Seychelles from Saturday, August 1. The airline is flying five times a week to the popular Indian Ocean destination. This will increase to six flights a week from Tuesday, August 4.

The airline's network is gradually expanding since it grounded flights owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The airline is now flying to 67 destinations.

Do you need a Covid-19 test to travel to the Seychelles?

To visit the Seychelles, travellers must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test, conducted within 72 hours of the date of travel. This only applies to visitors on a list of 33 countries considered to be low to medium risk, which includes the UAE. Visitors from countries not on the list cannot yet enter the Seychelles.

Where Emirates is flying to: 

  • MIDDLE EAST: Amman, Jordan. All images courtesy Unsplash unless otherwise stated
    MIDDLE EAST: Amman, Jordan. All images courtesy Unsplash unless otherwise stated
  • The corniche in Beirut. Lebanon faces its worst financial crisis since 1943. Alamy
    The corniche in Beirut. Lebanon faces its worst financial crisis since 1943. Alamy
  • Bahrain
    Bahrain
  • Tehran, Iran
    Tehran, Iran
  • Kuwait. Unsplash
    Kuwait. Unsplash
  • Basra, Iraq. Unsplash
    Basra, Iraq. Unsplash
  • The Iraq Museum in Baghdad, Iraq. AFP
    The Iraq Museum in Baghdad, Iraq. AFP
  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AFP
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AFP
  • AUSTRALASIA: Sydney, Australia
    AUSTRALASIA: Sydney, Australia
  • Perth, Australia. Getty Images
    Perth, Australia. Getty Images
  • Brisbane, Australia
    Brisbane, Australia
  • Auckland, New Zealand
    Auckland, New Zealand
  • ASIA: Islamabad, Pakistan. EPA
    ASIA: Islamabad, Pakistan. EPA
  • Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Bangkok, Thailand
    Bangkok, Thailand
  • Peshawar, Pakistan. EPA
    Peshawar, Pakistan. EPA
  • Sialkot, Pakistan. Unsplash
    Sialkot, Pakistan. Unsplash
  • Kabul, Afghanistan
    Kabul, Afghanistan
  • Male, Maldives
    Male, Maldives
  • Lahore, Pakistan
    Lahore, Pakistan
  • Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
    Karachi, Pakistan. EPA
  • The Seychelles. Unsplash
    The Seychelles. Unsplash
  • EUROPE: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    EUROPE: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Brussels, Belgium
    Brussels, Belgium
  • Lisbon, Portugal. Unsplash
    Lisbon, Portugal. Unsplash
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
    Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Athens, Greece
    Athens, Greece
  • Geneva, Switzerland
    Geneva, Switzerland
  • Barcelona, Spain
    Barcelona, Spain
  • London, UK
    London, UK
  • Dublin, Ireland
    Dublin, Ireland
  • Glasgow, Scotland
    Glasgow, Scotland
  • Frankfurt, Germany
    Frankfurt, Germany
  • Larnaca, Cyprus. Pictured is Ayia Napa, 45 minutes away.
    Larnaca, Cyprus. Pictured is Ayia Napa, 45 minutes away.
  • Milan, Italy
    Milan, Italy
  • Madrid, Spain
    Madrid, Spain
  • Manchester, UK
    Manchester, UK
  • Paris, France
    Paris, France
  • Munich, Germany
    Munich, Germany
  • Oslo, Norway
    Oslo, Norway
  • Vienna, Austria
    Vienna, Austria
  • Stockholm, Sweden
    Stockholm, Sweden
  • Zurich, Switzerland
    Zurich, Switzerland
  • Prague, Czech Republic
    Prague, Czech Republic
  • Rome, Italy. EPA
    Rome, Italy. EPA
  • FAR EAST: Hanoi, Vietnam
    FAR EAST: Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Hong Kong.
    Hong Kong.
  • Guangzhou, China.
    Guangzhou, China.
  • Singapore.
    Singapore.
  • Jakarta, Indonesia.
    Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • Osaka, Japan.
    Osaka, Japan.
  • Taipei, Taiwan.
    Taipei, Taiwan.
  • Manila, Philippines.
    Manila, Philippines.
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Clark, the Philippines. Getty Images
    Clark, the Philippines. Getty Images
  • Tokyo, Japan
    Tokyo, Japan
  • Pandanon Island, Cebu, Philippines. Unsplash
    Pandanon Island, Cebu, Philippines. Unsplash
  • Seoul, South Korea
    Seoul, South Korea
  • AMERICAS: Washington, US.
    AMERICAS: Washington, US.
  • New York, US
    New York, US
  • Houston, Texas. Unsplash
    Houston, Texas. Unsplash
  • Toronto, Canada
    Toronto, Canada
  • Boston, US
    Boston, US
  • Los Angeles, US
    Los Angeles, US
  • Chicago, US
    Chicago, US
  • Sao Paulo, Brazil.
    Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  • AFRICA: Tunis, Tunisia
    AFRICA: Tunis, Tunisia
  • Cairo, Egypt
    Cairo, Egypt
  • National Park, Nairobi, Kenya. Unsplash
    National Park, Nairobi, Kenya. Unsplash
  • Accra, Ghana. Courtesy Marriott International
    Accra, Ghana. Courtesy Marriott International
  • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • South Luangwa national park in Zambia.
    South Luangwa national park in Zambia.
  • Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
    Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Dakar, Senegal. Reuters
    Dakar, Senegal. Reuters
  • Khartoum, Sudan. Reuters
    Khartoum, Sudan. Reuters
Key developments

All times UTC 4

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
LAST-16 FIXTURES

Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Price, base / as tested From Dh173,775 (base model)
Engine 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo, AWD
Power 249hp at 5,500rpm
Torque 365Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined 7.9L/100km

TICKETS

Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.

MATCH INFO

Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 8' (P), Bernardo Silva 19', Jesus 72', 75')

Fulham 0

Red cards: Tim Ream (Fulham)

Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)

The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

What is graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.

It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.

It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.

Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.

The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.

THE SPECS

Engine: six-litre W12 twin-turbo

Transmission: eight-speed dual clutch auto

Power: 626bhp

Torque: 900Nm

Price: Dh940,160 (plus VAT)

On sale: Q1 2020

RESULTS

Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO

Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke

Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke

Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO

Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision

Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision

Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO

Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)

Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)

Welterweight: Handesson Ferreira (BRA) beat Amiran Gogoladze (GEO). Unanimous decision

Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke

Welterweight: Daniel Skibinski (POL) beat Acoidan Duque (ESP). Round 3 TKO

Lightweight: Martun Mezhlumyan (ARM) beat Attila Korkmaz (TUR). Unanimous decision

Bantamweight: Ray Borg (USA) beat Jesse Arnett (CAN). Unanimous decision

Huroob Ezterari

Director: Ahmed Moussa

Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed

Three stars

The low down on MPS

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (­connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft ­tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and ­sustained posture are the main culprits in developing ­trigger points.

What is myofascial or trigger-point release?

Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle ­sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in ­connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. ­Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.

Results

6.30pm Madjani Stakes Rated Conditions (PA) I Dh160,000 1,900m I Winner: Mawahib, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

7.05pm Maiden Dh150,000 1,400m I Winner One Season, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar

7.40pm: Maiden Dh150,000 2,000m I Winner Street Of Dreams, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

8.15pm Dubai Creek Listed Dh250,000 1,600m I Winner Heavy Metal, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.50pm The Entisar Listed Dh250,000 2,000m I Winner Etijaah, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson

9.25pm The Garhoud Listed Dh250,000 1,200m Winner Muarrab, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

10pm Handicap Dh160,000 1,600m Winner Sea Skimmer, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi

While you're here
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

MATCH INFO

England 241-3 (20 ovs)

Malan 130 no, Morgan 91

New Zealand 165 all out (16.5ovs)

Southee 39, Parkinson 4-47

England win by 76 runs

Series level at 2-2

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECarla%20Gutierrez%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Frida%20Kahlo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

What is Folia?

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.

Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."

Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.

In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love". 

There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.

While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."

Results

1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000

2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000

3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to help

Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.

Account name: Dar Al Ber Society

Account Number: 11 530 734

IBAN: AE 9805 000 000 000 11 530 734

Bank Name: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

To ensure that your contribution reaches these people, please send the copy of deposit/transfer receipt to: juhi.khan@daralber.ae

The specs

Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Power: 300hp

Torque: 420Nm

Price: Dh189,900

On sale: now

The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410

Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000

Engine 3.5L V6

Transmission Six-speed manual

Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm

Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km

SERIES INFO

Cricket World Cup League Two
Nepal, Oman, United States tri-series
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu
 
Fixtures
Wednesday February 5, Oman v Nepal
Thursday, February 6, Oman v United States
Saturday, February 8, United States v Nepal
Sunday, February 9, Oman v Nepal
Tuesday, February 11, Oman v United States
Wednesday, February 12, United States v Nepal

Table
The top three sides advance to the 2022 World Cup Qualifier.
The bottom four sides are relegated to the 2022 World Cup playoff

 1 United States 8 6 2 0 0 12 0.412
2 Scotland 8 4 3 0 1 9 0.139
3 Namibia 7 4 3 0 0 8 0.008
4 Oman 6 4 2 0 0 8 -0.139
5 UAE 7 3 3 0 1 7 -0.004
6 Nepal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 PNG 8 0 8 0 0 0 -0.458