Gaia GPS
This app has most of the functions you would expect from a traditional GPS unit. You can download maps from OpenStreetMap (www.openstreetmap.org) for use offline. You can track your location using the iPhone's GPS and GLONASS and you can add waypoints. The biggest problem is short battery life, but you can help to extend it by following a few simple steps (visit www.adventurealan.com/iphone4gps.htm for details).
Available from the iPhone app store for US$9.99 (Dh37).
Maplets
This app provides access to an excellent collection of maps which can be downloaded and used when you have no Wi-Fi or 3G network nearby. There are more than 6,500 Maplets available (and counting), including national parks, ski resorts and transport systems such as London's Tube. If you cannot find a map, you can request it. The maps are easy to navigate using scroll and zoom. You can see your location on GPS-tagged maps as well as find places of interest that have been annotated on the particular map.
Available from the iPhone app store for $2.99 (Dh11).
Free GPS
This app provides a simple interface to access the iPhone's built-in GPS functionality. Input latitude and longitude coordinates and it will provide basic directions on a compass and distance left to travel. You can add waypoints and save your current position as a waypoint. Don't expect a plethora of functions in this app - its strength is its simplicity.
Available from the iPhone app store for free.
More of the most durable and practical gear to take on your next holiday at Travel Essentials.
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
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
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Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
Who is Allegra Stratton?
- Previously worked at The Guardian, BBC’s Newsnight programme and ITV News
- Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
- In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
- The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
- Ms Stratton, 41, is married to James Forsyth, the political editor of The Spectator
- She has strong connections to the Conservative establishment
- Mr Sunak served as best man at her 2011 wedding to Mr Forsyth
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.
