• An aerial picture shows a view of the historic Syriac Orthodox monastery of St. Matthew, known in Arabic as Deir Mar Matta, on Jabal Maqlub, some 30 kms northeast of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, on December 12, 2021. (Photo by Zaid AL-OBEIDI / AFP)
    An aerial picture shows a view of the historic Syriac Orthodox monastery of St. Matthew, known in Arabic as Deir Mar Matta, on Jabal Maqlub, some 30 kms northeast of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, on December 12, 2021. (Photo by Zaid AL-OBEIDI / AFP)
  • The monastery is one of the world's oldest Christian communities and was founded by the hermit Mar Matta in the year 363
    The monastery is one of the world's oldest Christian communities and was founded by the hermit Mar Matta in the year 363
  • The initial phase of building was completed in the fourth century
    The initial phase of building was completed in the fourth century
  • The monastery site was reputedly given to its founder by King Sinharib of Assyria, whose children were converted by the monk
    The monastery site was reputedly given to its founder by King Sinharib of Assyria, whose children were converted by the monk
  • St Matthew's is famous for its library containing a collection of Syriac Christian manuscripts
    St Matthew's is famous for its library containing a collection of Syriac Christian manuscripts
  • People pray at the monastery, which today is also the centre of an archbishopric
    People pray at the monastery, which today is also the centre of an archbishopric
  • Mar Matta is revered as a saint in Syriac Christian churches. Pilgrims pray at the monastery on the day of his death, September 18
    Mar Matta is revered as a saint in Syriac Christian churches. Pilgrims pray at the monastery on the day of his death, September 18
  • The monastery's mountain position makes it a stronghold
    The monastery's mountain position makes it a stronghold
  • Its walls have withstood many attacks over the 16 centuries of its existence
    Its walls have withstood many attacks over the 16 centuries of its existence
  • Although many Christians fled northern Iraq during the years of persecution by ISIS this century, the monastery church continues to serve local believers
    Although many Christians fled northern Iraq during the years of persecution by ISIS this century, the monastery church continues to serve local believers

A look around the ancient Deir Mar Matta near Mosul - in pictures


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Exploring the UAE: 10 things to do in Al Ain

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Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

4) SIM swap

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

5) Identity theft

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick

Hometown: Cologne, Germany

Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)

Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes

Favourite hobby: Football

Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Updated: December 13, 2021, 8:54 AM