• This aerial view shows the Wadi-al-Salam cemetery in Iraq's holy shrine city of Najaf, on February 10, 2023. - Wadi-al-Salam cemetery, often described as the world's biggest, bears silent witness to life and death over 14 centuries. Flowers, photographs and religious banners honour many of the millions buried in the ochre desert sands of the "Valley of Peace", victims of war and disease, accidents and old age. (Photo by Qassem al-KAABI / AFP)
    This aerial view shows the Wadi-al-Salam cemetery in Iraq's holy shrine city of Najaf, on February 10, 2023. - Wadi-al-Salam cemetery, often described as the world's biggest, bears silent witness to life and death over 14 centuries. Flowers, photographs and religious banners honour many of the millions buried in the ochre desert sands of the "Valley of Peace", victims of war and disease, accidents and old age. (Photo by Qassem al-KAABI / AFP)
  • Grave diggers charge about $100 for a grave and a gravestone costs about $200
    Grave diggers charge about $100 for a grave and a gravestone costs about $200
  • A vendor sells bottles of rose water outside the cemetery
    A vendor sells bottles of rose water outside the cemetery
  • Flowers, rose water bottles and religious banners are among the items needed during a burial ceremony
    Flowers, rose water bottles and religious banners are among the items needed during a burial ceremony
  • Millions have been buried in the cemetery for generations
    Millions have been buried in the cemetery for generations
  • The graveyard covers an area of 917 hectares, the equivalent of more than 1,700 football fields
    The graveyard covers an area of 917 hectares, the equivalent of more than 1,700 football fields
  • There are no maps to guide visitors through the labyrinth, which is also listed as the world's largest burial ground in the Guinness Book of World Records
    There are no maps to guide visitors through the labyrinth, which is also listed as the world's largest burial ground in the Guinness Book of World Records
  • Visitors are taken around the cemetery in the back of a small vehicle
    Visitors are taken around the cemetery in the back of a small vehicle
  • Worshippers visit the shrine of Imam Ali, the founding figure of Shiite Islam, at the cemetery
    Worshippers visit the shrine of Imam Ali, the founding figure of Shiite Islam, at the cemetery
  • Locals bury their dead relatives here because they believe 'Imam Ali will play the role of intercessor for those around him during the Last Judgment'
    Locals bury their dead relatives here because they believe 'Imam Ali will play the role of intercessor for those around him during the Last Judgment'
  • The shrine of Imam Ali at the cemetery
    The shrine of Imam Ali at the cemetery
  • Worshippers at the shrine of Imam Ali
    Worshippers at the shrine of Imam Ali
  • An expanse of graves
    An expanse of graves
  • Workers build and design gravestones at the cemetery
    Workers build and design gravestones at the cemetery
  • The cemetery includes several styles of burials, including lower graves and tower-like graves that reflect status and respect
    The cemetery includes several styles of burials, including lower graves and tower-like graves that reflect status and respect
  • More than 5,000 victims of Covid-19 are buried here
    More than 5,000 victims of Covid-19 are buried here
  • An expanse of graves
    An expanse of graves

Iraq's Wadi-al-Salam cemetery echoes 14 centuries of life and death - in pictures


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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
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When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi

  

 

 

 

Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.

 
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Rating: 4/5

The five pillars of Islam

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2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

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What it means to be a conservationist

Who is Enric Sala?

Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.

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According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.

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Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

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Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

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1.           Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds

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3.           Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42

4.           Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63

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Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

UAE Falcons

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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

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THREE
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Updated: March 01, 2023, 10:20 AM