• Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
    Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
  • Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
    Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
  • A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
    A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
  • Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
    Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
  • People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
    People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
  • A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
    A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
  • A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
    A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
  • A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
    A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
  • People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
    People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
  • A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
    A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
  • A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
    A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
  • Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
    Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
  • People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
    People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
  • A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
    A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
  • People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
    People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
  • Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
    Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
  • Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
    Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
  • A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
    A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
  • Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
    Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
  • People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
    People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
  • A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
    A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
  • Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
    Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
  • Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
    Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
  • A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
    A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
  • A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
    A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
  • Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
    Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
  • A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
    A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
  • A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
    A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
  • Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
    Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
  • Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
    Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
  • People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
    People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
  • A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
    A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
  • Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
    Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
  • Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
    Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
  • Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
    Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
  • A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
    A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
  • Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
    Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
  • People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
    People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
  • An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
    An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
  • In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
    In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
  • A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
    A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
  • A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
    A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
  • A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
    A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
  • A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
    A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
  • Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
    Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
  • Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
    Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
  • People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
    People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
  • Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
    Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
  • Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
    A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
  • Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
    Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
  • Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
    Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
  • Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
    Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
  • A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
    A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
  • Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
    Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
  • Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
    Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
  • An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
    An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
  • Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
    Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
  • Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
    Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
  • Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
    Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
  • German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
    German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
  • A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
    A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
  • A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
    A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
  • Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
    Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
  • People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
    People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
  • Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
    Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
  • Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
    Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
  • An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
    An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
  • A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
    A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
  • Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA
    Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA

Iran's Raisi calls protests ‘chaos’ as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe cuts hair in support


  • English
  • Arabic

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi described protests over the death of young Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini as “chaos”.

The 22-year-old died on September 16 while in the custody of the country's so-called morality police — three days after her arrest for allegedly breaching Iran's strict rules for women on wearing hijab and modest clothing.

“Those who took part in the riots must be dealt with decisively. This is the demand of the people,” said Mr Raisi in an interview with state TV on Wednesday.

“People's safety is the red line of the Islamic republic of Iran and no one is allowed to break the law and cause chaos.”

He accused foreign powers of stoking the unrest.

“The enemy has targeted national unity and wants to pit people against each other,” he said.

Mr Raisi said the nation had felt “grief and sorrow” over her death, and that forensics and judiciary experts would soon present a final report, but also warned that “protests are different to riots”.

With the protests now raging for 12 nights, Iran's police command vowed its forces would confront them “with all their might”.

Iran blames the unrest on “counter-revolutionary” Kurdish groups based in northern Iraq — across from Iran's Kurdistan province Amini hailed from, and where the protests first flared.

The Revolutionary Guard-linked Fars news agency said on Tuesday that “around 60" people had been killed since Amini's death. But the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group says at least 76 people have been killed so far.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe cuts hair

The death of Amini has sparked a solidarity campaign led by Iranian women and men overseas.

In the latest sign of support to the women-led protests, British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who spent six years in jail in Iran, cut her hair in a video shared on the BBC Persian service.

“Woman, Life, Freedom!” the protesters have chanted in Iran's biggest demonstrations in almost three years, in which women have defiantly burnt their headscarves and cut off their hair.

Amini's bereaved parents have filed a complaint, demanding “a thorough investigation” and the release of “all videos and photographs” of her while in custody, said their lawyer Saleh Nikbakht in statements carried by AFP.

Her family members have claimed on social media and in interviews with opposition media outlets that she died after a violent blow to the head.

The Iranian government, its economy already hit by sanctions over its nuclear programme, has sought to play down the crisis.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he told western diplomats at recent UN meetings that the protests were “not a big deal” for the stability of the clerical state.

“There is not going to be regime change in Iran. Don't play to the emotions of the Iranian people,” he told National Public Radio in New York. He also accused “outside elements” of stirring up violence.

Iran's response has drawn concern from the UN and condemnation from the around the world, with Germany and Spain summoning their Iranian ambassadors and the United States and Canada announcing new sanctions.

Taliban fire shots at rally

Taliban forces fired shots into the air on Thursday to disperse a women's rally supporting the protests in Iran.

Chanting the same “Women, Life, Freedom!” mantra, about 25 Afghan women protested in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul before being dispersed by Taliban forces, an AFP correspondent reported.

Female protesters carried banners that read: “Iran has risen, now it's our turn!” and “From Kabul to Iran, say no to dictatorship!”

Taliban forces swiftly snatched the banners and tore them up in front of the protesters.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

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.
While you're here
Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
SHAITTAN
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVikas%20Bahl%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAjay%20Devgn%2C%20R.%20Madhavan%2C%20Jyothika%2C%20Janaki%20Bodiwala%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE APPRENTICE

Director: Ali Abbasi

Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 3/5

The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

Punchy appearance

Roars of support buoyed Mr Johnson in an extremely confident and combative appearance

Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE

Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:

• Buy second hand stuff

 They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.

• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres

 Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.

• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.

Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.

• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home

Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
FIGHT%20CARD
%3Cp%3EAnthony%20Joshua%20v%20Otto%20Wallin%2C%2012%20rounds%2C%20heavyweight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDeontay%20Wilder%20v%20Joseph%20Parker%2C%2012%20rounds%2C%20heavyweight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDmitry%20Bivol%20v%20Lyndon%20Arthur%2C%2012%20rounds%2C%20light%20heavyweight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDaniel%20Dubois%20v%20Jarrell%20Miller%2C%2012%20rounds%2C%20heavyweight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFilip%20Hrgovic%20v%20Mark%20de%20Mori%2C%2012%20rounds%2C%20heavyweight%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EArslanbek%20Makhmudov%20v%20Agit%20Kabayel%2C%2012%20rounds%2C%20heavyweight%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFrank%20Sanchez%20v%20Junior%20Fa%2C%2012%20rounds%2C%20heavyweight%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EJai%20Opetaia%20v%20Ellis%20Zorro%2C%2012%20rounds%2C%20cruiserweight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY

Centre Court

Starting at 2pm:

Malin Cilic (CRO) v Benoit Paire (FRA) [8]

Not before 4pm:

Dan Evans (GBR) v Fabio Fogini (ITA) [4]

Not before 7pm:

Pablo Carreno Busta (SPA) v Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) [2]

Roberto Bautista Agut (SPA) [5] v Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)

Court One

Starting at 2pm

Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND) v Dennis Novak (AUT) 

Joao Sousa (POR) v Filip Krajinovic (SRB)

Not before 5pm:

Rajeev Ram (USA) and Joe Salisbury (GBR) [1] v Marin Cilic v Novak Djokovic (SRB)

Nikoloz Basilashvili v Ricardas Berankis (LTU)

School counsellors on mental well-being

Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.

Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.

Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.

“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.

“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.

“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”

Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.

The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.

At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.

“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.

“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.

"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Windows
​​​​​​​Release Date: April 10

MANDOOB
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Ali%20Kalthami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Mohammed%20Dokhei%2C%20Sarah%20Taibah%2C%20Hajar%20Alshammari%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20front-axle%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E218hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E330Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20touring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E402km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh215%2C000%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What is the Supreme Petroleum Council?

The Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council was established in 1988 and is the highest governing body in Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas industry. The council formulates, oversees and executes the emirate’s petroleum-related policies. It also approves the allocation of capital spending across state-owned Adnoc’s upstream, downstream and midstream operations and functions as the company’s board of directors. The SPC’s mandate is also required for auctioning oil and gas concessions in Abu Dhabi and for awarding blocks to international oil companies. The council is chaired by Sheikh Khalifa, the President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi while Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, is the vice chairman.

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlmouneer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dr%20Noha%20Khater%20and%20Rania%20Kadry%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEgypt%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E120%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBootstrapped%2C%20with%20support%20from%20Insead%20and%20Egyptian%20government%2C%20seed%20round%20of%20%3Cbr%3E%243.6%20million%20led%20by%20Global%20Ventures%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Khaldoon%20Bushnaq%20and%20Tariq%20Seksek%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Global%20Market%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20100%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20to%20date%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2415%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Haemoglobin disorders explained

Thalassaemia is part of a family of genetic conditions affecting the blood known as haemoglobin disorders.

Haemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen and a lack of it triggers anemia, leaving patients very weak, short of breath and pale.

The most severe type of the condition is typically inherited when both parents are carriers. Those patients often require regular blood transfusions - about 450 of the UAE's 2,000 thalassaemia patients - though frequent transfusions can lead to too much iron in the body and heart and liver problems.

The condition mainly affects people of Mediterranean, South Asian, South-East Asian and Middle Eastern origin. Saudi Arabia recorded 45,892 cases of carriers between 2004 and 2014.

A World Health Organisation study estimated that globally there are at least 950,000 'new carrier couples' every year and annually there are 1.33 million at-risk pregnancies.

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

Updated: June 19, 2023, 1:09 PM