• A damaged amphitheatre in Syria's ancient city of Palmyra in the country's central province of Homs. AFP
    A damaged amphitheatre in Syria's ancient city of Palmyra in the country's central province of Homs. AFP
  • Syria has six sites listed on Unesco's world heritage list. All of them sustained some level of damage in the 10-year war. AFP
    Syria has six sites listed on Unesco's world heritage list. All of them sustained some level of damage in the 10-year war. AFP
  • Besides Palmyra and Aleppo, Syria's ancient cities of Damascus and Bosra also sustained damage. AFP
    Besides Palmyra and Aleppo, Syria's ancient cities of Damascus and Bosra also sustained damage. AFP
  • The damaged Temple of Bel, Palmyra, Syria, contrasts with the complete destruction that surrounds. AFP
    The damaged Temple of Bel, Palmyra, Syria, contrasts with the complete destruction that surrounds. AFP
  • it's hard to believe Palmyra was once a booming, busy metropolis. AFP
    it's hard to believe Palmyra was once a booming, busy metropolis. AFP
  • In the 20th century, it was one of Syria’s biggest tourist destinations. AFP
    In the 20th century, it was one of Syria’s biggest tourist destinations. AFP
  • ISIS seized Palmyra and its ancient ruins back in 2015 and, despite promising to leave the columns and temples untouched, destroyed many historical sites. AFP
    ISIS seized Palmyra and its ancient ruins back in 2015 and, despite promising to leave the columns and temples untouched, destroyed many historical sites. AFP
  • Palmyra was just one of many losses inflicted on Syria’s heritage during the war. AFP
    Palmyra was just one of many losses inflicted on Syria’s heritage during the war. AFP
  • While Syria's tourism industry remains stunted, many believe it has the potential to attract the crowds once more. AFP
    While Syria's tourism industry remains stunted, many believe it has the potential to attract the crowds once more. AFP
  • Whether the country's tourism heyday can ever return, however, remains to be seen. AFP
    Whether the country's tourism heyday can ever return, however, remains to be seen. AFP

MENA

Take a virtual tour of the Roman ruins of Palmyra in Syria - in pictures

Syria has six sites listed on the Unesco elite list of world heritage and all of them sustained some level of damage in the 10-year war

The National

April 05, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

More galleries from The National:

Displaced Syrian builds model of Palmyra from memory - in pictures

Christians celebrate Easter in Jerusalem's Old City - in pictures

Wildlife thriving in Shareen Nature Reserve at Saudi Arabia's Al Ula - in pictures

Saudi Green initiatives: everything you need to know about plan to plant 50 billion trees

Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque to be cleaned daily with 60,000 litres of sanitiser during Ramadan

While you're here
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Grand slam winners since July 2003

Who has won major titles since Wimbledon 2003 when Roger Federer won his first grand slam

Roger Federer 19 (8 Wimbledon, 5 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open)

Rafael Nadal 16 (10 French Open, 3 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)

Novak Djokovic 12 (6 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 US Open, 1 French Open)

Andy Murray 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)

Stan Wawrinka 3 (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 US Open)

Andy Roddick 1 (1 US Open) 

Gaston Gaudio 1 (1 French Open)

Marat Safin 1 (1 Australian Open)

Juan Martin del Potro 1 (1 US Open)

Marin Cilic 1 (1 US Open)

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

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How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Teaching in coronavirus times
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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The specs

BMW M8 Competition Coupe

Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8

Power 625hp at 6,000rpm

Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm

Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto

Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec

Top speed 305kph

Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km

Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)

On sale Jan/Feb 2020
 

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

UAE currency
One in nine do not have enough to eat

Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.

One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.

The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.

Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.

It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.

On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.

Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.

 

While you're here
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
READ MORE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
STAR%20WARS%20JEDI%3A%20SURVIVOR
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Respawn%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electronic%20Arts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20Playstation%205%2C%20Xbox%20Series%20X%20and%20S%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog

Prefers vegetables and fish to meat and would choose salad over pizza

Walks daily as part of regular exercise routine 

France is her favourite country to visit

Has written books and manuals on women’s education, first aid and health for the family

Family: Husband, three sons and a daughter

Fathiya Nadhari's instructions to her children was to give back to the country

The children worked as young volunteers in social, education and health campaigns

Her motto is to never stop working for the country

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)

Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)

The Vile

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

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

MENA