• The 27th night of Ramadan at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    The 27th night of Ramadan at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Workers adjust the lanterns in preparation ahead of Buddha's birthday celebrations at Jogye temple in South Korean capital Seoul. AP
    Workers adjust the lanterns in preparation ahead of Buddha's birthday celebrations at Jogye temple in South Korean capital Seoul. AP
  • A protester interrupts Britain's Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds delivering his speech at Chatham House at the think tank's global trade conference, in London. AP
    A protester interrupts Britain's Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds delivering his speech at Chatham House at the think tank's global trade conference, in London. AP
  • Protesters are sprayed by police water cannon at a demonstration against a revision to Indonesia's armed forces law, in front of the House of Representatives building in Jakarta. AFP
    Protesters are sprayed by police water cannon at a demonstration against a revision to Indonesia's armed forces law, in front of the House of Representatives building in Jakarta. AFP
  • An artist paints a tram on the theme of Sundarbans mangrove forest in the Ganges Delta – which covers both Bangladesh and India – to raise awareness about climate change, in Kolkata, capital of India's West Bengal state. AFP
    An artist paints a tram on the theme of Sundarbans mangrove forest in the Ganges Delta – which covers both Bangladesh and India – to raise awareness about climate change, in Kolkata, capital of India's West Bengal state. AFP
  • Clouds over a statue of the national monument to Italy's King Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as Vittoriano, who reigned from 1861 to 1878, in Rome. AFP
    Clouds over a statue of the national monument to Italy's King Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as Vittoriano, who reigned from 1861 to 1878, in Rome. AFP
  • Canada's Marion Thenault warms up prior to the mixed team aerials final event at the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships 2025 in St Moritz, south-east Switzerland. AFP
    Canada's Marion Thenault warms up prior to the mixed team aerials final event at the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships 2025 in St Moritz, south-east Switzerland. AFP
  • Palestinians walk amid rubble from Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Reuters
    Palestinians walk amid rubble from Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Reuters
  • Members of the Al Kahlout family mourn over the bodies of relatives killed in an Israeli strike, at Al Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. AP
    Members of the Al Kahlout family mourn over the bodies of relatives killed in an Israeli strike, at Al Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. AP
  • Jonathan Olakunle Olanlokun, an environmental advocate known as the Nigerian Spiderman, with vendors and customers at a street market in Osogbo, Osun state, south-west Nigeria. EPA
    Jonathan Olakunle Olanlokun, an environmental advocate known as the Nigerian Spiderman, with vendors and customers at a street market in Osogbo, Osun state, south-west Nigeria. EPA
  • Villagers attend a bullfight in Congjiang county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, in China's south-western Guizhou province. AFP
    Villagers attend a bullfight in Congjiang county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, in China's south-western Guizhou province. AFP
  • A performer with the dance company of South Korean choreographer Eun-Me Ahn rehearses for Dragons, part of the Bradford 2025 City of Culture, at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, northern England. AFP
    A performer with the dance company of South Korean choreographer Eun-Me Ahn rehearses for Dragons, part of the Bradford 2025 City of Culture, at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, northern England. AFP
  • A mass grave at San Rafael Municipal Cemetery of 56 unidentified or unclaimed persons in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico. AFP
    A mass grave at San Rafael Municipal Cemetery of 56 unidentified or unclaimed persons in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico. AFP
  • Mourners holding their lit-up phones outside the Novi Sad city train station in Serbia to honour the memory of a teenager who died from injuries sustained when the station's roof collapsed in November 2024. AFP
    Mourners holding their lit-up phones outside the Novi Sad city train station in Serbia to honour the memory of a teenager who died from injuries sustained when the station's roof collapsed in November 2024. AFP
  • Gregoire Munster of Belgium drives his Ford Puma Rally 1 car during day three of Rally Safari 2025, in Naivasha, Kenya. EPA
    Gregoire Munster of Belgium drives his Ford Puma Rally 1 car during day three of Rally Safari 2025, in Naivasha, Kenya. EPA
  • The Christ the Redeemer statue stands with its lights turned off during an hour of voluntary darkness for the global "Earth Hour" campaign in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AP
    The Christ the Redeemer statue stands with its lights turned off during an hour of voluntary darkness for the global "Earth Hour" campaign in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AP
  • Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in Gaza city. EPA
    Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in Gaza city. EPA
  • Turkish riot police spray tear gas onto a protester during a demonstration outside Istanbul's city hall to support Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu following his arrest. AFP
    Turkish riot police spray tear gas onto a protester during a demonstration outside Istanbul's city hall to support Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu following his arrest. AFP
  • A boy walks between ranks of statues of Buddhist monks at Trapeang Thma pagoda in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province. AFP
    A boy walks between ranks of statues of Buddhist monks at Trapeang Thma pagoda in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province. AFP
  • Kaja Kallas, EU foreign affairs minister, lays a wreath next to the eternal flame on a visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, in Jerusalem. Reuters
    Kaja Kallas, EU foreign affairs minister, lays a wreath next to the eternal flame on a visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, in Jerusalem. Reuters
  • Employees of National High Speed Railway Corporation Ltd work on restoration after a crane collapsed between pillars on the bullet train line of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India. Reuters
    Employees of National High Speed Railway Corporation Ltd work on restoration after a crane collapsed between pillars on the bullet train line of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India. Reuters
  • Shiite devotees with copies of the Quran on their heads attend mass prayers for Laylat Al Qadr, the Night of Destiny, at the Great Mosque of Kufa in Iraq. AFP
    Shiite devotees with copies of the Quran on their heads attend mass prayers for Laylat Al Qadr, the Night of Destiny, at the Great Mosque of Kufa in Iraq. AFP
  • Wild horses and their foals are returned to the mountains after being dewormed and having their manes cut during the Shearing of the Beasts in the village of Sabucedo, Galicia, Spain. Reuters
    Wild horses and their foals are returned to the mountains after being dewormed and having their manes cut during the Shearing of the Beasts in the village of Sabucedo, Galicia, Spain. Reuters
  • The Roulettes aerobatic display team of the Royal Australian Air Force perform during the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport, near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Reuters
    The Roulettes aerobatic display team of the Royal Australian Air Force perform during the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport, near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Reuters
  • Members of the Gyeongbuk Seobu Cultural Heritage Care Center wrap a Buddha statue with cotton cloth and a fire-retardant blanket during preparations for the threat of a wildfire advancing towards Gounsa Temple in Uiseong. AFP
    Members of the Gyeongbuk Seobu Cultural Heritage Care Center wrap a Buddha statue with cotton cloth and a fire-retardant blanket during preparations for the threat of a wildfire advancing towards Gounsa Temple in Uiseong. AFP
  • In Buenos Aires, demonstrators carry a banner with photos of people who 'disappeared' during Argentina's military dictatorship of 1976-1983. The march commemorates the anniversary of the 1976 coup that overthrew the presidency of Isabel Peron. AP
    In Buenos Aires, demonstrators carry a banner with photos of people who 'disappeared' during Argentina's military dictatorship of 1976-1983. The march commemorates the anniversary of the 1976 coup that overthrew the presidency of Isabel Peron. AP
  • Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra with coalition party members after she survived a no-confidence vote in parliament in Bangkok. Reuters
    Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra with coalition party members after she survived a no-confidence vote in parliament in Bangkok. Reuters
  • Citizens gather at the National Monument for the Martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh in Savar, north-west of Dhaka, to mark the beginning of country’s independence campaign in 1971. AFP
    Citizens gather at the National Monument for the Martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh in Savar, north-west of Dhaka, to mark the beginning of country’s independence campaign in 1971. AFP
  • A banner depicts former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as supporters gather to protest against his arrest as part of a corruption investigation. Reuters
    A banner depicts former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as supporters gather to protest against his arrest as part of a corruption investigation. Reuters
  • In Beit Lahia, Gaza, demonstrators hold placards and banners in Arabic reading 'Enough killing and destruction' and 'The children of Palestine: We want to live' during a rally calling for an end to the Israel-Gaza war. AFP
    In Beit Lahia, Gaza, demonstrators hold placards and banners in Arabic reading 'Enough killing and destruction' and 'The children of Palestine: We want to live' during a rally calling for an end to the Israel-Gaza war. AFP

Pictures of the week: From prayers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to protests in Gaza


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How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

The biog

Age: 46

Number of Children: Four

Hobby: Reading history books

Loves: Sports

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

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

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

Film: Raid
Dir: Rajkumar Gupta
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'cruz and Saurabh Shukla

Verdict:  Three stars 

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Switch%20Foods%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Edward%20Hamod%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Plant-based%20meat%20production%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2034%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%246.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Based%20in%20US%20and%20across%20Middle%20East%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

French Touch

Carla Bruni

(Verve)

8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint

Greenheart Organic Farms 

This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.

www.greenheartuae.com

Modibodi  

Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.

www.modibodi.ae

The Good Karma Co

From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes. 

www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco

Re:told

One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.

www.shopretold.com

Lush

Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store. 

www.mena.lush.com

Bubble Bro 

Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.

www.bubble-bro.com

Coethical 

This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.

www.instagram.com/coethical

Eggs & Soldiers

This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.

www.eggsnsoldiers.com

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Updated: March 28, 2025, 6:01 PM