Mohamed Al Hammadi carries the flag for the UAE during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Mohamed Al Hammadi carries the flag for the UAE during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Mohamed Al Hammadi carries the flag for the UAE during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Mohamed Al Hammadi carries the flag for the UAE during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Mohamed Al Hammadi leads UAE as flag-bearer at Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony


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Mohamed Al Hammadi, the multiple medal-winning Paralympian, was the UAE flag-bearer at the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony on Tuesday evening as the largest Games in history officially got under way.

Al Hammadi has won three Paralympic medals, including gold in the 800m wheelchair T34 at Rio 2016 having claimed silver and bronze at London 2012 in the 200m and 100m respectively. He is again expected to be a major contender in Tokyo.

The Emirati led a 12-member squad of UAE athletes plus staff at the opening ceremony inside Tokyo's Olympic Stadium, among them powerlifting great Mohammed Khalaf Khamis, who has won two Paralympic golds and one silver. There were no spectators inside the stadium, aside from a few officials, dignitaries, and sponsors.

A total of 4,403 athletes will compete in Tokyo, making it the largest Paralympic Games in history. Like the Olympics which preceded it, the Paralympics were delayed by 12 months because of the pandemic.

  • People take pictures of fireworks during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday August 24, 2021. Reuters
    People take pictures of fireworks during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday August 24, 2021. Reuters
  • Fireworks illuminate over National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. AP
    Fireworks illuminate over National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. AP
  • International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons, centre, Japanese Emperor Naruhito, right, arrive for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
    International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons, centre, Japanese Emperor Naruhito, right, arrive for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
  • Performers during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
    Performers during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
  • Fireworks over the National Stadium in Tokyo during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics. AP
    Fireworks over the National Stadium in Tokyo during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics. AP
  • The Japanese national flag is carried into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
    The Japanese national flag is carried into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
  • Fireworks light up the sky above the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
    Fireworks light up the sky above the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
  • The Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. Reuters
    The Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. Reuters
  • Performers during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics. AP
    Performers during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics. AP
  • Healthcare workers present the Japanese flag. Reuters
    Healthcare workers present the Japanese flag. Reuters
  • The Japanese national flag is carried ahead of the opening ceremony. Reuters
    The Japanese national flag is carried ahead of the opening ceremony. Reuters
  • Fireworks over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
    Fireworks over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
  • Fireworks during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
    Fireworks during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
  • Performers dance during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
    Performers dance during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
  • Chef de Mission of Refugee Paralympic Team Ileana Rodriguez takes a selfie during their arrival at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
    Chef de Mission of Refugee Paralympic Team Ileana Rodriguez takes a selfie during their arrival at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
  • Members of Refugee Paralympic Team before the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
    Members of Refugee Paralympic Team before the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
  • The Japan Air Self-Defence Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic flight team makes a commemorative flight over Tokyo ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. EPA
    The Japan Air Self-Defence Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic flight team makes a commemorative flight over Tokyo ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. EPA
  • Protesters demonstrate next to police in Tokyo before the Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters
    Protesters demonstrate next to police in Tokyo before the Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters
  • Protesters jostle with police ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters
    Protesters jostle with police ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters
  • Protesters during the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters
    Protesters during the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters
  • Protestors at the Tokyo Paralympics. Reuters
    Protestors at the Tokyo Paralympics. Reuters
  • Flags of the participating nations are displayed in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony. Getty
    Flags of the participating nations are displayed in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony. Getty
  • The Paralympic torch during the opening ceremony. EPA
    The Paralympic torch during the opening ceremony. EPA
  • Torchbearers Yui Kamiji, Shunsuke Uchida and Karin Morisaki. EPA
    Torchbearers Yui Kamiji, Shunsuke Uchida and Karin Morisaki. EPA
  • Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Reuters
    Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Reuters
  • Performers take part in the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
    Performers take part in the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
  • Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
    Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
  • A performer during the opening ceremony in Tokyo. AFP
    A performer during the opening ceremony in Tokyo. AFP
  • Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
    Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty
  • Performers during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
    Performers during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP
  • Yui Kamiji of Team Japan prepares to light the Paralympic flame. Getty
    Yui Kamiji of Team Japan prepares to light the Paralympic flame. Getty

"I cannot believe we are finally here. Many doubted this day would happen. Many thought it impossible. But thanks to the efforts of many, the most transformative sport event on Earth is about to begin," ICC president Thomas Bach said.

"Over the next 10 years, WeThe15 will challenge how the world’s 15 per cent with disabilities are perceived and treated at a global level.

"With the support of 20 international organisations, civil society, the business sector, and the media we will put the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities firmly at the heart of the inclusion agenda.

"The Paralympic Games are for sure a platform for change. But only every four years is not enough. It is up to each and every one of us to play out part, every day, to make for a more inclusive society in our countries, in our cities, in our communities."

Tokyo Paralympics open with spectacular ceremony



The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

While you're here
Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

In the Restaurant: Society in Four Courses
Christoph Ribbat
Translated by Jamie Searle Romanelli
Pushkin Press 

THE SPECS

Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre

Transmission: Seven-speed auto

Power: 165hp

Torque: 241Nm

Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000

On sale: now

Engine: 3.5-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 290hp

Torque: 340Nm

Price: Dh155,800

On sale: now

Monday's results
  • UAE beat Bahrain by 51 runs
  • Qatar beat Maldives by 44 runs
  • Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait by seven wickets
Volunteers offer workers a lifeline

Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men.

When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards.

Volunteers from St Mary’s Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance.

Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill.

“Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary’s.

Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children’s marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died.

“More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,” said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.

The Two Popes

Director: Fernando Meirelles

Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce 

Four out of five stars

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

If you go

The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Santiago, via Sao Paolo cost from Dh5,295 with Emirates


The trip
A five-day trip (not including two days of flight travel) was split between Santiago and in Puerto Varas, with more time spent in the later where excursions were organised by TurisTour.
 

When to go
The summer months, from December to February are best though there is beauty in each season

Stage 2

1. Mathieu van der Poel (NED) Alpecin-Fenix 4:18:30

2. Tadej Pogacar (SLV) UAE Team Emirates 0:00:06

3.  Primoz Roglic (SLV) Jumbo-Visma 0:00:06

4. Wilco Kelderman (NED) Bora-Hansgrohe 0:00:06

5. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceuninck-QuickStep 0:00:08

BLACK%20ADAM
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Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica

Best Agent: Jorge Mendes

Best Club : Liverpool   

 Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)  

 Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

 Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

 Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP

 Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart

Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)

Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)

Best Women's Player:  Lucy Bronze

Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi

 Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

 Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)

 Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs

Top%2010%20most%20competitive%20economies
%3Cp%3E1.%20Singapore%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Switzerland%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Denmark%0D%3Cbr%3E4.%20Ireland%0D%3Cbr%3E5.%20Hong%20Kong%0D%3Cbr%3E6.%20Sweden%0D%3Cbr%3E7.%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E8.%20Taiwan%0D%3Cbr%3E9.%20Netherlands%0D%3Cbr%3E10.%20Norway%0D%3Cbr%3E%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

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

Updated: August 25, 2021, 9:49 AM