Explained: UK's traffic light for travel system
The UAE remains red-listed for travel to the UK.
In Britain's most recent update to its international travel rules, which came into effect on Tuesday, travellers cannot fly directly from the UAE to the UK without spending 10 days in mandatory hotel quarantine.
At a cost of £1,750 ($2,480) for a single adult, that's an expensive investment for a largely uninspiring hotel stay. But other options exist for UAE residents keen to travel to the UK to visit friends and family this summer.
While green-listed destinations are few and far between, Iceland is an option – albeit a rather expensive one – for an entirely quarantine-free return to the UK.
Visiting an amber-listed country, however, and seeing out 11 days before heading on to the UK, means travellers will instead have to self-isolate on their arrival for 10 days, rather than pay for hotel quarantine. Travellers staying in England also have the option of a PCR "test to release" on day five, should they not be diagnosed with Covid-19.
So, if you're planning a visit to the UK, but don't want to spend time and money on hotel quarantine, here are 10 destinations where you can quite happily spend 11 days before journeying on.
1. Albania
Why go? With Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, Albania is a treasure in south-eastern Europe's Balkan Peninsula. Explore archaeological sites and ancient castles, hike in the Albanian Alps and spend time in the capital, Tirana. In the latter, sightsee in Skanderbeg Square, ride the longest cable car in the region and venture into the hills to take in nature at the Dajti Mountain National Park, right on the outskirts of the city.
Getting there and away: Flydubai operates non-stop flights to Tirana and the journey takes less than six hours. Fares start from Dh1,955 ($532). From Albania, you can fly direct to London with Wizz Air. The journey takes a little over three hours, and you can get low-cost basic fares from about Dh500.
What do I need to do before travelling? Albania is welcoming citizens and residents from the UAE who can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 90 days. There are no PCR test requirements to travel to Albania unless the airline you're flying with asks for this.
Anything else I need to know? In the third week of this month, Albania plans to set up summer health centres in 29 locations across the country where travellers will be able to take Covid-19 tests. Tourists are free to move around the country, but are reminded to stick to social-distancing rules of 1.5 metres. Albania is amber-listed in the UK, so travellers will have to follow home quarantine rules upon arrival.
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Why go? Home to the Dinaric Alps, endless limestone lakes, Ottoman architecture and ancient hilltop villages, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a stunning holiday destination that counts Croatia and Montenegro as its closest neighbours.
Summer visits mean sunshine-filled days perfect for hiking, mountain biking or kayaking, and don’t forget to explore the museums in Sarajevo, which pay touching tribute to the region's not-so-distant past. It's also an easy-on-the-wallet destination with plenty of low-cost accommodation and affordable living expenses.
Getting there and away: It's a six-hour flight from Dubai to Sarajevo, with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi getting you there from Dh1,398. To the UK, currently there are no direct flights. From Friday, June 18, you can fly from the capital to Sweden with Wizz Air, then onwards to several destinations in the UK. Or go via Vienna with Austrian Air and Ryanair with fares from £270.
What do I need to do before travelling? All passengers need a printed copy of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result certificate issued no more than 48 hours prior to arriving in the country.
Anything else I need to know? Mask-wearing and social distancing are required on public transport, in public places and outside in crowded areas. There are also restrictions on movement between 11pm and 5am. A list of clinics providing PCR tests in Bosnia and Herzegovina is available here. The country is amber-listed in the UK, as are Sweden and Austria for transit purposes.
3. Cyprus
Why go? The Mediterranean island is welcoming tourists again and is an ideal holiday spot. Brimming with archaeological sites, coastal cities and pristine beaches, Cyprus offers a lot more entertainment than sitting in a hotel room for 11 days. The Mediterranean climate means holidays will undoubtedly include days on the beach, water sports, biking trails and hiking through wild flower meadows or pine-clad mountains.
Getting there and away: Flying from Dubai with Emirates, travellers are looking at a flight time of about four hours with fares from about Dh2,425. To the UK, fly direct with Ryanair to London or Bournemouth, with fares from a very reasonable Dh177, and a journey time of under five hours.
What do I need to do before travelling? The UAE is currently red-listed by Cypriot authorities, which means travellers need to take a Covid-19 test 72 hours before travelling, and another one on arrival. So long as your second test is negative, you won't need to quarantine.
Vaccinated travellers are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements, and the Sinopharm jab is among those recognised. All travellers must apply for permission to enter the country at least 24 hours before travelling, via Cyprus Flight Pass.
Anything else I need to know? Cyprus is currently under restrictions that are set to run until at least Thursday, June 10, but they could be extended. A curfew is in place between 1am and 5am, and travellers may be asked to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or vaccination status before entering indoor leisure spaces, including restaurants, hotels, theatres, malls and more.
PCR tests can be taken at Paphos or Larnaca airports; travellers can pre-register for the tests here.
Cyprus is amber-listed in the UK, so home quarantine and two PCR tests will need to factor into your plans.
4. Greece
Why go? Greece offers something for everyone, and has reopened with no quarantine necessary for visitors. The country serves up archaeological wonders in ancient Athens, white sugar cube-style hotels on its famed and lesser-known islands, and culinary experiences loaded with the freshest seafood, flaky pastries, local cheeses and olive oils. With so many islands, towns and cities, you can easily find the type of holiday you're dreaming of.
Getting there and away: From the UAE, you can fly direct to the Greek capital in under five hours. Etihad has flights to Athens with return fares from Dh995 and is also launching summer flights to Santorini and Mykonos. Crete and Rhodes are also reachable direct from Abu Dhabi with Wizz Air, which will operate flights to the Greek islands from July, with one-way fares starting at Dh179.
Leaving Greece, you can find direct flights to several places across the UK, including London, Exeter and Newcastle, depending on your departure point. Search for flights with Jet2, Ryanair and Wizz Air for low-cost fares.
What do I need to do before travelling? You need to take a Covid-19 PCR test and complete a Passenger Locator Form at least 24 hours before departing the UAE for Greece. All travellers over the age of 5 must have a negative Covid-19 test result, except those who have a certificate of vaccination completed at least 14 days before their arrival in Greece.
Anything else I need to know? Cafes, bars and restaurants are now open across Greece, provided that customers can sit outside. The nationwide curfew has been extended to 12.30am, so late-night strolls and al fresco bar visits are back on the cards. Museums and archaeological archeological sites, including the Acropolis in Athens, have also reopened with restrictions on visitor numbers.
PCR tests are available at several clinics across the country, with prices capped at a maximum of Dh260. Greece and the country's islands are amber-listed in the UK. Travellers need to factor in taking a Covid-19 test before flying back to the UK, and paying for two Covid-19 tests to be taken once there.
5. Malta
Why go? A Mediterranean island steeped in history, Malta boasts year-round sunshine making it ideal for a summer break. There are plenty of beaches, including Mellieha Bay, the island's largest, and Golden Bay, on the north-west coast, where the surrounding waters are perfect for scuba-diving.
This three-island archipelago, located only 50 nautical miles off the coast of Italy's Sicily, also offers a culinary feast with traditional Maltese food a fusion of the different civilisations that once occupied the island. And, talking of history, there are ancient ruins linked to the Romans, the Moors and the Knights of St John to see, as well as mysterious temples dating back to the Neolithic period.
Getting there and away: There are currently no direct flights from the UAE to Malta, but you can go via Sofia with flydubai and Ryanair with fares from Dh2,580. From July 14, Emirates will restart flights to Malta via Larnaca, Cpyrus. The Dubai airline will fly three times per week to Malta, with one-way fares from Dh1,950. Flydubai has Malta listed as a planned route, so keep an eye on the low-cost airline for more news on the same.Ryanair operates from Valetta in Malta to various destinations in the UK, while Air Malta will fly you direct to either London or Manchester.
What do I need to do before travelling? The UAE is listed amber by Malta, meaning travellers need to have negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before landing in the country. Children under 5 are exempt.
All passengers must complete a Passenger Locator and Health Declaration Form, which can be downloaded here. Both PCR test results and the form are required in paper format.
Anything else I need to know? Bars, theatres and cinemas reopened on Monday, and restaurants can remain open until midnight. Malta's museums reopened on June 1, but restrictions regarding opening times and capacities remain in place.
Some popular historical sites remain closed, including Ta’ Bistra Catacombs, the Malta Maritime Museum and The Palace State Rooms. From Monday, a maximum of six people from different households can gather in public places.
Malta is UK amber-listed, so travellers will need to self-isolate in the UK. You can take a PCR test in Malta by registering for an appointment here.
6. Croatia
Why go? Home to more than 1,000 islands and inlets dotted along its Adriatic coastline, Croatia's appeal is its perfect sailing terrain, pebbled beaches, thick forests, picturesque towns and centuries-old cobbled streets. It's also a popular choice with Game of Thrones fans – the HBO fantasy series used Dubrovnik as the setting for several scenes, including the Red Keep, the House of the Undying and the setting of the Purple Wedding.
There are no fewer than 10 Unesco-listed sites and eight national parks across the country. Croatia also boasts great hiking and nature spots across the Dinaric Alps for anyone looking to kick off summer with some adventure.
Getting there and away: There are currently no direct flights from the UAE to Croatia, but go to Zagreb with Turkish Airlines from Dubai and you'll pay about Dh1,500. From Croatia, fly direct to London from Zagreb, Split, Pula or Zadar with low-cost fares via Ryanair from Dh99.
What do I need to do before travelling? Croatia is open to travellers who have a recognised vaccine (currently Pfizer, Moderna, Gamaleya, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) taken at least 14 days before travel. Other travellers can present a negative PCR test taken 48 hours before arriving at the border, with children under 7 exempt.
Tourists must also hold a valid accommodation booking or proof of property ownership in Croatia.
Anything else I need to know? Social-distancing measures and mandatory face masks in public spaces are required. Covid-19 tests are readily available in Croatia for departing passengers, but are not cheap – starting from 400 Croatian Kuna ($64). Croatia is amber-listed for the UK, so expect 10 days home quarantine upon return.
7. Lebanon
Why go? Summertime temperatures in Lebanon are delightful and the country has myriad ways to enjoy an 11-day holiday. Soak up some sunshine on the beaches, or there are 225 kilometres of western coastline to choose from with surfing, cliff-diving and seaside eateries abundant.
Escape to the mountains to explore Lebanon's hiking trails that take you through old villages, wide-open pastures and amazing rivers and waterfalls. And lest we forget Beirut, the country's capital, that's packed with historical buildings, churches, mosques, museums and more, and well worth a few days' exploration.
Getting there and away: Etihad operates direct flights to Beirut from Abu Dhabi, while flydubai is a good pick for flights from Dubai. Onwards to the UK, go with Middle East Airlines with direct flights to London starting from Dh850 and a flight time of just over five hours.
What do I need to do before travelling? A PCR test is required that's been taken no more than 96 hours before landing in the country. Travellers must also fill out a registration form, and download the 'Covidlebtrack' app.
All travellers will take another PCR test in Lebanon, at a cost of $50. Children under 12 do not need to be tested. Vaccinated travellers are exempt from pre-testing, but must take the on-arrival tests.
Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine at their place of accommodation for the first 72 hours in the country.
Anything else I need to know? Travellers need to take a PCR test in Lebanon before departure; a list of available places to do so can be found here. The country is amber-listed in the UK, so get set for 10 days of home quarantine.
8. Spain
Why go? If you're vaccinated, there are several reasons to head to Spain, one of the world's most-visited countries. From sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches along the coast, to Granada's Moorish Alhambra palaces or Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, Gaudi sites and buzzy Eixample neighbourhood, visitors need endless time to discover all of Spain's treasures. So don't try to – instead, decide what you want to see and pick your destination based on that.
Getting there and away: From the UAE, you can fly direct to Barcelona or Madrid. Emirates flies to Barcelona from Dubai four times a week, and to Madrid five times a week. From Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and Air Europa operate flights to both Spanish cities, with fares starting at about Dh2,700.
Domestic Spanish airlines offer flights to additional destinations in the country, such as Alicante, Ibiza or Seville, via connecting flights.
From Spain to the UK, several airlines fly from airports across the country with low-cost fares with Ryanair, Vueling or easyJet costing less than Dh100.
What do I need to do before travelling? Visitors from the UAE must have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccination at least 14 days before travelling to Spain. All tourists must also complete an online Health Control Form, no more than 48 hours before their flights are set to depart. Once submitted, passengers will get an email with a QR code that is needed to board flights to any Spanish destination.
Anything else I need to know? Spain recently lifted a six-month state of emergency and, since then, restrictions have eased across much of the country. This handy map from the Spanish Tourism authority lets you see what measures are in place for the different destinations you plan to visit during your stay. It also details which regions of Spain offer access to free insurance with Covid-19 coverage for international travellers and tourists.
To get a PCR test to fly back to the UK, travellers can check this list of testing centres located within close proximity of regional airports.
9. The US
Why go? It might be a bit out of the way in terms of geographical location, but, with direct flights to several destinations in the US from the UAE, and the country open to tourists without quarantine, it's another option for a pre-summer jaunt to the UK.
Whether you fancy skyscrapers in New York, theme parks in Florida, history in Washington, DC, or slow-paced strolls in the south of the country, the US is like nowhere else in the world and guarantees a fascinating place to spend 11 days. It's also doable on any budget, with cheap Airbnbs and self-catering options available for those watching what they spend, or luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants for those seeking the finer things in life.
Getting there and away: Emirates flies direct from Dubai to 11 destinations in the US, and will add Miami to the network from Thursday, July 22. From Abu Dhabi, Etihad will fly you to Los Angeles, Chicago, New York or Washington, DC, with fares from Dh2,995; the UAE airline can also help you clear US immigration before travel to cut down on paperwork and processes stateside.
From the US, several airlines operate to the UK, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Finnair and more.
What do I need to do before travelling? In general, if you're vaccinated, you won't need to quarantine when landing in the US. This applies to any FDA-authorised vaccine or one authorised for emergency use by the World Health Organisation, which includes Sinopharm.
International travellers should have a PCR test before travel and again three to five days after travel. Different states have their own rules on what you need to do before you go, so check what restrictions are in place for your destination and expect that you may need to self-isolate if you're unvaccinated.
Anything else I need to know? The US is on track to meet its vaccine targets, but uptake has been better in some states than others. Places such as Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts and New Jersey are ahead in the vaccine race, while others, including Vermont, Oregon, Maine and Washington, have some of the lowest Covid-19 case numbers, so choose which state you visit wisely.
Some US airports offer PCR tests for travellers, while other states have testing available via health centres or major drugstores, including Rite Aid and Walgreens.
10. Jordan
Why go? Home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Jordan boasts amazing natural landscapes and ancient archaeological sites, coupled with warm Bedouin hospitality. Spend a few days in the capital, Amman, a hub for arts and culture and a foodies' delight, and head to Petra – Jordan's gem and the ancient seat of the Nabataean kingdom.
Stay with locals in the desert of Wadi Rum, trekking across Mars-like landscapes, or go stargazing at the Dana Biosphere, then head to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth where floating in the water is effortless.
The country is as diverse as is it delightful, offering a rich history, bustling souqs and sunshine-filled shorelines.
Getting there and away: Emirates flies its A380 superjumbo daily to Amman from Dubai with fares from Dh2,015 and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi with fares from Dh1,763.
From Amman, you can fly direct to the UK with Royal Jordanian with a flight time of just over five hours. For a budget connecting flight, go via Milan with Ryanair.
What do I need to do before travelling? All travellers flying to Jordan need to complete this declaration form. Tourists also need a negative PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before arriving in Jordan. Unvaccinated passengers must be tested again upon landing in Amman, and Jordan recognises all vaccines in use in the UAE.
Anything else I need to know? Some tourism facilities, including hotels, restaurants and some archaeological and diving sites, are operating at 50 per cent capacity, so be sure to book ahead of time.
If you're looking for clinics for a PCR test before leaving Jordan, Emirates has a handy list of places to try. Travellers flying to the UK from Jordan will be coming from an amber country, so should follow the rules in place for international travel from this category.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
FA Cup fifth round draw
Sheffield Wednesday v Manchester City
Reading/Cardiff City v Sheffield United
Chelsea v Shrewsbury Town/Liverpool
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United/Oxford United
Leicester City v Coventry City/Birmingham City
Northampton Town/Derby County v Manchester United
Southampton/Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City
Portsmouth v Arsenal
War
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Read more from Johann Chacko
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
Captain Marvel
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn
4/5 stars
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The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The essentials
What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HyperPay%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202014%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Muhannad%20Ebwini%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Riyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2455m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AB%20Ventures%2C%20Amwal%20Capital%2C%20INet%2C%20Mada%20VC%2C%20Mastercard%2C%20SVC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'Dark Waters'
Directed by: Todd Haynes
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, William Jackson Harper
Rating: ****
pakistan Test squad
Azhar Ali (capt), Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari
The distance learning plan
Spring break will be from March 8 - 19
Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm
Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19
Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning
Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5
The Word for Woman is Wilderness
Abi Andrews, Serpent’s Tail
My Cat Yugoslavia by Pajtim Statovci
Pushkin Press
List of alleged parties
May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members
May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party
Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson
Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party
Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters
Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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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
START-UPS%20IN%20BATCH%204%20OF%20SANABIL%20500'S%20ACCELERATOR%20PROGRAMME
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JAPANESE GRAND PRIX INFO
Schedule (All times UAE)
First practice: Friday, 5-6.30am
Second practice: Friday, 9-10.30am
Third practice: Saturday, 7-8am
Qualifying: Saturday, 10-11am
Race: Sunday, 9am-midday
Race venue: Suzuka International Racing Course
Circuit Length: 5.807km
Number of Laps: 53
Watch live: beIN Sports HD
The specs
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
The Bio
Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”
Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”
Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”
Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- 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
Company profile
Company name: Nestrom
Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
Initial investment: Close to $100,000
Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
The%20specs
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hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Can NRIs vote in the election?
Indians residing overseas cannot cast their ballot abroad
Non-resident Indians or NRIs can vote only by going to a polling booth in their home constituency
There are about 3.1 million NRIs living overseas
Indians have urged political parties to extend the right to vote to citizens residing overseas
A committee of the Election Commission of India approved of proxy voting for non-resident Indians
Proxy voting means that a person can authorise someone residing in the same polling booth area to cast a vote on his behalf.
This option is currently available for the armed forces, police and government officials posted outside India
A bill was passed in the lower house of India’s parliament or the Lok Sabha to extend proxy voting to non-resident Indians
However, this did not come before the upper house or Rajya Sabha and has lapsed
The issue of NRI voting draws a huge amount of interest in India and overseas
Over the past few months, Indians have received messages on mobile phones and on social media claiming that NRIs can cast their votes online
The Election Commission of India then clarified that NRIs could not vote online
The Election Commission lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police asking it to clamp down on the people spreading misinformation
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
