• Afghan women, holding placards, gather to demand the protection of women's rights in front of the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan.
    Afghan women, holding placards, gather to demand the protection of women's rights in front of the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan.
  • A person holds the flag of Afghanistan during a protest against support for the Taliban, in Berlin, Germany.
    A person holds the flag of Afghanistan during a protest against support for the Taliban, in Berlin, Germany.
  • Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid speaks at his first news conference in Kabul.
    Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid speaks at his first news conference in Kabul.
  • Taliban fighters stand guard outside the Green Zone where most of the embassies are situated.
    Taliban fighters stand guard outside the Green Zone where most of the embassies are situated.
  • Afghan security forces patrol on humvee vehicle along a road in Bazarak town of Panjshir province.
    Afghan security forces patrol on humvee vehicle along a road in Bazarak town of Panjshir province.
  • Schoolgirls sit in a schoolyard in Herat.
    Schoolgirls sit in a schoolyard in Herat.
  • Afghans wait outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country.
    Afghans wait outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country.
  • A Taliban fighter raises their flag on a vehicle as they patrol in Kandahar.
    A Taliban fighter raises their flag on a vehicle as they patrol in Kandahar.
  • French citizens and their Afghan colleagues wait to board a French military transport plane at the airport in Kabul after the Taliban's stunning military takeover of the Afghanistan.
    French citizens and their Afghan colleagues wait to board a French military transport plane at the airport in Kabul after the Taliban's stunning military takeover of the Afghanistan.
  • French soldiers at the airport in Kabul as they arrive to help French citizens and their Afghan colleagues to flee after the Taliban takeover.
    French soldiers at the airport in Kabul as they arrive to help French citizens and their Afghan colleagues to flee after the Taliban takeover.
  • A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft filled with about 640 Afghans fleeing to Qatar from Kabul, Afghanistan.
    A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft filled with about 640 Afghans fleeing to Qatar from Kabul, Afghanistan.
  • Crowds on the tarmac of Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan. Several people were reportedly killed at the airport on August 16 as Afghans tried to hang on to a moving US military plane leaving the airport.
    Crowds on the tarmac of Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan. Several people were reportedly killed at the airport on August 16 as Afghans tried to hang on to a moving US military plane leaving the airport.
  • A satellite photo shows swarms of people on the tarmac at Kabul International Airport, also known as Hamid Karzai International Airport. Afghans rushed on to the tarmac of the capital's airport on Monday as thousands tried to flee the country after the Taliban seized power with stunning speed.
    A satellite photo shows swarms of people on the tarmac at Kabul International Airport, also known as Hamid Karzai International Airport. Afghans rushed on to the tarmac of the capital's airport on Monday as thousands tried to flee the country after the Taliban seized power with stunning speed.
  • A traffic jam outside Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan after Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar declared victory and an end to the decades-long war in the country. President Ashraf Ghani fled and conceded that the insurgents had won the 20-year war.
    A traffic jam outside Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan after Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar declared victory and an end to the decades-long war in the country. President Ashraf Ghani fled and conceded that the insurgents had won the 20-year war.
  • Qari Muhammad Hanif, centre, director of the Taliban's cultural and Information department, talks to journalists in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
    Qari Muhammad Hanif, centre, director of the Taliban's cultural and Information department, talks to journalists in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
  • Humvee vehicles from the Afghan Security Forces in Panjshir province, Afghanistan.
    Humvee vehicles from the Afghan Security Forces in Panjshir province, Afghanistan.
  • Thousands of Afghans rushed to Hamid Karzai International Airport in an attempt to flee the Afghan capital, Kabul.
    Thousands of Afghans rushed to Hamid Karzai International Airport in an attempt to flee the Afghan capital, Kabul.
  • Afghans on the tarmac at Kabul airport in Kabul after a swift end to the 20-year war in the country. Thousands of people mobbed the city's airport trying to flee the group's rule.
    Afghans on the tarmac at Kabul airport in Kabul after a swift end to the 20-year war in the country. Thousands of people mobbed the city's airport trying to flee the group's rule.
  • A US soldier keeps close watch on Afghan passengers at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul. Thousands of people packed the airport trying to flee Taliban rule.
    A US soldier keeps close watch on Afghan passengers at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul. Thousands of people packed the airport trying to flee Taliban rule.
  • Passengers sit inside a plane as they wait to leave the runway of Kabul after the stunningly swift end of Afghanistan’s 20-year war.
    Passengers sit inside a plane as they wait to leave the runway of Kabul after the stunningly swift end of Afghanistan’s 20-year war.
  • People climb on top of a plane in Kabul.
    People climb on top of a plane in Kabul.
  • People try to enter Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
    People try to enter Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
  • People cross the boundary wall of Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country after rumours that foreign countries were removing people even without visas.
    People cross the boundary wall of Hamid Karzai International Airport to flee the country after rumours that foreign countries were removing people even without visas.
  • Taliban fighters stand guard along a roadside near Zanbaq Square in Kabul.
    Taliban fighters stand guard along a roadside near Zanbaq Square in Kabul.
  • A Taliban fighter sits on his motorcycle by a road in Shahr-e Naw, Kabul.
    A Taliban fighter sits on his motorcycle by a road in Shahr-e Naw, Kabul.
  • Talibs patrol the streets of Kabul as the militants take control of Afghanistan. after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
    Talibs patrol the streets of Kabul as the militants take control of Afghanistan. after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
  • Afghans gather on the asphalt at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul.
    Afghans gather on the asphalt at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul.
  • Afghans gather by the runway in Kabul as US soldiers stand guard.
    Afghans gather by the runway in Kabul as US soldiers stand guard.
  • Taliban fighters on a police vehicle outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
    Taliban fighters on a police vehicle outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
  • Baradar Akhund, a senior official of the Taliban, with a group of men, makes a video statement.
    Baradar Akhund, a senior official of the Taliban, with a group of men, makes a video statement.
  • Taliban fighters take control of the presidential palace in Kabul, after Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
    Taliban fighters take control of the presidential palace in Kabul, after Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
  • Passengers from Kabul arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.
    Passengers from Kabul arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.
  • Families on a motorway trying to flee Kabul.
    Families on a motorway trying to flee Kabul.
  • Afghan security forces on patrol in Kabul.
    Afghan security forces on patrol in Kabul.
  • People line up outside Azizi Bank to withdraw cash during a run on deposits.
    People line up outside Azizi Bank to withdraw cash during a run on deposits.
  • Taliban fighters use a captured Afghan security forces vehicle at a checkpoint in Herat.
    Taliban fighters use a captured Afghan security forces vehicle at a checkpoint in Herat.
  • Ahmadullah Muttaqi, centre left, the Taliban's director for information and culture, addresses journalists.
    Ahmadullah Muttaqi, centre left, the Taliban's director for information and culture, addresses journalists.
  • Police officers conduct their duties after the Taliban took control of Kandahar.
    Police officers conduct their duties after the Taliban took control of Kandahar.
  • People prepare to cross into Afghanistan, at Pakistan's Chaman border. Pakistani authorities reopened the border with Afghanistan on August 13 after it had been closed for several days.
    People prepare to cross into Afghanistan, at Pakistan's Chaman border. Pakistani authorities reopened the border with Afghanistan on August 13 after it had been closed for several days.
  • Afghans wait in long lines for hours to get visas at the Iranian embassy, in Kabul.
    Afghans wait in long lines for hours to get visas at the Iranian embassy, in Kabul.
  • Taliban fighters patrol after taking control of Jalalabad.
    Taliban fighters patrol after taking control of Jalalabad.
  • Smoke rises near the US embassy in Kabul. Taliban fighters reached the outskirts of the Afghan capital on Sunday.
    Smoke rises near the US embassy in Kabul. Taliban fighters reached the outskirts of the Afghan capital on Sunday.
  • Anti-missile decoy flares are used by US Black Hawk military helicopters, while a surveillance blimp flies over Kabul.
    Anti-missile decoy flares are used by US Black Hawk military helicopters, while a surveillance blimp flies over Kabul.
  • An Afghan soldier keeps watch on a street in Kabul.
    An Afghan soldier keeps watch on a street in Kabul.
  • Taliban fighters and local people gather in Jalalabad province, east of Kabul.
    Taliban fighters and local people gather in Jalalabad province, east of Kabul.
  • Taliban fighters sit on an Afghan Army Humvee in Jalalabad province.
    Taliban fighters sit on an Afghan Army Humvee in Jalalabad province.
  • Taliban fighters travel along a street in Jalalabad province.
    Taliban fighters travel along a street in Jalalabad province.
  • A US Chinook military helicopter flies over the US embassy in Kabul.
    A US Chinook military helicopter flies over the US embassy in Kabul.
  • Heavily armed Taliban fighters gather in eastern Laghman province.
    Heavily armed Taliban fighters gather in eastern Laghman province.
  • Militants wave a Taliban flag from the back of a pickup truck in Jalalabad.
    Militants wave a Taliban flag from the back of a pickup truck in Jalalabad.
  • Taliban fighters drive through the streets of Laghman province.
    Taliban fighters drive through the streets of Laghman province.
  • People head to the departures area of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul as the Taliban approach the city.
    People head to the departures area of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul as the Taliban approach the city.
  • A man sells Taliban flags in western province Herat.
    A man sells Taliban flags in western province Herat.
  • Taliban fighters travel in an Afghan Army vehicle in Herat.
    Taliban fighters travel in an Afghan Army vehicle in Herat.
  • Taliban forces patrol a street in Herat.
    Taliban forces patrol a street in Herat.
  • Taliban militants raise their flag as they gather a day after taking control of key southern city Kandahar.
    Taliban militants raise their flag as they gather a day after taking control of key southern city Kandahar.
  • Members of the Afghan security forces stand guard along the roadside in Panjshir province.
    Members of the Afghan security forces stand guard along the roadside in Panjshir province.
  • Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani and acting defence minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi visit a military site in Kabul.
    Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani and acting defence minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi visit a military site in Kabul.
  • Internally displaced families from northern provinces take shelter in a public park in Kabul.
    Internally displaced families from northern provinces take shelter in a public park in Kabul.
  • Families that fled their homes because of fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security forces take shelter in a public park in Kabul.
    Families that fled their homes because of fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security forces take shelter in a public park in Kabul.
  • Many of those seeking safety in Kabul have been sleeping on the streets.
    Many of those seeking safety in Kabul have been sleeping on the streets.
  • Thousands of those internally displaced have been arriving in Kabul.
    Thousands of those internally displaced have been arriving in Kabul.
  • Afghans have been waiting for hours in long queues outside the passport office in Kabul, with many people desperate to leave the country.
    Afghans have been waiting for hours in long queues outside the passport office in Kabul, with many people desperate to leave the country.

World

Asia

‘We’ve been left to die’: Afghan doctor who campaigned against Taliban fears execution

Dr Sayed Jalil said he and his family have been hiding for days, with little access to water and food

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir

August 16, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Follow the latest updates on Afghanistan here

An Afghan doctor in Kabul who spoke out against the Taliban during a parliamentary election campaign said he fears the insurgents will kill him if he is found.

Dr Sayed Jalil, owner of the Al Sayed Hospital in Macroryan in Kabul, tried to go to the airport to escape.

But with commercial flights suspended, vast crowds of people have gathered in hope of a seat on an evacuation flight with the Taliban back in control.

Dr Jalil, 41, ran for parliamentary elections in Kabul in 2018, when he often spoke out against the Taliban.

His parents and sister worked for the United Nations and he said they are also in danger if they are found. The hospital he founded six years ago has closed and Dr Jalil said the equipment had been seized by the Taliban.

Dr Sayed Jalil (C) speaking in Kabul during one of his parliamentary election campaigns. Courtesy Dr Sayed Jalil
Dr Sayed Jalil (C) speaking in Kabul during one of his parliamentary election campaigns. Courtesy Dr Sayed Jalil

“I know that if the Taliban find me or my family, they are going to kill us,” he told The National.

“I’ve had to change my appearance as much as I can, so no one recognises me. I’ve been hiding for days. My sister and parents have fled to a village and some of our relatives are helping them hide. I don't have water or food with me. I'm scared to go outside.

“I don’t even know if my wife and children are alive. I haven’t been able to get in touch with them for days. But in my heart I know they are alive and well.

“Our family did a lot of social work and we thought the UN or some humanitarian agency would help us escape but we’ve been left here to die.”

The Taliban have taken over the country sparking chaotic scenes in Kabul as people tried to board planes.

During their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, strict laws were in place that forced women to stay home, girls were not allowed to go to school, men had to grow beards and music and dancing was not permitted.

“The Taliban are searching for people who spoke out against them and worked with foreign governments. A lot of us are not safe here any more and we are going to hide until there is a way out of the country,” Dr Jalil said.

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre V6

Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km

Price: Dh179,999-plus

On sale: now 

The specs

Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric

Transmission: n/a

Power: 402bhp

Torque: 659Nm

Price estimate: Dh200,000

On sale: Q3 2022 

While you're here
THE TWIN BIO

Their favourite city: Dubai

Their favourite food: Khaleeji

Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach

Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll

 

 

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E153hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E200Nm%20at%204%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6.3L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh106%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SUZUME
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Makoto%20Shinkai%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Nanoka%20Hara%2C%20Hokuto%20Matsumura%2C%20Eri%20Fukatsu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters

The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.

 Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.

A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.

The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.

The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.

Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.

Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment

But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY

Starting at 10am:

Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang

Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)

Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)

Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera 

Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas

CHINESE GRAND PRIX STARTING GRID

1st row
Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

2nd row
Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-GP)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)

3rd row
Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing)

4th row
Nico Hulkenberg (Renault)
Sergio Perez (Force India)

5th row
Carlos Sainz Jr (Renault)
Romain Grosjean (Haas)

6th row
Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
Esteban Ocon (Force India)

7th row
Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
Stoffel Vandoorne (McLaren)

8th row
Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso)
Sergey Sirotkin (Williams)

9th row
Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso)
Lance Stroll (Williams)

10th row
Charles Leclerc (Sauber)
arcus Ericsson (Sauber)

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Qosty Byogaani

Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny

Four stars

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Three-day coronation

Royal purification

The entire coronation ceremony extends over three days from May 4-6, but Saturday is the one to watch. At the time of 10:09am the royal purification ceremony begins. Wearing a white robe, the king will enter a pavilion at the Grand Palace, where he will be doused in sacred water from five rivers and four ponds in Thailand. In the distant past water was collected from specific rivers in India, reflecting the influential blend of Hindu and Buddhist cosmology on the coronation. Hindu Brahmins and the country's most senior Buddhist monks will be present. Coronation practices can be traced back thousands of years to ancient India.

The crown

Not long after royal purification rites, the king proceeds to the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall where he receives sacred water from eight directions. Symbolically that means he has received legitimacy from all directions of the kingdom. He ascends the Bhadrapitha Throne, where in regal robes he sits under a Nine-Tiered Umbrella of State. Brahmins will hand the monarch the royal regalia, including a wooden sceptre inlaid with gold, a precious stone-encrusted sword believed to have been found in a lake in northern Cambodia, slippers, and a whisk made from yak's hair.

The Great Crown of Victory is the centrepiece. Tiered, gold and weighing 7.3 kilograms, it has a diamond from India at the top. Vajiralongkorn will personally place the crown on his own head and then issues his first royal command.

The audience

On Saturday afternoon, the newly-crowned king is set to grant a "grand audience" to members of the royal family, the privy council, the cabinet and senior officials. Two hours later the king will visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred space in Thailand, which on normal days is thronged with tourists. He then symbolically moves into the Royal Residence.

The procession

The main element of Sunday's ceremonies, streets across Bangkok's historic heart have been blocked off in preparation for this moment. The king will sit on a royal palanquin carried by soldiers dressed in colourful traditional garb. A 21-gun salute will start the procession. Some 200,000 people are expected to line the seven-kilometre route around the city.

Meet the people

On the last day of the ceremony Rama X will appear on the balcony of Suddhaisavarya Prasad Hall in the Grand Palace at 4:30pm "to receive the good wishes of the people". An hour later, diplomats will be given an audience at the Grand Palace. This is the only time during the ceremony that representatives of foreign governments will greet the king.

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Angela Bassett, Tina Fey

Directed by: Pete Doctor

Rating: 4 stars

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
More coverage from the Future Forum
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
THE SPECS

Engine: AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 429hp

Torque: 520Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh360,200 (starting)

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match info

Union Berlin 0

Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski 40' pen, Pavard 80')

Man of the Match: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)

On Women's Day
Updated: August 17, 2021, 3:42 AM
AfghanistanTaliban