• Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviews final preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai with one month to go before the grand opening.
    Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviews final preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai with one month to go before the grand opening.
  • The tour of the Expo 2020 Dubai site included landmarks such as the Garden in the Sky.
    The tour of the Expo 2020 Dubai site included landmarks such as the Garden in the Sky.
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the Emirates will soon welcome the world to Dubai. All photos courtesy Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the Emirates will soon welcome the world to Dubai. All photos courtesy Dubai Media Office
  • One month before the doors to Expo 2020 Dubai are set to open, UAE leaders have shared new images of the world fair site.
    One month before the doors to Expo 2020 Dubai are set to open, UAE leaders have shared new images of the world fair site.
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, wrote that the event will build on the country's long-standing history of cultural exchange.
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, wrote that the event will build on the country's long-standing history of cultural exchange.
  • Expo 2020 Dubai will open its doors to the public on October 1.
    Expo 2020 Dubai will open its doors to the public on October 1.
  • The much-anticipated six-month event is expected to attract millions of visitors before it draws to a close on March 31, 2022.
    The much-anticipated six-month event is expected to attract millions of visitors before it draws to a close on March 31, 2022.
  • Organisers and workers are in the final stretch of testing stunning structures for the World Fair that will begin in Dubai in a month.
    Organisers and workers are in the final stretch of testing stunning structures for the World Fair that will begin in Dubai in a month.
  • Each evening, live entertainment from international artistes will include opera, ballet and theatre.
    Each evening, live entertainment from international artistes will include opera, ballet and theatre.
  • UAE leaders have been conducting site visits throughout the construction of the mega project.
    UAE leaders have been conducting site visits throughout the construction of the mega project.
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, wrote that the event will build on the country's long-standing history of cultural exchange.
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, wrote that the event will build on the country's long-standing history of cultural exchange.
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, wrote that the event will build on the country's long-standing history of cultural exchange.
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, wrote that the event will build on the country's long-standing history of cultural exchange.
  • Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviews final preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai with one month to go before the grand opening.
    Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviews final preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai with one month to go before the grand opening.

UAE

Sheikh Mohammed tours Expo 2020 site as finishing touches continue

The Expo 2020 water feature and garden in the sky were two landmarks unveiled to the Ruler

The National

September 01, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

With one month to go until Expo 2020 Dubai welcomes its first visitors, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has commended everyone involved in successfully delivering the event to the world.

Touring the Expo site on Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, praised all employees and organisations for their support in the journey of creating the world's largest cultural event.

He was also briefed on pending finishing touches and final programming for the Expo.

Amid this critical phase in the history of mankind, Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a unique opportunity for the world to come together
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid,
Vice President and Ruler of Dubai

"We look forward to receiving delegations from 191 countries as well as businesses, multilateral organisations and educational institutions, who will join in the making of a better tomorrow for humanity," said Sheikh Mohammed.

"Amid this critical phase in the history of mankind, Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a unique opportunity for the world to come together, exchange knowledge and develop innovative solutions for a better future"

He was accompanied on the site visit by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee.

“The world will soon meet in Dubai to discover new paths for progress and prosperity and shape a future that will enable communities to thrive and overcome various challenges,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed by Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Co-operation, on the measures being taken to ensure the success of the Expo, which will be one of the biggest events welcoming international visitors to happen since the pandemic began.

The tour of the site included an inspection of two new additions to the landscape. The Expo 2020 Water Feature, which has its very own musical score, and a Garden in the Sky observation tower.

The tower reaches a height of 55 metres and offers 360-degree views of the Expo site's landmarks and pavilions.

Both attractions are due to remain in place after the event is over.

Sheikh Mohammed also visited Al Wasl Plaza and the Expo 2020 Leadership Pavilion, as well as Al Forsan Park.

The event is due to open on October 1 and will welcome millions of visitors throughout its six-month run.

Dubai Expo 2020 with just one month to go: in pictures

  • Laser lights will dart out of the ceiling as part of a dazzling light installation at the France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020
    Laser lights will dart out of the ceiling as part of a dazzling light installation at the France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020
  • Claude Monet's famous Water Lilies oil painting is the inspiration for the France Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020
    Claude Monet's famous Water Lilies oil painting is the inspiration for the France Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020
  • Solar panels line the roof and façade of the France pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020
    Solar panels line the roof and façade of the France pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020
  • A 'Pavilion of Lights' is how the France Pavilion will be described at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020
    A 'Pavilion of Lights' is how the France Pavilion will be described at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020
  • The design of the Luxembourg Pavilion echoes an object with no boundaries. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion
    The design of the Luxembourg Pavilion echoes an object with no boundaries. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion
  • The Luxembourg Pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai comprises of a three-storey slide made of plexi-glass and stainless steel. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion
    The Luxembourg Pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai comprises of a three-storey slide made of plexi-glass and stainless steel. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion
  • A slide will take visitors past lush trees and plants inside the Luxembourg Pavilion. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion
    A slide will take visitors past lush trees and plants inside the Luxembourg Pavilion. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion
  • Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia Di Firenze, during the unveiling ceremony of the David statue at the Italy pavilion at the Expo 2020 site in Dubai in April.
    Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia Di Firenze, during the unveiling ceremony of the David statue at the Italy pavilion at the Expo 2020 site in Dubai in April.
  • A 3D copy of the famous David statue is the centrepiece of the Italy pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
    A 3D copy of the famous David statue is the centrepiece of the Italy pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
  • A lifesize model of the David statue inside the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai is the most realistic copy of the world's most famous marble masterpiece.
    A lifesize model of the David statue inside the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai is the most realistic copy of the world's most famous marble masterpiece.
  • Three boat hulls that resemble a large wave form the roof of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Three boat hulls that resemble a large wave form the roof of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • A view of the Italy pavilion at the Expo 2020 site during construction in April.
    A view of the Italy pavilion at the Expo 2020 site during construction in April.
  • A statue in the Mobility Pavilion. Photo: Dubai Expo 2020
    A statue in the Mobility Pavilion. Photo: Dubai Expo 2020
  • The Dubai Expo will open its doors in October. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Dubai Expo will open its doors in October. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • An aerial view of the Dubai Expo site. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai.
    An aerial view of the Dubai Expo site. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Aerial general view of the Sustainability Pavilion.
    Aerial general view of the Sustainability Pavilion.


It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

More on Quran memorisation:
More on Quran memorisation:
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Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
If%20you%20go
%3Cp%3E%0DThere%20are%20regular%20flights%20from%20Dubai%20to%20Addis%20Ababa%20with%20Ethiopian%20Airlines%20with%20return%20fares%20from%20Dh1%2C700.%20Nashulai%20Journeys%20offers%20tailormade%20and%20ready%20made%20trips%20in%20Africa%20while%20Tesfa%20Tours%20has%20a%20number%20of%20different%20community%20trekking%20tours%20throughout%20northern%20Ethiopia.%20%20The%20Ben%20Abeba%20Lodge%20has%20rooms%20from%20Dh228%2C%20and%20champions%20a%20programme%20of%20re-forestation%20in%20the%20surrounding%20area.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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 one: how cars came to the UAE

 

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Vile

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

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

More on this story:
The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

More on animal trafficking
More coverage from the Future Forum
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

UK’s AI plan
  • AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
  • £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
  • £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
  • £250m to train new AI models

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

Results:

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 (PA) | Group 1 US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres

Winner: Goshawke, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) | Listed $250,000 (D) | 1,600m

Winner: Silva, Oisin Murphy, Pia Brendt

7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) | Conditions $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m

Winner: Golden Jaguar, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash

8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) | Group 3 $200,000 (D) | 1,200m

Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m

Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m

Winner: Oasis Charm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m

Winner: Escalator, Christopher Hayes, Charlie Fellowes

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

Company profile

Name: Steppi

Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic

Launched: February 2020

Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year

Employees: Five

Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai

Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings

Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year

What is an FTO Designation?

FTO designations impose immigration restrictions on members of the organisation simply by virtue of their membership and triggers a criminal prohibition on knowingly providing material support or resources to the designated organisation as well as asset freezes. 

It is a crime for a person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to knowingly provide “material support or resources” to or receive military-type training from or on behalf of a designated FTO.

Representatives and members of a designated FTO, if they are aliens, are inadmissible to and, in certain circumstances removable from, the United States.

Except as authorised by the Secretary of the Treasury, any US financial institution that becomes aware that it has possession of or control over funds in which an FTO or its agent has an interest must retain possession of or control over the funds and report the funds to the Treasury Department.

Source: US Department of State

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.”

 

 

Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

The five pillars of Islam
FFP EXPLAINED

What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.

What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.

What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.

A Long Way Home by Peter Carey
Faber & Faber

Updated: September 01, 2021, 3:31 PM