A Closer Look: What we know about Dubai's new wedding programme

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Dubai's government has set out a new programme to support young Emirati couples tying the knot.

The aim is to reduce the financial burden of putting on costly ceremonies.

But who is eligible, what services are provided and how much of the cost is covered?

Here, host Sarah Forster hears from The National's Rana Afifi about this latest initiative and how it is part of a grander plan for the emirate.

Why more couples in the UAE are opting for micro weddings

UAE's most spectacular wedding proposals – in pictures

Ibrahim Zoroub proposed to Kamilla Bakytova using an LED display on Burj Khalifa. Photo: Ibrahim Zoroub
Peter Philippou proposed to his partner Sarah on a helipad. Photo: Peter Philippou
Caroline Ralston from Proposal Boutique organised a proposal using a flash mob. Photo: Proposal Boutique
Yash Patel and Kinna Abhani planned their engagement at Aura Skypool Dubai together. Photo: Proposal Boutique
Angie and Shaan Keswani ahead of their engagement at The Sevens Stadium. Photo: Proposal Boutique
Hiren Lilwa proposed to Amrita Bhojwani in an escape room on his birthday. Photo: Amrita Bhojwani
Asif and Minal got engaged at Al Ain Zoo. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Scores

New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
Pakistan 219 all out in 47.2 overs

New Zealand win by 47 runs

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus

Results

5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)

5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash

6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar

A Closer Look: What we know about Dubai's new wedding programme

We hear from journalist Rana Afifi

UAE's most spectacular wedding proposals – in pictures

Libya's&nbsp;Gold

What can victims do?

Scores

Results

Libya's Gold