Al Fahim is replaced as Hydra chief executive

Sulaiman al Fahim, the property tycoon seeking to buy Britain's Portsmouth Football Club, has been replaced as chief executive of Hydra Properties, a company official said yesterday. Mr al Fahim will become a member of the company's board of directors, said Ahmed Khalil, Hydra's commercial director. Ali bin Sulayem of Hydra's parent company, Royal Group, will replace him as chief executive.

"Dr Fahim did an amazing job of getting Hydra Properties to where it is in a few years," he said. "Dr [al Fahim] has been promoted for all the good work he has done." Hydra Properties has been under increasing pressure following the slowdown in the property sector. It has faced an increasing number of disputes with investors in Hydra Village, a residential development near Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is two years behind schedule. The company also has sold property in several towers to be built on Reem Island.

Mr al Fahim signed an agreement to buy Portsmouth, a Premier League club, last month and wants to complete the deal as soon as possible. The charismatic millionaire also appeared in his own reality television show called Hydra Executives. bhope@thenational.ae

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
Source: Can be carried from distant regions

Where to buy

Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com

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if you go

The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).