• Mandatory checking of the Al Hosn app by security at every entrance of the Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Mandatory checking of the Al Hosn app by security at every entrance of the Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Al Hosn green pass awareness signs are placed at every entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Al Hosn green pass awareness signs are placed at every entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • An EDE scanner sign at the main entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. The scanners can detect whether a person may have coronavirus. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    An EDE scanner sign at the main entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. The scanners can detect whether a person may have coronavirus. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Masks are worn to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Masks are worn to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Yas Mall Al Hosn signs. Victor Besa / The National
    Yas Mall Al Hosn signs. Victor Besa / The National
  • Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • The UAE has taken robust action to help stem the spread of Covid-19 since the virus first emerged two-and-a-half years ago. Victor Besa / The National
    The UAE has taken robust action to help stem the spread of Covid-19 since the virus first emerged two-and-a-half years ago. Victor Besa / The National
  • A number of safety measures governing the economy, education, travel and the health sector were introduced as part of a major drive to protect public health. Victor Besa / The National
    A number of safety measures governing the economy, education, travel and the health sector were introduced as part of a major drive to protect public health. Victor Besa / The National
  • Some restrictions have been eased in recent months — including the wearing of masks outdoors — but other rules remain in place. Victor Besa / The National
    Some restrictions have been eased in recent months — including the wearing of masks outdoors — but other rules remain in place. Victor Besa / The National
  • Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • A member of staff takes a Covid-19 sample at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A member of staff takes a Covid-19 sample at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A person with two positive tests is a confirmed case in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A person with two positive tests is a confirmed case in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A member of staff cleans a surgery room at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A member of staff cleans a surgery room at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Covid-19 cases are on the rise in UAE and authorities have told residents to wear masks as a preventive measure. Pawan Singh / The National
    Covid-19 cases are on the rise in UAE and authorities have told residents to wear masks as a preventive measure. Pawan Singh / The National
  • In Dubai, anyone with a positive PCR test for Covid-19 is a confirmed case. That means you have to isolate for 10 days, even if you do not have symptoms. Pawan Singh / The National
    In Dubai, anyone with a positive PCR test for Covid-19 is a confirmed case. That means you have to isolate for 10 days, even if you do not have symptoms. Pawan Singh / The National
  • In Dubai, the 10-day home isolation period is mandatory. The first day is the day you took the PCR test. Pawan Singh / The National
    In Dubai, the 10-day home isolation period is mandatory. The first day is the day you took the PCR test. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Covid testing carried out at Seha Covid-19 Drive Through Screening Centre Rabdan, in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Covid testing carried out at Seha Covid-19 Drive Through Screening Centre Rabdan, in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • At a coronavirus briefing on Monday, authorities said the wearing of face masks in indoor public settings would be strictly enforced, with Dh3,000 fines for those breaching rules. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    At a coronavirus briefing on Monday, authorities said the wearing of face masks in indoor public settings would be strictly enforced, with Dh3,000 fines for those breaching rules. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Doctors warn complacency is the biggest risk as Covid-19 cases in UAE rise


  • English
  • Arabic

People with symptoms of coronavirus who avoid taking a test must shoulder much of the blame for the rising number of cases, senior doctors have said.

Some patients are writing symptoms off as flu and have not taken a test or isolated at home, they said.

Other factors in the spread of infection include new variants of the virus, more socialising indoors as temperatures increase, fewer people wearing masks and waning immunity from vaccines.

“The rise in cases is due to casual attitude towards Covid-19 protocols,” said Dr Ahmed Khairy, head of the department of internal medicine at NMC Royal Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Many people are neglecting the importance of mask rules and are avoiding getting tested when showing symptoms
Dr Ahmed Khairy,
NMC Royal Hospital

The infection rate has increased from 200 a day last month to more than 1,400 a day this week, but doctors said few people required hospital treatment and a low number of patients had pneumonia.

“The number of viral infections has gone up, some are getting influenza and others are picking up new Covid variants,” said Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, a specialist in respiratory medicine at Medeor Hospital in Dubai.

“But the numbers needing hospital treatment for Covid-related issues are very low.

“There are lots of other viruses causing issues like colds, coughs and throat pain, and very few people are being admitted for pneumonia as we have seen in previous waves of Covid.”

The latest seven-day average for Covid-19 cases in the UAE is 1,413, up from 326 at about this time in May.

While doctors urged people with health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness or cancer to take extra precautions, they said the sharp increase in cases was not necessarily a cause for concern.

“More people are inside now due to the hotter weather, and this is a viral infection,” said Dr Sainalabdeen, who has been treating coronavirus patients since the early days of the pandemic.

'Milder but highly spreadable'

“Those in close contact with others who have the virus will pick it up,” he said.

“If you are in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid, you should also be getting tested.”

In March, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said quarantine was no longer required for those in close contact with a positive case, but it is still necessary to get tested.

Health professionals have reported more common symptoms of fever, body aches and a sore throat during the current wave of infections.

A fever usually subsides within 72 hours, and as 100 per cent of the country is now vaccinated to some degree, symptoms usually pass without the need for hospital care in most cases.

Dr Khairy said complacency contributed to more cases in recent weeks.

Documentary tells of hospital workers' heroics on Covid front line: in pictures

  • Michael McLaughlin, director of the ICU at American Hospital Dubai, said it expanded capacity to cope with extra demand during the second wave of Covid-19, driven by the Delta variant. Victor Besa / The National
    Michael McLaughlin, director of the ICU at American Hospital Dubai, said it expanded capacity to cope with extra demand during the second wave of Covid-19, driven by the Delta variant. Victor Besa / The National
  • 'Making Peace with a Pandemic' charts Dubai’s response to the Covid-19 crisis. Photo: Screengrab / Films by Nomad
    'Making Peace with a Pandemic' charts Dubai’s response to the Covid-19 crisis. Photo: Screengrab / Films by Nomad
  • The two-part documentary, which aired on Discovery Channel, focuses how staff at the emirate's hospitals battled to save lives as the coronavirus spread. Photo: Screengrab / Films by Nomad
    The two-part documentary, which aired on Discovery Channel, focuses how staff at the emirate's hospitals battled to save lives as the coronavirus spread. Photo: Screengrab / Films by Nomad
  • Alice Augustin, one of the patients featured, was working as a school nurse and was seven months' pregnant when she caught Covid-19 in January 2021. Photo: Screengrab / Films by Nomad
    Alice Augustin, one of the patients featured, was working as a school nurse and was seven months' pregnant when she caught Covid-19 in January 2021. Photo: Screengrab / Films by Nomad
  • Waafika Seegers, intensive care unit manager at the Mediclinic Parkview, said the virus had calmed down and the hospital had not seen any Covid-19 cases lately. Pawan Singh / The National
    Waafika Seegers, intensive care unit manager at the Mediclinic Parkview, said the virus had calmed down and the hospital had not seen any Covid-19 cases lately. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Covid-19 vaccines were a game-changer, Dr McLaughlin said. Photo: Screengrab / Films by Nomad
    Covid-19 vaccines were a game-changer, Dr McLaughlin said. Photo: Screengrab / Films by Nomad

“Many people are neglecting the importance of mask rules and are avoiding getting tested when they have minor symptoms,” he said.

“Another reason is the complacency in wearing masks indoor.

“Fortunately, with availability of vaccines and herd immunity the hospitalisation has reduced significantly.”

The number of people around the world with the virus has increased as mask mandates and restrictions on movement are cut.

Since June 12, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said air passengers travelling from abroad to the US will no longer require a negative Covid-19 viral test or documentation of recovery before boarding their flight.

The seven-day average of new cases has risen to 87,380 on June 20, up from 42,894 on April 20.

Meanwhile in the UK, the number of people in English hospitals with Covid-19 complications has increased by 24 per cent in a week.

NHS England data showed 5,726 coronavirus patients were admitted to hospital, up from 4,602 last Monday. Doctors attributed the rise to more socialising during Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee weekend celebrations.

Dr Pawan Kumar Shrivastava, a consultant internal medicine at NMC Specialty Hospital in Al Nahda, Dubai, said people must not ignore precautions and government advice.

“We have lost so many of our friends and relatives in the last Covid wave, and we don’t want a similar situation again,” he said.

“The disease is milder, but that doesn’t mean we should not take precautions, as this can change at any time to severe disease.

“Once again, I emphasise on the proper use of mask, early diagnosis and effective home quarantine is the key to controlling this deadly infection.”

What are the rules?

Dubai

Anyone who gives a positive PCR test for the coronavirus is a confirmed case. That means isolating for 10 days, even if symptoms are not present.

The Dubai Health Authority said citizens should download the Covid-19 DXB app. Those who do not will be liable for a Dh10,000 ($2,722) fine.

After that, “immediate” isolation in a separate room from family is required and employers must be notified.

The 10-day home isolation period is mandatory. The first day is the day the PCR test was taken.

Abu Dhabi

Latest Covid-19 rules in the UAE: all you need to know

A person who gives two positive tests is a confirmed case. Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre said high-risk categories — those who are 50 years old or above or have severe symptoms or have a chronic disease or pregnant women — should visit a primary assessment centre for a check-up and isolation measure advice following a first positive test.

Those to whom the above does not apply, such as patients who demonstrate no symptoms following a positive test, should visit any health centre in the emirate for retesting.

The isolation period is 10 days and two negative PCR tests are needed to end quarantine. This period can be cut short if two negative tests are returned 24 hours apart.

Labourers of government and private companies are required to call 909 immediately for coordination of transportation to designated isolation centres.

Anyone who experiences severe respiratory symptoms is urged to call 999.

How to help

Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.

Account name: Dar Al Ber Society

Account Number: 11 530 734

IBAN: AE 9805 000 000 000 11 530 734

Bank Name: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

To ensure that your contribution reaches these people, please send the copy of deposit/transfer receipt to: juhi.khan@daralber.ae

The specs

BMW M8 Competition Coupe

Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8

Power 625hp at 6,000rpm

Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm

Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto

Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec

Top speed 305kph

Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km

Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)

On sale Jan/Feb 2020
 

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The bio:

Favourite holiday destination: I really enjoyed Sri Lanka and Vietnam but my dream destination is the Maldives.

Favourite food: My mum’s Chinese cooking.

Favourite film: Robocop, followed by The Terminator.

Hobbies: Off-roading, scuba diving, playing squash and going to the gym.

 

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EClara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPatrick%20Rogers%2C%20Lee%20McMahon%2C%20Arthur%20Guest%2C%20Ahmed%20Arif%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegalTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%244%20million%20of%20seed%20financing%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWamda%20Capital%2C%20Shorooq%20Partners%2C%20Techstars%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20OTF%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Knuru%20Capital%2C%20Plug%20and%20Play%20and%20The%20LegalTech%20Fund%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
If you go

Flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.

The stay

Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.

Biog

Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara

He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada

Father of two sons, grandfather of six

Plays golf once a week

Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family

Walks for an hour every morning

Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India

2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business

 

Wonka
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Paul%20King%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3ETimothee%20Chalamet%2C%20Olivia%20Colman%2C%20Hugh%20Grant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

THE SPECS

Engine: 3-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 424hp

Torque: 580 Nm

Price: From Dh399,000

On sale: Now

The biog

Favourite colour: Brown

Favourite Movie: Resident Evil

Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices

Favourite food: Pizza

Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon

Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWomen%E2%80%99s%20race%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Tigist%20Ketema%20(ETH)%202hrs%2016min%207sec%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ruti%20Aga%20(ETH)%202%3A18%3A09%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Dera%20Dida%20(ETH)%202%3A19%3A29%0D%3Cbr%3EMen's%20race%3A%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Addisu%20Gobena%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A01%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Lemi%20Dumicha%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A20%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20DejeneMegersa%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A42%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
West Asia Premiership

Dubai Hurricanes 58-10 Dubai Knights Eagles

Dubai Tigers 5-39 Bahrain

Jebel Ali Dragons 16-56 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Porsche Taycan Turbo specs

Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors

Transmission: two-speed

Power: 671hp

Torque: 1050Nm

Range: 450km

Price: Dh601,800

On sale: now

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

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.

The specs

Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

On sale: Now

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

Gran Gala del Calcio 2019 winners

Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Best Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Best Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Best Goal: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria vs Napoli)
Best Team: Atalanta​​​​​​​
Best XI: Samir Handanovic (Inter); Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Joao Cancelo (Juventus*); Miralem Pjanic (Juventus), Josip Ilicic (Atalanta), Nicolo Barella (Cagliari*); Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
Serie B Best Young Player: Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
Best Women’s Goal: Thaisa (Milan vs Juventus)
Best Women’s Player: Manuela Giugliano (Milan)
Best Women’s XI: Laura Giuliani (Milan); Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma); Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus); Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)

What is a robo-adviser?

Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.

These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.

Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.

Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.

Updated: June 22, 2022, 1:33 PM