ABU DHABI // US basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be in the capital this month to offer his support to a healthy living campaign.
Abdul-Jabbar, 67, played 20 seasons in the National Basketball League for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks, retiring in 1989 as the league’s highest points scorer.
Remembered on the court for his 7ft 2in frame and his undefendable skyhook shot, he is also known for his fight scene against Bruce Lee in the 1978 film Game of Death and his role as a pilot in the 1980 comedy Airplane!
Abdul-Jabbar will be supporting the Take a Step for Diabetes Week, which has been launched by the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC).
“We are very excited to have Kareem visit the UAE in support of ICLDC’s healthy lifestyle campaign,” said Bashar Al Ramahi, chief executive of the centre.
“His participation in various community events hosted by our centres in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will really help reinforce the message that a balanced diet and regular exercise are the simple steps needed.”
The week-long initiative will include Abdul-Jabbar giving talks at schools on the risks of diabetes.
He will also be meeting players participating in the annual Play for Life football tournament.
Mr Al Ramahi said Abdul-Jabbar’s support for the cause was especially timely because ICLDC’s annual community event, #Walk2014, is taking place on November 7, followed by World Diabetes Day on November 14.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
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2. E-invoicing in the UAE
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3. More tax audits
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
