Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 19, 2020. Mall visitors are thermal scanned at the entrace on the first day of the reopening of the Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National Section: NA Reporter:
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 19, 2020. Mall visitors are thermal scanned at the entrace on the first day of the reopening of the Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National Section: NA Reporter:
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 19, 2020. Mall visitors are thermal scanned at the entrace on the first day of the reopening of the Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National Section: NA Reporter:
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 19, 2020. Mall visitors are thermal scanned at the entrace on the first day of the reopening of the Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National Section: NA

Coronavirus: reusable face masks to ease UAE eco concerns


Nick Webster
  • English
  • Arabic

An eco-friendly business has developed a sustainable production line of reusable face masks to help protect the planet while guarding against Covid-19.

About 8,000 “Fine Guard” masks are produced in the UAE every day, with most selling out online in hours.

Made from LivinGuard technology, the masks are proven to kill 99 per cent of viruses, including Covid-19, for up to a year.

They are also washable so manufacturers claim the masks are ideal for exercising to ensure runners and cyclists abide by government guidelines when outdoors.

The reusable masks also aim to reduce environmental fears over a waste mountain created by dumped face masks.

Roy Cooper / The National
Roy Cooper / The National

“We decided to make reusable masks in January which are environmentally friendly,” said James Michael Lafferty, chief executive of Fine Hygienic Holding the company producing the masks.

“A lot of research had already been done to show this technology would kill 99 per cent of viruses and bacteria.”

Extensive research has been done by the University of Arizona to prove the materials used effectively neutralises pathogens of all kinds on contact.

“It was tested on many viruses, including the nearest to Covid-19 - the 229E coronavirus,” said Mr Lafferty.

“Now we have proof this is an added layer of protection than you would get from an N95 mask.

“We have back orders of more than a million masks and regularly take calls from governments asking for more.”

The anti-viral masks are already available across MENA, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan - where 20,000 masks are produced every day.

Masks can be washed with soap and water up to 30 times and are effective for about two years.

A ventilation valve makes them ideal to exercise in.

“It is hard to exercise with an N95 mask as it is difficult to pull air through the filtration sack,” said Mr Lafferty.

“LivinGuard is a much more porous fabric and is easier to breathe in while running.

“When I go running in Dubai I see a lot of paper masks and gloves blowing creating a huge amount of pollution. This is a solution.”

Although government advice and the latest information from the US Centers for Disease Control is to wear face coverings when outside at all times, exercising in a mask can pose health risks.

“It is very difficult to safely run while wearing an N95 respiratory mask as the demand of oxygen and ventilation is much greater during exercise,” said Dr Mohamed Rafique, a pulmonologist and medical director at Prime Hospital in Garhoud, Dubai.

“There is likely to be shortness of breath and with the dead space inside the mask there will be a gradual build up of carbon dioxide.”

Most hospitals will only use an N95 or respirator masks with an exhalation port and one way valve to reduce the heat and humidity inside the face covering.

Typically, most surgical masks contain three layers: a mix of non-woven fabric and a middle plastic layer that acts as a filter.

Deepinder Singh Chhatwal, head of quality and performance management at Al Zahra Hospital, Sharjah, said all staff inside the hospital wear surgical masks at all times.

“The most important aspect that we teach all staff is to wear their masks appropriately as a loose hanging mask does not offer much protection,” he said.

“N95 respirators come in various sizes and should be selected based on how it fits the user's face in order to create a tight seal, but they are not available in a wide variety of sizes.”

As governments rush to stockpile masks, gloves, visors and gowns to protect health workers, environmentalists fear the rapid increase in single use plastic could be catastrophic.

Masks dumped at sea and later ingested by sea turtles or dolphins who confuse them with jellyfish could prove fatal, as the plastics get stuck in the animal’s digestive system.

Most masks contain polypropylene, which does not break down quickly.

About eight million tonnes of plastic is estimated to be dumped in our oceans each year, with around 100,000 marine mammals suffering the fatal consequences.

A further solution is being developed by engineers at New York University Abu Dhabi who have developed a 3D printed greener alternative.

Made from a tough, biodegradable material called polylactic acid the mask can be reused and recycled to reduce waste.

“I think it is the responsibility of people to step in and do what they can,” said Anthony Tzes, a Greek engineering professor, who suspended other projects at NYUAD to focus on developing reusable masks.

“The mask is environmentally friendly and will not cause itching or irritation.

“Let’s hope this ends soon but in the meantime, we must work together to find solutions.”

HOSTS

T20 WORLD CUP 

2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland 

ODI WORLD CUP 

2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh 

CHAMPIONS TROPHY 

2025: Pakistan; 2029: India  

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

MATCH INFO

 

Maratha Arabians 107-8 (10 ovs)

Lyth 21, Lynn 20, McClenaghan 20 no

Qalandars 60-4 (10 ovs)

Malan 32 no, McClenaghan 2-9

Maratha Arabians win by 47 runs

House-hunting

Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove

  1. Edinburgh, Scotland 
  2. Westminster, London 
  3. Camden, London 
  4. Glasgow, Scotland 
  5. Islington, London 
  6. Kensington and Chelsea, London 
  7. Highlands, Scotland 
  8. Argyll and Bute, Scotland 
  9. Fife, Scotland 
  10. Tower Hamlets, London 

 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

The bio

Favourite food: Japanese

Favourite car: Lamborghini

Favourite hobby: Football

Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough

Favourite country: UAE

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Manchester United v Everton
Where:
Old Trafford, Manchester
When: Sunday, kick-off 7pm (UAE)
How to watch: Live on BeIN Sports 11HD

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

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

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The%20Killer
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Indian origin executives leading top technology firms

Sundar Pichai

Chief executive, Google and Alphabet

Satya Nadella

Chief executive, Microsoft

Ajaypal Singh Banga

President and chief executive, Mastercard

Shantanu Narayen

Chief executive, chairman, and president, Adobe

Indra Nooyi  

Board of directors, Amazon and former chief executive, PepsiCo