A survey on the global cost of living has revealed the 10 cheapest cities in the world in 2020.
While some, such as Damascus in Syria, made the list because of their war-torn status, others are peaceful cities to live in despite the unusually low costs.
The report, from The Economist Intelligence Unit, puts Damascus, Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Lusaka in Zambia in the top three.
All three fall low on the tourist destination list because of the levels of poverty and political crisis in the countries.
Farther down the list are Buenos Aires in Argentina and New Delhi in India.
While both cities have problems with crime and corruption, the cost of living is relatively cheap and they are often frequented by backpackers and tourists.
Four Asian cities are on the list, including Chennai and Bangalore in India and Karachi in Pakistan.
According to Numbeo, a cost of living database website, the average monthly costs for a family of four in Karachi, without rent, is about $1,060 (Dh3,900).
In the same city, a loaf of bread costs about Dh1.5 and the average monthly utilities bills for a family apartment are about $62 (Dh230).
Here, The National lists the world's 10 cheapest cities in which to live.
The world's 10 cheapest cities:
- Damascus, Syria
- Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Lusaka, Zambia
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Karachi, Pakistan
- Chennai, India
- Bangalore, India
- New Delhi, India
1. Damascus, Syria
Damascus, the capital of war-torn Syria, is rated as the cheapest city in the world, with prices only slightly higher in the Uzbekistan capital, Tashkent, which takes the number two spot.
2. Tashkent, Uzbekistan
In 1966, Uzbekistan’s capital was destroyed by an earthquake while under Soviet rule. Today, the city is a mish-mash of restored historical buildings, classical Russian architecture.
3. Lusaka, Zambia
Lusaka city is situated in the south-central part of the country on a limestone plateau, which sits more than 1,200 metres above sea level. It has a huge central market where everyday items are sold at low costs.
4. Caracas, Venezuela
There is a lot of crime and instability in Caracas, which is why you will find it bottom of the list in terms of cost of living. The city is busy, noisy and heavily polluted but accommodation is cheap and so too is eating out.
5. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty is an eccentric place that has lots to offer visitors. It boasts a folk musical instruments museum taking visitor on a journey through musical Kazakhstan. Like most places on the list, hotels and rental apartments are cheap and the views of the mountains from the city.
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The weak Argentine peso is one of the driving factors that make this city so cheap. The booming city has lots to offer in terms of culture and the night life is vibrant and very affordable.
7. Karachi, Pakistan
According Numbeo, the cost of living database website, the average monthly costs for a family of four, without rent, is about $1,060 (Dh3,900). A loaf of bread costs about Dh1.5 and the average monthly utilities bills for a family apartment about $62 (Dh230).
8. Chennai, India
Chennai is one of the biggest cultural, economic, and educational centre of South India. It attracts a huge number of foreign tourists each year. Compared to other big metropolitan cities, Chennai has a comparatively affordable cost of living, depending on how well you choose to live.
9. Bangalore, India
Popularly known for its IT industry, Bangalore is buzzing with new tech start-ups. Despite being on the cheapest cities list, it’s a thriving destination which attracts many tourists from inside and outside of India each year.
10. New Delhi, India
India’s capital is buzzing with commuters and traffic and is often described as a chaotic hotspot. The average cost of living in New Delhi is about $340 per month, according to Numbeo.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
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On sale: Now
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
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PAKISTAN v SRI LANKA
Twenty20 International series
Thu Oct 26, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
Fri Oct 27, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
Sun Oct 29, 3rd T20I, Lahore
Tickets are available at www.q-tickets.com
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Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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