• Judges wait for the start of a ceremony to mark the opening of the legal year in Hong Kong. AFP
    Judges wait for the start of a ceremony to mark the opening of the legal year in Hong Kong. AFP
  • The "Hubot" or houbara robotic decoy, could help save the vulnerable houbara bird species. Victor Besa / The National
    The "Hubot" or houbara robotic decoy, could help save the vulnerable houbara bird species. Victor Besa / The National
  • Children prepare to join a community police force, after an armed group abducted four people in Ayahualtempa, south-west Mexico. Reuters
    Children prepare to join a community police force, after an armed group abducted four people in Ayahualtempa, south-west Mexico. Reuters
  • Romain Allemand of France competes in the men’s slopestyle event at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, in Gangwon, South Korea. AFP
    Romain Allemand of France competes in the men’s slopestyle event at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, in Gangwon, South Korea. AFP
  • Villagers in Huaian, eastern China, dry noodles in a field in preparation for Lunar New Year. AFP
    Villagers in Huaian, eastern China, dry noodles in a field in preparation for Lunar New Year. AFP
  • A new recruit has his head shaved at the start of Taiwan's one-year compulsory military service, after the conscription period was extended from four months, in Taichung. Reuters
    A new recruit has his head shaved at the start of Taiwan's one-year compulsory military service, after the conscription period was extended from four months, in Taichung. Reuters
  • Fog shrouds the Pyramids of Giza and houses in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
    Fog shrouds the Pyramids of Giza and houses in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
  • Students from the Swaminarayan Gurukul school take part in a Magh Snan, or holy bath, in Ahmedabad, western India. AFP
    Students from the Swaminarayan Gurukul school take part in a Magh Snan, or holy bath, in Ahmedabad, western India. AFP
  • Demonstrators gather in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during a general strike in protest at President Javier Milei's economic reforms. EPA
    Demonstrators gather in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during a general strike in protest at President Javier Milei's economic reforms. EPA
  • A seal at the Gerlache Strait, which separates the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula. AFP
    A seal at the Gerlache Strait, which separates the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula. AFP
  • A Hindu devotee arrives ahead of the opening of the grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, northern Uttar Pradesh, India. Reuters
    A Hindu devotee arrives ahead of the opening of the grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, northern Uttar Pradesh, India. Reuters
  • Snow covers the roofs of half-timbered 17th century houses in Alter Flecken, the historic centre of Freudenberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Reuters
    Snow covers the roofs of half-timbered 17th century houses in Alter Flecken, the historic centre of Freudenberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Reuters
  • Holy water is sprayed in the faces of Ethiopian Orthodox Christian worshippers during Timkat Epiphany celebrations in Addis Ababa. AFP
    Holy water is sprayed in the faces of Ethiopian Orthodox Christian worshippers during Timkat Epiphany celebrations in Addis Ababa. AFP
  • Palestinians gather near the rubble of a family home, demolished by Israeli forces during a raid in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. AFP
    Palestinians gather near the rubble of a family home, demolished by Israeli forces during a raid in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. AFP
  • Runners cross a bridge as they take part in the Tata Mumbai Marathon. AFP
    Runners cross a bridge as they take part in the Tata Mumbai Marathon. AFP
  • A Donald Trump supporter makes his political leanings clear outside SNHU Arena before a Trump presidential election campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire. EPA
    A Donald Trump supporter makes his political leanings clear outside SNHU Arena before a Trump presidential election campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire. EPA
  • Action from Germany v Austria in the Men's European Handball Championship at Lanxess Arena in Cologne. Reuters
    Action from Germany v Austria in the Men's European Handball Championship at Lanxess Arena in Cologne. Reuters
  • Iraqi security forces carry the remains of people from the minority Yazidi, who were killed by Islamic State militants in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
    Iraqi security forces carry the remains of people from the minority Yazidi, who were killed by Islamic State militants in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
  • Snow-covered terraced fields and houses in Congjiang county, in China's southwestern Guizhou province. AFP
    Snow-covered terraced fields and houses in Congjiang county, in China's southwestern Guizhou province. AFP
  • A penguin protects its chick and an egg that is yet to hatch at Paraiso Island in the Gerlache Strait. AFP
    A penguin protects its chick and an egg that is yet to hatch at Paraiso Island in the Gerlache Strait. AFP
  • Models present creations for Chanel at the Women's Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week in Paris. AFP
    Models present creations for Chanel at the Women's Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week in Paris. AFP
  • Tennis star Novak Djokovic poses for selfies after beating Taylor Fritz in the Australian Open quarter-finals in Melbourne. AFP
    Tennis star Novak Djokovic poses for selfies after beating Taylor Fritz in the Australian Open quarter-finals in Melbourne. AFP
  • Rescuers search for missing people a day after a landslide hit Liangshui village in south-western China's Yunnan province. AFP
    Rescuers search for missing people a day after a landslide hit Liangshui village in south-western China's Yunnan province. AFP
  • Farmers block a motorway near Albon, south-eastern France, protesting over what they see as excessive financial fees, environmental protection rules and insufficient prices for their produce. AFP
    Farmers block a motorway near Albon, south-eastern France, protesting over what they see as excessive financial fees, environmental protection rules and insufficient prices for their produce. AFP
  • Pita Limjaroenrat in Bangkok, Thailand, after he was found not guilty of violating election law. Reuters
    Pita Limjaroenrat in Bangkok, Thailand, after he was found not guilty of violating election law. Reuters
  • Cadets prepare to take part in a full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day parade, in Chennai. AFP
    Cadets prepare to take part in a full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day parade, in Chennai. AFP
  • Smoke rises from a fire burning on the slopes of the mountains surrounding Nemocon, north of Bogota, Colombia. AP
    Smoke rises from a fire burning on the slopes of the mountains surrounding Nemocon, north of Bogota, Colombia. AP
  • Medical workers treat a wounded local resident during a Russian missile attack, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters
    Medical workers treat a wounded local resident during a Russian missile attack, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters
  • Indian workers gather at the Industrial Training Institute in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, seeking employment in Israel. AFP
    Indian workers gather at the Industrial Training Institute in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, seeking employment in Israel. AFP
  • The release of Arabian carpet sharks and honeycomb stingrays at Jebel Ali Marine Reserve, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The release of Arabian carpet sharks and honeycomb stingrays at Jebel Ali Marine Reserve, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The best photos of the week: From Hong Kong judges to Arabian sharks


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  • Arabic

More from The National:

Friday's best photos: From Potomac fog to Lunar New Year preparations

Thursday's best photos: From a Lunar New Year performance to a CUTE exhibition

Wednesday's best photos: From the Doomsday Clock to Trump's New Hampshire win

Tuesday's best photos: From Elon Musk at Auschwitz to Chanel's Haute-Couture show

Monday's best photos: From a penguin hatchling to snow-covered terraces

Sunday's best photos: From soldiers clearing snow to an ice-cream theme park

Expert input

If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?

“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett

“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche

“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox

“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite

 “I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy

“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra

Sly%20Cooper%20and%20the%20Thievius%20Raccoonus
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sucker%20Punch%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%202%20to%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.

Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.

The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.

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
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km

Price: from Dh547,600

On sale: now 

THE%20HOLDOVERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlexander%20Payne%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Paul%20Giamatti%2C%20Da'Vine%20Joy%20Randolph%2C%20Dominic%20Sessa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

Match info

Manchester United 1 (Van de Beek 80') Crystal Palace 3 (Townsend 7', Zaha pen 74' & 85')

Man of the match Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Five personal finance podcasts from The National

 

To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes 

·

Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth 

·

What is a portfolio stress test? 

·

What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested? 

·

How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies 

·

Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?  

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TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:

- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools

- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say

- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance

- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs

- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills

- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month

- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital

THE%20SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%203-litre%20V6%20turbo%20(standard%20model%2C%20E-hybrid)%3B%204-litre%20V8%20biturbo%20(S)%0D%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20350hp%20(standard)%3B%20463hp%20(E-hybrid)%3B%20467hp%20(S)%0D%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20500Nm%20(standard)%3B%20650Nm%20(E-hybrid)%3B%20600Nm%20(S)%0D%0D%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh368%2C500%0D%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Brutalist

Director: Brady Corbet

Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Rating: 3.5/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

ILT20%20UAE%20stars
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World%20Cup%202023%20ticket%20sales
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The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms. 

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

History's medical milestones

1799 - First small pox vaccine administered

1846 - First public demonstration of anaesthesia in surgery

1861 - Louis Pasteur published his germ theory which proved that bacteria caused diseases

1895 - Discovery of x-rays

1923 - Heart valve surgery performed successfully for first time

1928 - Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin

1953 - Structure of DNA discovered

1952 - First organ transplant - a kidney - takes place 

1954 - Clinical trials of birth control pill

1979 - MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scanned used to diagnose illness and injury.

1998 - The first adult live-donor liver transplant is carried out

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Updated: January 26, 2024, 6:01 PM