• Children perform the 'Tawaf' (circumambulation) ritual around the replica of Kaaba seven times, during Little Hajj 2022 in Serdang, Malaysia. EPA
    Children perform the 'Tawaf' (circumambulation) ritual around the replica of Kaaba seven times, during Little Hajj 2022 in Serdang, Malaysia. EPA
  • Navozenko Anatolii, 61, surveys the debris of his house, which was destroyed by Russian shelling, in Novoselivka village in Ukraine. His mother Natalia, 82, temporarily lives in the greenhouse. EPA
    Navozenko Anatolii, 61, surveys the debris of his house, which was destroyed by Russian shelling, in Novoselivka village in Ukraine. His mother Natalia, 82, temporarily lives in the greenhouse. EPA
  • Demonstrators clash with the police in the surroundings of Arbolito Park in Quito, amid indigenous-led protests against the Ecuadorean government. AFP
    Demonstrators clash with the police in the surroundings of Arbolito Park in Quito, amid indigenous-led protests against the Ecuadorean government. AFP
  • A horse rears in the crowd during the 'Caragol des Born', a mass gathering of horses and people during the traditional Saint John festival in Ciutadella, Minorca. AFP
    A horse rears in the crowd during the 'Caragol des Born', a mass gathering of horses and people during the traditional Saint John festival in Ciutadella, Minorca. AFP
  • A rescuer holds a cat after a flash flood triggered by heavy rains in Purasari village in Bogor, Indonesia. AFP
    A rescuer holds a cat after a flash flood triggered by heavy rains in Purasari village in Bogor, Indonesia. AFP
  • Chilean astronomer Luis Chavarria looks at one of the optical telescopes on the platform of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory in Chile's Antofagasta region. AFP
    Chilean astronomer Luis Chavarria looks at one of the optical telescopes on the platform of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory in Chile's Antofagasta region. AFP
  • US actor Sean Penn, centre, attends the fifth hearing by the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the US Capitol, in Washington, DC. AFP
    US actor Sean Penn, centre, attends the fifth hearing by the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the US Capitol, in Washington, DC. AFP
  • Residents on a boat in a flooded area after heavy rains in Yingde, Qingyuan city, in China's southern Guangdong province. AFP
    Residents on a boat in a flooded area after heavy rains in Yingde, Qingyuan city, in China's southern Guangdong province. AFP
  • Children practise boxing on a street in Hong Kong ahead of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China from Britain. Reuters
    Children practise boxing on a street in Hong Kong ahead of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China from Britain. Reuters
  • Men search for survivors amid the debris of a house destroyed by an earthquake in Gayan, Afghanistan. Reuters
    Men search for survivors amid the debris of a house destroyed by an earthquake in Gayan, Afghanistan. Reuters
  • A model presents a creation by Louis Vuitton fashion house as part of their Spring/Summer 2023 collection show during Men's Fashion Week in Paris. Reuters
    A model presents a creation by Louis Vuitton fashion house as part of their Spring/Summer 2023 collection show during Men's Fashion Week in Paris. Reuters
  • People watch as a defused 500kg bomb that did not detonate when it landed on an apartment building in March is lowered from the roof, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters
    People watch as a defused 500kg bomb that did not detonate when it landed on an apartment building in March is lowered from the roof, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters
  • A Taliban helicopter takes off after bringing aid to the site of an earthquake in Gayan, Afghanistan. Reuters
    A Taliban helicopter takes off after bringing aid to the site of an earthquake in Gayan, Afghanistan. Reuters
  • British Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends a lesson during a visit to GS Kacyiru II school, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. Reuters
    British Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends a lesson during a visit to GS Kacyiru II school, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. Reuters
  • Aerial view shows tractors and straw bales forming a bike-shaped land art sculpture along the route of the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race, in Jutland, Denmark. AFP
    Aerial view shows tractors and straw bales forming a bike-shaped land art sculpture along the route of the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race, in Jutland, Denmark. AFP
  • A 'mouse house' fire station and book store, designed by an anonymous group of Swedish artists known as 'AnonyMouse,' is installed next to a retail store in Newton, Massachusetts, USA, 23 June 2022. Known for mouse-themed miniatures in Sweden, France and the Isle of Man, the collective has started installing several of the miniatures in Boston and the surrounding areas. EPA / CJ GUNTHER
    A 'mouse house' fire station and book store, designed by an anonymous group of Swedish artists known as 'AnonyMouse,' is installed next to a retail store in Newton, Massachusetts, USA, 23 June 2022. Known for mouse-themed miniatures in Sweden, France and the Isle of Man, the collective has started installing several of the miniatures in Boston and the surrounding areas. EPA / CJ GUNTHER

Today's best photos: from Little Hajj to AnonyMouse installation in Boston


  • English
  • Arabic

More from The National:

Thursday's best photos: from the Martinique coast to Glastonbury crowds

Wednesday's best photos: from a paraglider in Florida to a vertical soccer match

Tuesday's best photos: from Modi's yoga practice to Biden on the beach

Monday's best photos: from a military picnic in Poland to yoga in China

Sunday's best photos: from a freeride snowboarder to a boxing class record attempt

Saturday's best photos: from a street artist in Paris to a crowded beach in Bournemouth

Get Out

Director: Jordan Peele

Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford

Four stars

Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The bio:

Favourite film:

Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Favourite holiday destination:

Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.

Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.

Favourite pastime:

Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.

Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.

Personal motto:

Declan: Take chances.

Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.

 

Fixtures:

Thursday:
Hatta v Al Jazira, 4.55pm
Al Wasl v Dibba, 7.45pm

Friday:
Al Dhafra v Al Nasr, 5.05pm
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Al Wahda, 7.45pm

Saturday:
Ajman v Emirates, 4.55pm
Al Ain v Sharjah, 7.45pm

Teenage%20Mutant%20Ninja%20Turtles%3A%20Shredder's%20Revenge
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETribute%20Games%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dotemu%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20One%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday Celta Vigo v Villarreal (midnight kick-off UAE)

Saturday Sevilla v Real Sociedad (4pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (7.15pm), Granada v Barcelona (9.30pm), Osasuna v Real Madrid (midnight)

Sunday Levante v Eibar (4pm), Cadiz v Alaves (7.15pm), Elche v Getafe (9.30pm), Real Valladolid v Valencia (midnight)

Monday Huesca v Real Betis (midnight)

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

The Kites

Romain Gary

Penguin Modern Classics

Where can I submit a sample?

Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.

Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:

  • Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
  • Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
  • Al Towayya in Al Ain
  • NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
  • Bareen International Hospital
  • NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
  • NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
  • NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
MANDOOB
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Types of policy

Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.

Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.

Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.

Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.

Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

10. Reduce inequality  within and among countries

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects

14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Rocketman

Director: Dexter Fletcher

Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars 

WHAT%20IS%20THE%20LICENSING%20PROCESS%20FOR%20VARA%3F
%3Cp%3EVara%20will%20cater%20to%20three%20categories%20of%20companies%20in%20Dubai%20(except%20the%20DIFC)%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECategory%20A%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Minimum%20viable%20product%20(MVP)%20applicants%20that%20are%20currently%20in%20the%20process%20of%20securing%20an%20MVP%20licence%3A%20This%20is%20a%20three-stage%20process%20starting%20with%20%5B1%5D%20a%20provisional%20permit%2C%20graduating%20to%20%5B2%5D%20preparatory%20licence%20and%20concluding%20with%20%5B3%5D%20operational%20licence.%20Applicants%20that%20are%20already%20in%20the%20MVP%20process%20will%20be%20advised%20by%20Vara%20to%20either%20continue%20within%20the%20MVP%20framework%20or%20be%20transitioned%20to%20the%20full%20market%20product%20licensing%20process.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECategory%20B%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Existing%20legacy%20virtual%20asset%20service%20providers%20prior%20to%20February%207%2C%202023%2C%20which%20are%20required%20to%20come%20under%20Vara%20supervision.%20All%20operating%20service%20proviers%20in%20Dubai%20(excluding%20the%20DIFC)%20fall%20under%20Vara%E2%80%99s%20supervision.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECategory%20C%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20New%20applicants%20seeking%20a%20Vara%20licence%20or%20existing%20applicants%20adding%20new%20activities.%20All%20applicants%20that%20do%20not%20fall%20under%20Category%20A%20or%20B%20can%20begin%20the%20application%20process%20through%20their%20current%20or%20prospective%20commercial%20licensor%20%E2%80%94%20the%20DET%20or%20Free%20Zone%20Authority%20%E2%80%94%20or%20directly%20through%20Vara%20in%20the%20instance%20that%20they%20have%20yet%20to%20determine%20the%20commercial%20operating%20zone%20in%20Dubai.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: June 24, 2022, 11:25 AM