• Foreign tourists visit the ancient rock fortress in Sigiriya on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)
    Foreign tourists visit the ancient rock fortress in Sigiriya on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)
  • A hot air balloon drifts above the Mont Blanc mountain range in the French Alps. AFP
    A hot air balloon drifts above the Mont Blanc mountain range in the French Alps. AFP
  • A lorry driver makes tea at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza. Victor Besa / The National
    A lorry driver makes tea at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza. Victor Besa / The National
  • A man sits on a weighing scale to buy unrefined sugar equal to his weight to worship tribal Hindu deities ahead of the Medaram Jatara festival, in Hyderabad, India. AFP
    A man sits on a weighing scale to buy unrefined sugar equal to his weight to worship tribal Hindu deities ahead of the Medaram Jatara festival, in Hyderabad, India. AFP
  • People practice tai chi in front of buildings in Pudong's Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai, China. Bloomberg
    People practice tai chi in front of buildings in Pudong's Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai, China. Bloomberg
  • Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, right, attends a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the Netherlands, on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. EPA
    Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, right, attends a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the Netherlands, on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. EPA
  • Top, Ukrainian soldiers carry the coffin of a colleague killed during Russia's invasion, at Lychakiv cemetery in Lviv, in May 2022. Below, the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the cemetery on February 8, 2024. AFP
    Top, Ukrainian soldiers carry the coffin of a colleague killed during Russia's invasion, at Lychakiv cemetery in Lviv, in May 2022. Below, the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the cemetery on February 8, 2024. AFP
  • Plum blossoms in Nanjing, in China's eastern Jiangsu province. AFP
    Plum blossoms in Nanjing, in China's eastern Jiangsu province. AFP
  • A board informs visitors that the Eiffel Tower is closed after staff went on strike to protest against authorities' financial management of the monument. AFP
    A board informs visitors that the Eiffel Tower is closed after staff went on strike to protest against authorities' financial management of the monument. AFP
  • A Palestinian man clears rubble along a street following Israeli military operation in Al Nusairat refugee camp, Gaza Strip. EPA
    A Palestinian man clears rubble along a street following Israeli military operation in Al Nusairat refugee camp, Gaza Strip. EPA
  • Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley during a town hall meeting in Columbia ahead of her party's South Carolina primary on February 24. AFP
    Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley during a town hall meeting in Columbia ahead of her party's South Carolina primary on February 24. AFP
  • Britain's Prince William meets EE Rising Star Award nominees after the Bafta Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Reuters
    Britain's Prince William meets EE Rising Star Award nominees after the Bafta Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Reuters
  • A farmer competes in a traditional bull race in Swabi, Pakistan. AFP
    A farmer competes in a traditional bull race in Swabi, Pakistan. AFP
  • Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner celebrates with the Rotterdam Open trophy after winning the final against Australia's Alex de Minaur. Reuters
    Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner celebrates with the Rotterdam Open trophy after winning the final against Australia's Alex de Minaur. Reuters
  • An injured Palestinian man outside his tent in Rafah camp, southern Gaza Strip. EPA
    An injured Palestinian man outside his tent in Rafah camp, southern Gaza Strip. EPA
  • A Scottish Fold cat is held up by a judge at the Cat Extravaganza event at Olympia in London. AP
    A Scottish Fold cat is held up by a judge at the Cat Extravaganza event at Olympia in London. AP

Today's best photos: From tourists in Sri Lanka to a Cat Extravaganza in London


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More from The National:

Sunday's best photos: From Bengal tiger cub in Spain to mourners at funeral in Lebanon

Saturday's best photos: From a French Lemon Festival to a Taipei Lantern Festival

Friday's best photos: From Prince Harry sledding to Dune: Part Two premiere

Thursday's best photos: From Biathlon World Championships to the Berlinale Film Festival

Wednesday's best photos: From snow-covered New York to Valentine's Day in Taiwan

Tuesday's best photos: From rapping grannies to Valentine's Day roses

2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWomen%E2%80%99s%20race%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Tigist%20Ketema%20(ETH)%202hrs%2016min%207sec%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ruti%20Aga%20(ETH)%202%3A18%3A09%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Dera%20Dida%20(ETH)%202%3A19%3A29%0D%3Cbr%3EMen's%20race%3A%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Addisu%20Gobena%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A01%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Lemi%20Dumicha%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A20%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20DejeneMegersa%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A42%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Boulder shooting victims

• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

The Beach Bum

Director: Harmony Korine

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg

Two stars

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Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021

Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.

The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.

These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.

“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.

“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.

“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.

“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”

Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.

There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.

“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.

“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.

“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Ticket prices
  • Golden circle - Dh995
  • Floor Standing - Dh495
  • Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
  • Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
  • Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
  • Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
  • Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
  • Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile

Name: Tratok Portal

Founded: 2017

Based: UAE

Sector: Travel & tourism

Size: 36 employees

Funding: Privately funded

NEW%20PRICING%20SCHEME%20FOR%20APPLE%20MUSIC%2C%20TV%2B%20AND%20ONE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20Music%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20individual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2410.99%20(from%20%249.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20family%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2416.99%20(from%20%2414.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EIndividual%20annual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24109%20(from%20%2499)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20TV%2B%3Cbr%3EMonthly%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%246.99%20(from%20%244.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAnnual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2469%20(from%20%2449.99)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20One%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20individual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2416.95%20(from%20%2414.95)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20family%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2422.95%20(from%20%2419.95)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20premier%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2432.95%20(from%20%2429.95)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Fixtures

Friday Leganes v Alaves, 10.15pm; Valencia v Las Palmas, 12.15am

Saturday Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad, 8.15pm; Girona v Atletico Madrid, 10.15pm; Sevilla v Espanyol, 12.15am

Sunday Athletic Bilbao v Getafe, 8.15am; Barcelona v Real Betis, 10.15pm; Deportivo v Real Madrid, 12.15am

Monday Levante v Villarreal, 10.15pm; Malaga v Eibar, midnight

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Tree of Hell

Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla

Director: Raed Zeno

Rating: 4/5

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.
Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

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.

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

TOURNAMENT INFO

Fixtures
Sunday January 5 - Oman v UAE
Monday January 6 - UAE v Namibia
Wednesday January 8 - Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 - Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia

UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid, Darius D’Silva, Karthik Meiyappan, Jonathan Figy, Vriitya Aravind, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Chirag Suri

The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Updated: February 19, 2024, 12:41 PM