JERUSALEM // The Palestinian president, Mahmud Abbas, and the Israeli defence minister, Ehud Barak, have met secretly in Amman ahead of Middle East peace talks that start in Washington this week, Israeli media reported today. The two met on Sunday in a private home in the Jordanian capital, where Barak also held talks with King Abdullah II. The Israeli defence ministry did not immediately confirm the reports. King Abdullah and Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak will join an inaugural meeting in Washington tomorrow between the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Mr Abbas, who are to launch direct talks the following day.
Thursday's talks will launch the first direct negotiations between the two sides since the Palestinians broke off talks in December 2008, after Israel launched a devastating offensive against the Gaza Strip. * AFP
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
COMPANY PROFILE
Game Changer
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Rating: 2/5
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
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Dubai Bling season three
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Age: 50
Known as the UAE’s strongest man
Favourite dish: “Everything and sea food”
Hobbies: Drawing, basketball and poetry
Favourite car: Any classic car
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Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays
4.5/5
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Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto
Price: From Dh139,995
On sale: now
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