Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi went to the southern city of Basra this week after civil unrest triggered by the killing of young activists by unidentified attackers. AFP
Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi went to the southern city of Basra this week after civil unrest triggered by the killing of young activists by unidentified attackers. AFP
Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi went to the southern city of Basra this week after civil unrest triggered by the killing of young activists by unidentified attackers. AFP
Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi went to the southern city of Basra this week after civil unrest triggered by the killing of young activists by unidentified attackers. AFP

Iraq's Al Kadhimi says 'big lie' of sectarianism driving corruption in the country


Mina Al-Oraibi
  • English
  • Arabic

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi has called the sectarian system imposed on Iraq in order to “create national balance … a big lie”.

In an exclusive interview with The National, Mr Al Kadhimi said that sectarianism is one of the main drivers of corruption in the country.

“There are defects in the structure of some state institutions since 2003, as they were wrongly built on sectarian and ethnic divides, leading to political divisions [known as muhasasa].

"It is a big lie to say that a national balance was created by sectarian divisions, rather these are political divisions that lead to the weakening of the state and corrupting its institution”. As part of his reform programme, Mr Al Kadhimi said: “We are working at securing state entities, and at fighting the individuals inside these entities who are not patriotic.”

We will hold these individuals to account for the crimes that they have committed

The Iraqi Prime Minister has vowed to strengthen security forces and bring those behind the killing of Iraqi activists to justice.

Mr Al Kadhimi said “the groups that believe they are above the law will soon see serious moves from our security forces”. He added “our government programme is built on stressing the sovereignty of the state, which includes limiting the use of force to official security forces and prohibiting the use of weapons outside of the law".

"In the past, there was a concerted effort to diminish the state’s security forces and corrupt them," he said. "We are now working on re-establishing these forces, and cleansing them of all corrupt elements. This will take time. But we will hold these individuals to account for the crimes that they have committed”.

Mr Al Kadhimi came to office after protesters took to the streets last October, demanding reforms and the end of corruption and militia rule. Since being tasked with leading the country last April, Mr Al Kadhimi has promised to deliver on these reforms but has faced great challenges, from militias whose interests are at risk and from the impact of Covid-19 and collapsing oil prices.

The majority of parliamentary blocs are not supporting efforts that will ultimately hinder their patronage networks, not to mention curb the continued corruption and mismanagement across all government spending. Mr Al Kadhimi says “everyone has to understand that the strength of the state applies to them all. A prerequisite for any reform process is respecting the decisions of the state and implementing them. There are those who will not accept the sovereignty of the state easily, but we have ways of dealing with them”.

  • Former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi hands over to new Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in Baghdad, Iraq, May 7, 2020. Reuters
    Former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi hands over to new Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in Baghdad, Iraq, May 7, 2020. Reuters
  • Iraq's President Barham Salih instructs newly appointed Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in Baghdad, Iraq April 9, 2020. Reuters
    Iraq's President Barham Salih instructs newly appointed Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in Baghdad, Iraq April 9, 2020. Reuters
  • President Barham Salih receiving Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi at Salam Palace in the capital Baghdad, while both clad in masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic on May 28, 2020. AFP
    President Barham Salih receiving Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi at Salam Palace in the capital Baghdad, while both clad in masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic on May 28, 2020. AFP
  • Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi looks at a map aboard a plane on the way to the northern city of Kirkuk for an official visit on June 2, 2020. AFP
    Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi looks at a map aboard a plane on the way to the northern city of Kirkuk for an official visit on June 2, 2020. AFP
  • Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi arriving in Kirkuk for an official visit on June 2, 2020. AFP
    Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi arriving in Kirkuk for an official visit on June 2, 2020. AFP
  • Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visits the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in the Old City area, on the west side of Mosul city, northern Iraq, 10 June 2020. EPA
    Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visits the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in the Old City area, on the west side of Mosul city, northern Iraq, 10 June 2020. EPA
  • Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi speaks during the reopening ceremony of a bridge which connects East and West Mosul, northern Iraq, 10 June 2020. EPA
    Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi speaks during the reopening ceremony of a bridge which connects East and West Mosul, northern Iraq, 10 June 2020. EPA
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visits and offers condolences to the family of the late former government advisor and political analyst Hisham al-Hashemi, who was killed by gunmen, in Baghdad, Iraq July 8, 2020. Reuters
    Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visits and offers condolences to the family of the late former government advisor and political analyst Hisham al-Hashemi, who was killed by gunmen, in Baghdad, Iraq July 8, 2020. Reuters
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi talks to prisoners during his visit in the central investigation prison in Al-Muthana airport in Baghdad, Iraq July 30, 2020. Reuters
    Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi talks to prisoners during his visit in the central investigation prison in Al-Muthana airport in Baghdad, Iraq July 30, 2020. Reuters
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi speaks to locals in Tarmiyah, Iraq July 20, 2020. Reuters
    Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi speaks to locals in Tarmiyah, Iraq July 20, 2020. Reuters
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi meets with Iraqi teenager Hamid Saeed, who was mistreated by members of security forces, after he was released from jail in Baghdad, Iraq August 3, 2020. Reuters
    Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi meets with Iraqi teenager Hamid Saeed, who was mistreated by members of security forces, after he was released from jail in Baghdad, Iraq August 3, 2020. Reuters
  • US President Donald Trump receives Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, August 20, 2020. Reuters
    US President Donald Trump receives Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, August 20, 2020. Reuters
  • US President Donald Trump receives Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, August 20, 2020. Reuters
    US President Donald Trump receives Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, August 20, 2020. Reuters
  • US President Donald Trump receives Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, August 20, 2020. Reuters
    US President Donald Trump receives Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, August 20, 2020. Reuters
  • President Donald Trump meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, August 20, 2020, in Washington. AP Photo
    President Donald Trump meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, August 20, 2020, in Washington. AP Photo
  • Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi arrives to the southern city of Basra late on August 22, 2020, accompanied by security forces' commanders in a surprise visit. AFP
    Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi arrives to the southern city of Basra late on August 22, 2020, accompanied by security forces' commanders in a surprise visit. AFP
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visits and offers condolences to the family of Reham Yacoub, a female activist who was killed by unidentified gunmen, in Basra, Iraq August 22, 2020. Reuters
    Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visits and offers condolences to the family of Reham Yacoub, a female activist who was killed by unidentified gunmen, in Basra, Iraq August 22, 2020. Reuters
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi, center, speaks to journalists during his visit to Basra, Iraq, Saturday, August 22, 2020. AP Photo
    Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi, center, speaks to journalists during his visit to Basra, Iraq, Saturday, August 22, 2020. AP Photo
  • King Abdullah II of Jordan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the official welcoming ceremony held at Queen Alia International Airport ahead of the trilateral meeting in Amman, Jordan, 25 August 2020. EPA
    King Abdullah II of Jordan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in the official welcoming ceremony held at Queen Alia International Airport ahead of the trilateral meeting in Amman, Jordan, 25 August 2020. EPA
  • King Abdullah II of Jordan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi talking ahead of the trilateral meeting in Amman, Jordan, 25 August 2020. EPA
    King Abdullah II of Jordan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi talking ahead of the trilateral meeting in Amman, Jordan, 25 August 2020. EPA

As the efforts of Mr Al Kadhimi to face off with militias were stepped up, they have been ramping up their attacks on those calling for reforms, including a respected analyst Husham Al Hashemi, who Mr Al Kadhimi knew well and considered a friend.

Asked who stands behind the assassinations, Mr Al Kadhimi referred to "criminal groups that abuse the vulnerabilities in some of our security apparatus".

"For this reason, one of the key goals of my government’s programme is to investigate and reveal the facts regarding the killing of protesters.

"We have placed a plan, which started with the announcement last week of the names of those who have been killed and injured and their families the support they need. We continue to investigate those who have been killed, after the attacks on activists and intellectuals after I came to office”.

Mr Al Kadhimi asked for patience, saying “judicial timeframes are different from political ones, and we cannot be driven by emotions or political stances in dealing with matters that require accuracy and justice. We will follow the assassinations of Dr Reham Al Yacoub, Dr Hisham AlHashemi and Tahseen Oussama. We have some leads but the investigations will require time”.

However, Mr Al Kadhimi was confident that the killers would be caught, stating “we will get the offenders for sure”.

“We will be transparent in announcing the results of the investigations so that everyone can be privy to them.”

On a regular basis, armed groups launch rockets into security areas. “We continue to arrest those behind these attacks, and their aim is clear, that is to embarrass the government. The assassination attempts against young people are also part of that effort. They want the government to appear weak, these reckless rocket attacks hurt Iraqis also.”

Unlike his predecessors, Mr Al Kadhimi has been keen to hear from regular Iraqis frequently, meeting with those who do not enjoy the security of 24-hour electricity of the fortified Green Zone in Baghdad. On the first day of Eid Al Fitr in May, he spend the day visiting Baghdad’s largest hospital, Medical City. He has visited a number of state entities, including the pensions authority which is notorious in delaying payments to pensioners.

He has visited provinces such as Kirkuk, Ninevah and Basra, and spent time surveying their problems. One of the key issues raised by Iraqis is the lack of electricity, with some areas getting less than 4 hours of electricity from the national grid a day. Mr Al Kadhimi admits this is a major issue and says “reliable electricity is a priority”.

He added: “The electricity problem from 2003 until now is based on a lack of planning and the lack of a commitment to protect the dignity of the Iraqi people. Consecutive ministries did not work seriously on delivering these services, rather most were interested in benefiting financially and through corrupt means.”

With new contracts signed with GE and efforts under way to connect with regional grids and produce Iraqi gas, Mr Al Kadhimi says "we will put in all our efforts to ensure next summer will be better than this one".

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi meets with Iraqi teenager Hamid Saeed, who was mistreated by members of security forces, after he was released from jail in Baghdad. Handout via Reuters
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi meets with Iraqi teenager Hamid Saeed, who was mistreated by members of security forces, after he was released from jail in Baghdad. Handout via Reuters

Youth movements in Iraq have been active in organising protests and swaying public opinion, however their members have yet to formulate a strong political bloc, nor find an entry way into the political system. Mr Al Kadhimi said he was committed to providing them every aid possible, including through the ballot box.

Mr Al Kadhimi has called for early elections in June next year.

“Corrupt forces are working at full force to ensure sectarian divisions are maintained, as they can thrive under these circumstances," he said.

"The reform programme will require a long time. We will use all the strength we have to push for the principles of patriotism and nationalism. We will support nationalist forces as much as possible.”

Mr Al Kadhimi has said he will not stand for election, and he explained that his current focus is “allowing Iraqis to vote freely, without fraud or intimidation or the threat of the use of force".

"I am focused on creating the circumstances to allow for free and fair elections and regaining the trust of Iraqis in the electoral process. I am not thinking of anything else at this stage.”

Speaking to The National hours after landing from Amman, Mr Al Kadhimi was optimistic about Iraq's relations with the Arab world. He said that the summit hosted on Tuesday by Jordan's King Abdullah II and attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is part of an attempt to create a "New Levant", with economic, social and cultural ties forged to create a stable basin uniting these countries.

The outcomes of the summit include an agreement “to focus on trade, energy and agriculture sectors, with a focus on food security. The world is enduring great challenges due to Covid19, so we are working on creating food resources for our people but also the people of the wider region”.

He explained: “This summit is a continuation of long work with previous summits being held between Iraq, Jordan and Egypt, but at the same time it is the start of a new era to strengthen co-operation between these three countries. The societal, economic and historical circumstances of the three countries are similar, much binds them. We also face similar challenges and can face them together.”

“Our region is in need of a new vision, outside the polarised state today. We need to make economic and social development a priority in our relations, bringing to a halt the conflicts [in the region], while respecting the sovereignty of each country and ensuring non-interference in their internal affairs”.

He added: “We have to stand against the sectarian and ethnic divisions that have spread in the by region.

"On the other hand, we are facing another challenge and that is the global crises caused by Covid19 and the collapse of oil prices and its economic impact. We want this summit to become a framework for our three countries to work together and to be broadened to include other countries in the future.”

He was quick to add “this is not an effort against a particular party, rather working together to face our collective challenges, based on economic co-operation”.

Thirty years after the invasion of Kuwait, Iraq’s ties with Arab Gulf countries are improving but still in need of development.

“We have to learn lessons from the invasion of Kuwait. Without a doubt, the invasion of Kuwait was an unjustified attack by Saddam Hussein on a neighbour. The Gulf countries represent our strategic depth and we seek to develop our ties to the best possible level, as this will serve stability in the region, and will put a stop to the divisions and sectarianism that tore us apart in wars, and this is the desire of most Iraqis. Most Iraqis seek ties with the Gulf and believe in the need for these relations”.

A cornerstone in these ties is the possibility of investment opportunities in Iraq, including a GCC-Iraq electricity project supported by the US, but which has faced extensive delays. Asked about these delays, Mr Al Kadhimi said: “This is a new government and it is the first time that there is a serious step between Gulf countries and Iraq to face joint challenges.

I personally sensed an American commitment to developing our partnership

"The joint electricity project was delayed due to past mismanagement in Iraq, due to corruption and political interference in Iraq.” However, he explained that “today, there is a serious commitment to make this project a reality”.

Mr Al Kadhimi was due to visit Saudi Arabia last month but the visit was delayed due to King Salman requiring surgery. “There will be a visit soon to Saudi Arabia and we stress the brotherly ties there.”

Of course relations with the US remain of paramount importance to Iraq and last week Mr Al Kadhimi was received by US President Donald Trump. Mr Al Kadhimi said that "the visit was a success … the most important outcome was the economic partnership between the two sides".

He added: “Our relationship has entered a new phase that does not rest solely on security co-operation, rather on economic co-operation and attracting American companies to Iraq and launching long term co-operation, especially in the areas of energy, technology, education and health.”

The US also provides vital support through backing credit lines from international financial organisations.

Asked about the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, Mr Al Kadhimi insisted that a “redeployment” was taking place and that “combat troops” were no longer needed in the country.

“I personally sensed an American commitment to developing our partnership”.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi meets with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, August 20, 2020, in Washington. AP Photo
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi meets with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, August 20, 2020, in Washington. AP Photo

The presence of US troops in Iraq is a contentious topic. The Iraqi Parliament held a vote in January on demanding American troops leave the country. Although no official count was made of the vote, the Speaker of Parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi announced that a majority had voted to demand US troops leave the country.

Asked whether he personally feels Iraq would be better off without American troops on the ground, Mr Al Kadhimi said: “We have moved into a new phase, we do not need combat troops on the ground as Iraqi forces are capable of fighting ISIS militants. However, they need logistical and technical support, in addition to training.” So support continues for an American presence in Iraq, with a lighter footprint.

When asked about Iran and Turkey, Iraq’s two neighbours who have extensively interfered in its affairs, his responses are brief and diplomatic. Mr Al Kadhimi faces a challenge primarily from political parties and militant groups supported by Iran. However, he had been careful to maintain good relations with Tehran, where he visited in July.

Asked about Tehran’s interference, Mr Al Kadhimi said: “We believe two principles should guide our relations. First, non-interference in the domestic affairs of each country and rejecting the use of the territories of either country to launch an attack on the other, and the second principle being that relations with Iran should be state-to-state based on mutual interests”.

Implicitly, he is referring to the need for Tehran to go through official channels, rather than proxies. The issue of non-interference was raised during the Prime Minister’s visit to Iran, and he said that “it is clear that there is a reassessment there towards relations with Iraq. It is in Iran’s interest that Iraq is stable”.

As for Turkey, which continuously carries out military actions in Iraq, Mr Al Kadhimi said: “Of course we reject the Turkish incursion in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. At the same time, we can understand Turkish concerns about [militant Kurdish group] PKK actions emerging from Iraq and which target Turkey… We need to remove the concerns of both sides so we can stabilise relations”.

UAE SQUAD FOR ASIAN JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP

Men’s squad: Faisal Al Ketbi, Omar Al Fadhli, Zayed Al Kathiri, Thiab Al Nuaimi, Khaled Al Shehhi, Mohamed Ali Al Suwaidi, Farraj Khaled Al Awlaqi, Muhammad Al Ameri, Mahdi Al Awlaqi, Saeed Al Qubaisi, Abdullah Al Qubaisi and Hazaa Farhan

Women's squad: Hamda Al Shekheili, Shouq Al Dhanhani, Balqis Abdullah, Sharifa Al Namani, Asma Al Hosani, Maitha Sultan, Bashayer Al Matrooshi, Maha Al Hanaei, Shamma Al Kalbani, Haya Al Jahuri, Mahra Mahfouz, Marwa Al Hosani, Tasneem Al Jahoori and Maryam Al Amri

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Power: 190bhp

Torque: 300Nm

Price: Dh169,900

On sale: now 

Jewel of the Expo 2020

252 projectors installed on Al Wasl dome

13.6km of steel used in the structure that makes it equal in length to 16 Burj Khalifas

550 tonnes of moulded steel were raised last year to cap the dome

724,000 cubic metres is the space it encloses

Stands taller than the leaning tower of Pisa

Steel trellis dome is one of the largest single structures on site

The size of 16 tennis courts and weighs as much as 500 elephants

Al Wasl means connection in Arabic

World’s largest 360-degree projection surface

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

What are the influencer academy modules?
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  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
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  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
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EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Third Test

Day 3, stumps

India 443-7 (d) & 54-5 (27 ov)
Australia 151

India lead by 346 runs with 5 wickets remaining

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The specs: McLaren 600LT

Price, base: Dh914,000

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm

Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm

Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km

'The Batman'

Stars:Robert Pattinson

Director:Matt Reeves

Rating: 5/5

Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.

Based: Riyadh

Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany

Founded: September, 2020

Number of employees: 70

Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions

Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds  

Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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

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The currency conundrum

Russ Mould, investment director at online trading platform AJ Bell, says almost every major currency has challenges right now. “The US has a huge budget deficit, the euro faces political friction and poor growth, sterling is bogged down by Brexit, China’s renminbi is hit by debt fears while slowing Chinese growth is hurting commodity exporters like Australia and Canada.”

Most countries now actively want a weak currency to make their exports more competitive. “China seems happy to let the renminbi drift lower, the Swiss are still running quantitative easing at full tilt and central bankers everywhere are actively talking down their currencies or offering only limited support," says Mr Mould.

This is a race to the bottom, and everybody wants to be a winner.

8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint

Greenheart Organic Farms 

This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.

www.greenheartuae.com

Modibodi  

Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.

www.modibodi.ae

The Good Karma Co

From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes. 

www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco

Re:told

One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.

www.shopretold.com

Lush

Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store. 

www.mena.lush.com

Bubble Bro 

Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.

www.bubble-bro.com

Coethical 

This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.

www.instagram.com/coethical

Eggs & Soldiers

This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.

www.eggsnsoldiers.com

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

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EA Sports FC 24
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier, in Bangkok

UAE fixtures Mon Nov 20, v China; Tue Nov 21, v Thailand; Thu Nov 23, v Nepal; Fri Nov 24, v Hong Kong; Sun Nov 26, v Malaysia; Mon Nov 27, Final

(The winners will progress to the Global Qualifier)

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Cinco in numbers

Dh3.7 million

The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown

46

The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.

1,000

The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]

50

How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday

3,000

The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

1.1 million

The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
THE BIO

Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.

Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.

Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.

Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.

 

 

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

The smuggler

Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple. 
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.

Khouli conviction

Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.

For sale

A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.

- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico

- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000

- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950

Results
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If you go

The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Santiago, via Sao Paolo cost from Dh5,295 with Emirates


The trip
A five-day trip (not including two days of flight travel) was split between Santiago and in Puerto Varas, with more time spent in the later where excursions were organised by TurisTour.
 

When to go
The summer months, from December to February are best though there is beauty in each season

The biog

Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates

Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.

Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.

Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.

Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile 

Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran

Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep

MATCH INFO

Quarter-finals

Saturday (all times UAE)

England v Australia, 11.15am 
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm

Sunday

Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm

ENGLAND SQUAD

For first two Test in India Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson , Dom Bess, Stuart Broad , Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes. Reserves James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi.

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Roll of honour 2019-2020

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain

West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership

UAE Premiership
}Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II

UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Trolls World Tour

Directed by: Walt Dohrn, David Smith

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake

Rating: 4 stars

We Weren’t Supposed to Survive But We Did

We weren’t supposed to survive but we did.      
We weren’t supposed to remember but we did.              
We weren’t supposed to write but we did.  
We weren’t supposed to fight but we did.              
We weren’t supposed to organise but we did.
We weren’t supposed to rap but we did.        
We weren’t supposed to find allies but we did.
We weren’t supposed to grow communities but we did.        
We weren’t supposed to return but WE ARE.
Amira Sakalla

Scoreline

Man Utd 2 Pogba 27', Martial 49'

Everton 1 Sigurdsson 77'

UK’s AI plan
  • AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
  • £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
  • £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
  • £250m to train new AI models
RACE CARD

6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.05pm: Meydan Sprint – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (Turf) 1,000m

7.40pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (D) 2,200m

8.15pm: UAE Oaks – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,900m

8.50pm: Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m

9.25pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m

10pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m

Company profile

Name: Steppi

Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic

Launched: February 2020

Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year

Employees: Five

Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai

Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings

Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year

The specs

Engine: 3.5-litre V6

Power: 272hp at 6,400rpm

Torque: 331Nm from 5,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km

On sale: now

Price: Dh149,000