Charles and Camilla honour Canadian war dead in Ottawa ceremony


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The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall honoured Canada’s war dead in a poignant wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday on the second day of their tour of the Commonwealth country.

Charles and Camilla are in Canada as Queen Elizabeth II celebrates seven decades on the throne during her platinum jubilee year.

The couple solemn wreath-laying event at the National War Memorial in the capital Ottawa.

In brilliant sunshine, the couple stood motionless as a bugler played the last post. Before them was the imposing memorial, symbolising the sacrifice of all Canadian military in the cause of freedom in all conflicts.

Charles’s grandfather, King George VI, unveiled the memorial in May 1939 and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added in 2000, the resting place of a Canadian serviceman from a war cemetery near Vimy Ridge, a First World War battle site in France.

At each corner of the tomb a member of the Armed Forces stood on guard facing outwards, head bowed with their arms resting on a rifle.

Charles laid a wreath of poppies while Camilla left a bouquet. Both floral tributes featured handwritten cards from the couple with the words “in grateful remembrance“.

Earlier, Charles was invested as an Extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon.

The prince holds several honorary appointments and ranks with the Canadian military and the order recognises exceptional service by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.

  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall greets students during a visit at Assumption Catholic school May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall greets students during a visit at Assumption Catholic school May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles greets member of the public during a visit at Assumption Catholic school May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles greets member of the public during a visit at Assumption Catholic school May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall waves during a visit at Assumption Catholic school May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall waves during a visit at Assumption Catholic school May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall greet students during a visit at Assumption Catholic school in Ottawa. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall greet students during a visit at Assumption Catholic school in Ottawa. AFP
  • The Royal couple greet students during a visit at Assumption Catholic school on May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
    The Royal couple greet students during a visit at Assumption Catholic school on May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
  • Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visit Assumption Catholic School in Ottawa, while on their 2022 Royal Tour to Canada on Wednesday May 18, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
    Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visit Assumption Catholic School in Ottawa, while on their 2022 Royal Tour to Canada on Wednesday May 18, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
  • Samuel Awoyem bows to Prince Charles as his wife Toyin Awoyem looks on during a visit to the Assumption Elementary School in Ottawa, Wednesday, May 18, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
    Samuel Awoyem bows to Prince Charles as his wife Toyin Awoyem looks on during a visit to the Assumption Elementary School in Ottawa, Wednesday, May 18, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are served beaver tail pastries at the Byward Market in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are served beaver tail pastries at the Byward Market in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, tour the Byward Market in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, tour the Byward Market in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. AFP
  • People react as Britain's Prince Charles speaks with indigenous drummer, Okimajd Anderson, during a visit to Assumption Elementary School, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Vanier, Ottawa. Reuters
    People react as Britain's Prince Charles speaks with indigenous drummer, Okimajd Anderson, during a visit to Assumption Elementary School, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Vanier, Ottawa. Reuters
  • Britain's Prince Charles greets a well-wishers after leaving a Ukrainian church in Ottawa on their Canadian Royal Tour, on May 18, 2022. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles greets a well-wishers after leaving a Ukrainian church in Ottawa on their Canadian Royal Tour, on May 18, 2022. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are presented with bread and salt during a visit to a Ukrainian church in Ottawa on their Canadian Royal Tour, May 18, 2022. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are presented with bread and salt during a visit to a Ukrainian church in Ottawa on their Canadian Royal Tour, May 18, 2022. AFP
  • Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits an outdoor market stall at ByWard Market, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa. Reuters
    Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits an outdoor market stall at ByWard Market, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa. Reuters
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, take part in a traditional prayer service at a Ukrainian church in Ottawa on their Canadian Royal Tour, May 18, 2022. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, take part in a traditional prayer service at a Ukrainian church in Ottawa on their Canadian Royal Tour, May 18, 2022. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall greet well-wishers at ByWard Market on May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall greet well-wishers at ByWard Market on May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall walk along a street, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa. Reuters
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall walk along a street, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa. Reuters
  • Britain's Prince Charles walks to his car after visiting Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Assumption of the Blessed Virgin on May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles walks to his car after visiting Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Assumption of the Blessed Virgin on May 18, 2022 in Ottawa. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visit the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, in Ottawa, Ontario, while on their Canadian Royal tour, Wednesday May 18, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visit the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, in Ottawa, Ontario, while on their Canadian Royal tour, Wednesday May 18, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
  • Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, while on their Canadian Royal tour, Wednesday May 18, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
    Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, while on their Canadian Royal tour, Wednesday May 18, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
  • Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall participate in a wreath laying National War Memorial in Ottawa, during their Canadian Royal tour, on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. AP
    Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall participate in a wreath laying National War Memorial in Ottawa, during their Canadian Royal tour, on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. AP
  • Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, during their Canadian Royal tour, on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. AP
    Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, during their Canadian Royal tour, on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. AP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on May 18, 2022. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles speaks during a welcome ceremony in St John's, Canada, as he and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, begin a three-day tour of the country. It is taking place at a time when affinity for the British Crown is waning among many in the Commonwealth member. AP
    Britain's Prince Charles speaks during a welcome ceremony in St John's, Canada, as he and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, begin a three-day tour of the country. It is taking place at a time when affinity for the British Crown is waning among many in the Commonwealth member. AP
  • Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets indigenous leaders as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are welcomed. AP
    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets indigenous leaders as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are welcomed. AP
  • Prince Charles outside the Confederation Building in St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. AFP
    Prince Charles outside the Confederation Building in St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles greets people as he arrives at the Confederation Building in St John’s. AFP
    Britain's Prince Charles greets people as he arrives at the Confederation Building in St John’s. AFP
  • A spectator reacts as Britain's Prince Charles arrives at the Confederation Building in St John’s. AFP
    A spectator reacts as Britain's Prince Charles arrives at the Confederation Building in St John’s. AFP
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, stands next to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Governor General Mary Simon and her husband Whit Fraser, as they attend a welcoming ceremony in St John's. AP
    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, stands next to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Governor General Mary Simon and her husband Whit Fraser, as they attend a welcoming ceremony in St John's. AP
  • Prince Charles and his wife Camilla arrived in Canada on Tuesday to embark on a three-day tour of the country. AP
    Prince Charles and his wife Camilla arrived in Canada on Tuesday to embark on a three-day tour of the country. AP
  • Indigenous leaders greet Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. AP
    Indigenous leaders greet Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. AP
  • Prince Charles is greeted by well-wishers in St John's. AP
    Prince Charles is greeted by well-wishers in St John's. AP
  • Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sits with Prince Charles in October 2019 at the state opening of Parliament. According to a recent poll, which surveyed 1,607 Canadians, 50 per cent say the royal family is no longer relevant to them. AFP
    Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sits with Prince Charles in October 2019 at the state opening of Parliament. According to a recent poll, which surveyed 1,607 Canadians, 50 per cent say the royal family is no longer relevant to them. AFP
  • Prince Charles pictured during the state opening of Parliament on May 10. Even if public opinion continues to sour on the royals, it is unlikely that relations between Canada and the monarchy will change much in the near term. AFP
    Prince Charles pictured during the state opening of Parliament on May 10. Even if public opinion continues to sour on the royals, it is unlikely that relations between Canada and the monarchy will change much in the near term. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Charles stands next to Canada's Governor General Mary Simon, while attending the Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa. Reuters
    Britain's Prince Charles stands next to Canada's Governor General Mary Simon, while attending the Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa. Reuters
  • Britain's Prince Charles shakes hands with Canada's Governor General Mary Simon, while attending the Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa. Reuters
    Britain's Prince Charles shakes hands with Canada's Governor General Mary Simon, while attending the Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony, on the second day of the Canadian 2022 Royal Tour, in Ottawa. Reuters
  • Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Charles are greeted by well-wishers in St. John's as they arrive for a Royal visit to Canada on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP
    Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Charles are greeted by well-wishers in St. John's as they arrive for a Royal visit to Canada on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP

The couple are on a three-day tour with stops in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ottawa and the Northwest Territories.

Clarence House said the purpose of the tour was to learn and hear from indigenous Canadians as the country continues to deal with the discovery of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools across the country.

It also comes as support for the monarchy appears to be on the wane.

A recent online poll by the Angus Reid Institute shows that half of Canadians feel the royal family is no longer relevant to them.

And while most Canadians view the Queen in high regard, the same is not true for the rest of her family.

Fifty-one per cent of those surveyed want Canada to become a republic, something Barbados achieved in November.

"It's the 21st century and there's no reason why we should still be sharing our head of state with the United Kingdom," said Tom Freda, national director of Citizens for a Canadian Republic.

PA contributed to this report

Country-size land deals

US interest in purchasing territory is not as outlandish as it sounds. Here's a look at some big land transactions between nations:

Louisiana Purchase

If Donald Trump is one who aims to broker "a deal of the century", then this was the "deal of the 19th Century". In 1803, the US nearly doubled in size when it bought 2,140,000 square kilometres from France for $15 million.

Florida Purchase Treaty

The US courted Spain for Florida for years. Spain eventually realised its burden in holding on to the territory and in 1819 effectively ceded it to America in a wider border treaty. 

Alaska purchase

America's spending spree continued in 1867 when it acquired 1,518,800 km2 of  Alaskan land from Russia for $7.2m. Critics panned the government for buying "useless land".

The Philippines

At the end of the Spanish-American War, a provision in the 1898 Treaty of Paris saw Spain surrender the Philippines for a payment of $20 million. 

US Virgin Islands

It's not like a US president has never reached a deal with Denmark before. In 1917 the US purchased the Danish West Indies for $25m and renamed them the US Virgin Islands.

Gwadar

The most recent sovereign land purchase was in 1958 when Pakistan bought the southwestern port of Gwadar from Oman for 5.5bn Pakistan rupees. 

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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh122,745

On sale: now

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

The Bio

Name: Lynn Davison

Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi

Children: She has one son, Casey, 28

Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite Author: CJ Sansom

Favourite holiday destination: Bali

Favourite food: A Sunday roast

Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)

Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits

Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine

Storage: 128/256/512GB

Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4

Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps

Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID

Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight

In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter

Price: From Dh2,099

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
Profile of Bitex UAE

Date of launch: November 2018

Founder: Monark Modi

Based: Business Bay, Dubai

Sector: Financial services

Size: Eight employees

Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings

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Result

Arsenal 4
Monreal (51'), Ramsey (82'), Lacazette 85', 89')

West Ham United 1
Arnautovic (64')

How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet

Price, base: Dh429,090

Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission Seven-speed automatic

Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

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

Race card

5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; 5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; 6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m

Ipaf in numbers

Established: 2008

Prize money:  $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.

Winning novels: 13

Shortlisted novels: 66

Longlisted novels: 111

Total number of novels submitted: 1,780

Novels translated internationally: 66

The specs: Fenyr SuperSport

Price, base: Dh5.1 million

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km

Tonight's Chat on The National

Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.

Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.

Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.

Facebook | Our website | Instagram

 

Closing the loophole on sugary drinks

As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.

The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.

Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.

Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
 

Not taxed:

Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.

From Europe to the Middle East, economic success brings wealth - and lifestyle diseases

A rise in obesity figures and the need for more public spending is a familiar trend in the developing world as western lifestyles are adopted.

One in five deaths around the world is now caused by bad diet, with obesity the fastest growing global risk. A high body mass index is also the top cause of metabolic diseases relating to death and disability in Kuwait,  Qatar and Oman – and second on the list in Bahrain.

In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.

The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.

And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.

 

The Internet
Hive Mind
four stars

Brief scores:

Manchester United 4

Young 13', Mata 28', Lukaku 42', Rashford 82'

Fulham 1

Kamara 67' (pen),

Red card: Anguissa (68')

Man of the match: Juan Mata (Man Utd)

AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

MATCH INFO

Fulham 0

Aston Villa 3 (Grealish 4', Hourihane 15', Mings 48')

Man of the match: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)

War

Director: Siddharth Anand

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor

Rating: Two out of five stars 

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Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

What is graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.

It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.

It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.

Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.

The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.

FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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Disclaimer

Director: Alfonso Cuaron 

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville 

Rating: 4/5

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes. 

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

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RESULTS
%3Cp%3E5pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20RB%20Sarab%2C%20Allaia%20Tiar%20(jockey)%2C%20Khalifa%20Al%20Neyadi%20(trainer)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E5.30pm%3A%20Mamsha%20Alkhair%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Mutaqadim%2C%20Ray%20Dawson%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al%20Hadhrami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E6pm%3A%20Emirates%20Fillies%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Prestige%20(PA)%20Dh100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Almotajalliah%2C%20Ray%20Dawson%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al%20Hadhrami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E6.30pm%3A%20Emirates%20Colts%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Prestige%20(PA)%20Dh100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Fadwaan%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Ahmed%20Al%20Mehairbi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7pm%3A%20The%20President%E2%80%99s%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20Dh2%2C500%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Mujeeb%2C%20Richard%20Mullen%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Ketbi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7.30pm%3A%20The%20President%E2%80%99s%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20Dh380%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Western%20Writer%2C%20Richard%20Mullen%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

Specs

Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 405hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 562Nm at 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.2L/100km
Price: From Dh292,845 (Reserve); from Dh320,145 (Presidential)
On sale: Now

THE BIO

Bio Box

Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul

Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader

Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet

Favorite food: seafood

Favorite place to travel: Lebanon

Favorite movie: Braveheart

Four tips to secure IoT networks

Mohammed Abukhater, vice president at FireEye in the Middle East, said:

- Keep device software up-to-date. Most come with basic operating system, so users should ensure that they always have the latest version

- Besides a strong password, use two-step authentication. There should be a second log-in step like adding a code sent to your mobile number

- Usually smart devices come with many unnecessary features. Users should lock those features that are not required or used frequently

- Always create a different guest network for visitors

Venom

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed

Rating: 1.5/5

Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Updated: May 18, 2022, 9:44 PM