Live updates: follow the latest news on Covid-19 variant Omicron
Millions of people in England are embracing the end to most Covid-19 restrictions and hoping that the return to normality is here for the long run.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the end to Plan B measures brought in to tackle rising case numbers as the Omicron variant spread across the country.
For Mr Johnson, the lifting of restrictions is a spot of good news as he reels from the fall-out of a scandal involving government office parties that took place during lockdown. He has apologised for missteps during the pandemic but the lockdown parties have angered his party, potentially putting his job at risk.
What are the important dates?
From January 19, work-from-home rules were lifted, meaning an immediate return to the office or other workplace is allowed.
From January 20, secondary-school pupils in classrooms no longer needed to wear face masks.
From January 27, all other face mask rules are dropped, meaning public transport and shops will be mask-free.
The use of Covid passports for entry into large events will end, but companies can still demand use at individual venues.
Some supermarkets, including Sainsbury's, have asked shoppers to mask up and London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the city's public transport system will still require passengers to wear masks.
What is happening to travel rules?
Almost all Covid travel restrictions are being relaxed in time for the school half-term, which begins at the end of the school day on February 11.
From 4am on February 11, fully vaccinated passengers arriving in the UK will no longer have to take a post-arrival lateral flow test.
The easing of travel rules includes a simplified version of the passenger locator form and allows vaccine certificates from 16 additional nations to be used.
Under-18s will continue to be treated as eligible, fully vaccinated passengers, which means they will not face any tests at the UK border.
From February 3, 12 to 15-year-olds will be able to show their vaccination status via the digital NHS pass for international outbound travel.
Unvaccinated passengers will need to show a negative Covid-19 test taken two days before travel, take a post-arrival PCR test and complete the passenger locator form.
What are the travel rules until then?
People travelling to the UK must pre-book a coronavirus test from a private supplier.
These can be lateral flow tests, which typically cost about £19 ($25) and must be taken before the end of the second day after arrival.
There have been widespread concerns around the customer service and prices offered by many testing companies listed on the government’s website.
Testing and quarantine requirements have also badly hit airlines and holiday companies because they put off many people from booking trips.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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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.
More coverage from the Future Forum
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UJDA CHAMAN
Produced: Panorama Studios International
Directed: Abhishek Pathak
Cast: Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Grusha Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla
Rating: 3.5 /5 stars
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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.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
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The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000