'The French Dispatch' was the highest-grossing UK independent film produced in 2021, and one of 126 domestic films made last year. AP
'The French Dispatch' was the highest-grossing UK independent film produced in 2021, and one of 126 domestic films made last year. AP
'The French Dispatch' was the highest-grossing UK independent film produced in 2021, and one of 126 domestic films made last year. AP
'The French Dispatch' was the highest-grossing UK independent film produced in 2021, and one of 126 domestic films made last year. AP

UK film industry is back and breaking records


Layla Maghribi
  • English
  • Arabic

The British film industry has bounced back with record-breaking figures, data released by the British Film Institute (BFI) showed on Friday.

Figures published by the BFI’s Research and Statistic Unit revealed that a whopping £5.64 billion ($7.6bn) was spent on film and high-end television production in the UK in 2021, the highest ever reported, and £1.27bn ($1.71bn) more than in the pre-pandemic year 2019.

The BFI said that latest figures underscored the UK’s “global reputation as the world-leading centre” for film and TV production.

Ben Roberts, chief executive of BFI, said: “The groundwork for further growth is under way with expansion of studio spaces and production hot spots across our nations and regions, and working with industry to build up the skilled workforce that we need to meet demand and stay on top of our game.”

Mr Roberts lauded the government’s Culture Recovery Fund for being a “lifeline for independent cinemas” and helping audiences return to the big screen.

The £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund for Independent Cinemas was launched as part of an effort to save the UK’s cultural and heritage sectors, which were severely affected by months-long lockdowns and restrictions.

After continued restrictions in the first half of 2021 stunted the first two quarters of cinema season, the final quarter heralded a trajectory of recovery, with about 40 million admissions.

The long-awaited October release of the James Bond film No Time to Die, which stars Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek as the villain, drew the largest cinema crowds with 16.4 million admissions.

Box office totals for the top 20 independent UK films, including the highest grosser The French Dispatch followed by The Hitman’s Bodyguard and Spencer, reached a total of £26.8 million.

UK domestic (independent) film production spending reach £221 million in 2021, a 39 per cent increase on 2020.

  • Lashana Lynch, Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux attend the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’ at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on September 28, 2021. Photo: Getty
    Lashana Lynch, Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux attend the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’ at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on September 28, 2021. Photo: Getty
  • Actor Rami Malek arrives at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Photo: Getty
    Actor Rami Malek arrives at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Photo: Getty
  • A military band plays at the Royal Albert Hall, London, before the start of the star-studded but much-delayed world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’. Photo: AFP
    A military band plays at the Royal Albert Hall, London, before the start of the star-studded but much-delayed world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’. Photo: AFP
  • English singer-songwriter Jay Kay attends the world premiere.
    English singer-songwriter Jay Kay attends the world premiere.
  • Lashana Lynch, who co-stars in ‘No Time to Die’, attends the world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
    Lashana Lynch, who co-stars in ‘No Time to Die’, attends the world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
  • Lead actor Daniel Craig gives the trademark James Bond stare on arriving at the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’. Photo: Getty
    Lead actor Daniel Craig gives the trademark James Bond stare on arriving at the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’. Photo: Getty
  • The opening performance at the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’ is performed by The Royal Marines Band at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Photo: Getty
    The opening performance at the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’ is performed by The Royal Marines Band at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Photo: Getty
  • Aquaman actor and producer Jason Momoa attends the premiere. Photo: Getty
    Aquaman actor and producer Jason Momoa attends the premiere. Photo: Getty
  • 'No Time to Die' is believed to be Daniel Craig's final Bond movie. Photo: EPA
    'No Time to Die' is believed to be Daniel Craig's final Bond movie. Photo: EPA
  • Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas attends the world premiere. Photo: Getty
    Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas attends the world premiere. Photo: Getty
  • American singer-songwriters Finneas O'Connell, left, and Billie Eilish pose for photographers upon arrival for the world premiere. Photo: AP
    American singer-songwriters Finneas O'Connell, left, and Billie Eilish pose for photographers upon arrival for the world premiere. Photo: AP
  • Naomie Harris attends the premiere. Photo: Getty
    Naomie Harris attends the premiere. Photo: Getty
  • The Royal Marines Band perform at the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
    The Royal Marines Band perform at the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
  • English actor Daniel Craig walks on the red carpet after arriving at the star-studded but much-delayed world premiere of the latest James Bond film. Photo: AFP
    English actor Daniel Craig walks on the red carpet after arriving at the star-studded but much-delayed world premiere of the latest James Bond film. Photo: AFP
  • Lea Seydoux attends the world premier event in London. Photo: Getty
    Lea Seydoux attends the world premier event in London. Photo: Getty
  • Star Daniel Craig poses during the premiere. 'No Time to Die' will be his fifth James Bond film since starting with 'Casino Royale'. Photo: Reuters
    Star Daniel Craig poses during the premiere. 'No Time to Die' will be his fifth James Bond film since starting with 'Casino Royale'. Photo: Reuters
  • British actress and TV writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge attends the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
    British actress and TV writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge attends the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
  • Dame Judi Dench attends the premiere. Photo: Getty
    Dame Judi Dench attends the premiere. Photo: Getty
  • US-British film producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson pose on the red carpet. Broccoli is the daughter of ‘James Bond’ producer Albert Broccoli. Photo: AFP
    US-British film producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson pose on the red carpet. Broccoli is the daughter of ‘James Bond’ producer Albert Broccoli. Photo: AFP
  • Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, poses for photographers upon arrival at the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’ at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on September 28, 2021. Photo: AP
    Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, poses for photographers upon arrival at the world premiere of ‘No Time to Die’ at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on September 28, 2021. Photo: AP
  • Barbara Broccoli; the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; Prince Charles, Prince of Wales; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Michael G Wilson attend the premiere. Photo: Getty
    Barbara Broccoli; the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; Prince Charles, Prince of Wales; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Michael G Wilson attend the premiere. Photo: Getty
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are greeted by Michael G Wilson at the event. Photo: Getty
    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are greeted by Michael G Wilson at the event. Photo: Getty
  • Charles, Price of Wales, and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, walk on the red carpet, followed by producer Barbara Broccoli, Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. Photo: AP
    Charles, Price of Wales, and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, walk on the red carpet, followed by producer Barbara Broccoli, Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. Photo: AP
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and her husband Charles, Prince of Wales attend the premiere. Photo: Getty
    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and her husband Charles, Prince of Wales attend the premiere. Photo: Getty

More than 200 films went into production in the UK in 2021, despite continued disruptions brought on by the pandemic, with a total spend of £1.55bn.

High-end TV (HETV) production in the UK has also boomed since the introduction of HETV tax relief in 2013, delivering a record spend of £4.09bn in 2021 from 211 productions, including popular shows Bridgerton and The Crown.

Government support for production with the screen sector tax relief programmes and the Film & TV Production Restart Scheme have played an important part in the industry’s growth and recovery.

In 2007, the UK introduced a tax relief plan allowing production companies to claim up to 25 pence from HM Revenue & Customs for every £1 on qualifying expenditures. The system has since been extended to related sectors including animation, children’s TV and video games.

Kristen Stewart in a scene from 'Spencer'. Neon via AP
Kristen Stewart in a scene from 'Spencer'. Neon via AP

In the past six years, tax rebates worth more than £4bn have helped fuel a boom in UK film and television production that has transformed the country into a global entertainment hub.

Existing studios like Pinewood and Shepperton are regularly booked by the large companies, spurring an entrepreneurial drive to develop studios.

A new £20 million film studio set to open in spring this year in West London by the founder of RD Content, one of the largest creators of commercial and corporate content in Europe, is only one of a number of spaces cropping up to keep up with the boom in the domestic industry.

Another new 10-acre site, known as The Wharf, is also being built in East London on a larger existing studio complex called Eastbrook Studios, which covers more than 46,000 square metres.

It’s not only the capital meeting the growing demand for UK-based production: last December, planning permission was given for 85,000-square-metre media hub Shinfield Studios in Berkshire, which will be one of the largest film and TV studios in the UK.

Adrian Wootton OBE, chief executive of the British Film Commission, said the UK is now enjoying a “once-in-a-generation growth in production” and is “determined to harness this phenomenal demand” for content.

“The benefits are being felt right across our nations and regions, with large scale investment in infrastructure and revenue into UK plc that will directly benefit local communities,” said Mr Wootton.

“Existing production hubs are growing to accommodate the demand, and new hubs are developing throughout the UK, bringing with them thousands of new jobs.”

Earlier this month, the UK’s Culture Secretary announced a £50m government investment in creative businesses across the UK to drive economic growth. The investment includes £21m to help build on the international success of the UK film industry through a three-year UK Global Screen Fund.

UAE v Zimbabwe A, 50 over series

Fixtures
Thursday, Nov 9 - 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai
Saturday, Nov 11 – 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai
Monday, Nov 13 – 2pm, Dubai International Stadium
Thursday, Nov 16 – 2pm, ICC Academy, Dubai
Saturday, Nov 18 – 9.30am, ICC Academy, Dubai

Results

Stage 7:

1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29

2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time

3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious

4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep

5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM

General Classification:

1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28

2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35

3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02

4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42

5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45

While you're here
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'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

RACE CARD

6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,200m

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,900m

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 2,000m

8.15pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,600m

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m

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.

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

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

About Proto21

Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

Planes grounded by coronavirus

British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China 

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30

Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong

Ai Seoul:  Suspended all flights to China

Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March

Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February

South Korea's Asiana Airlines,  Jeju Air  and Jin Air: Suspend all flights

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlmouneer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dr%20Noha%20Khater%20and%20Rania%20Kadry%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEgypt%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E120%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBootstrapped%2C%20with%20support%20from%20Insead%20and%20Egyptian%20government%2C%20seed%20round%20of%20%3Cbr%3E%243.6%20million%20led%20by%20Global%20Ventures%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0-litre%20six-cylinder%20turbo%20(BMW%20B58)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20340hp%20at%206%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20500Nm%20from%201%2C600-4%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20ZF%208-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100kph%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.2sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20267kph%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh462%2C189%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWarranty%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030-month%2F48%2C000k%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BACK%20TO%20ALEXANDRIA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETamer%20Ruggli%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENadine%20Labaki%2C%20Fanny%20Ardant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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.

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Bharatanatyam

A ancient classical dance from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Intricate footwork and expressions are used to denote spiritual stories and ideas.

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%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Salha%20Al%20Busaidy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20316%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublisher%3A%20The%20Dreamwork%20Collective%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Biggest%20applause
%3Cp%3EAsked%20to%20rate%20Boris%20Johnson's%20leadership%20out%20of%2010%2C%20Mr%20Sunak%20awarded%20a%20full%2010%20for%20delivering%20Brexit%20%E2%80%94%20remarks%20that%20earned%20him%20his%20biggest%20round%20of%20applause%20of%20the%20night.%20%22My%20views%20are%20clear%2C%20when%20he%20was%20great%20he%20was%20great%20and%20it%20got%20to%20a%20point%20where%20we%20need%20to%20move%20forward.%20In%20delivering%20a%20solution%20to%20Brexit%20and%20winning%20an%20election%20that's%20a%2010%2F10%20-%20you've%20got%20to%20give%20the%20guy%20credit%20for%20that%2C%20no-one%20else%20could%20probably%20have%20done%20that.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

UAE jiu-jitsu squad

Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)

Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)

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.”

MATCH INFO

CAF Champions League semi-finals first-leg fixtures

Tuesday:

Primeiro Agosto (ANG) v Esperance (TUN) (8pm UAE)
Al Ahly (EGY) v Entente Setif (ALG) (11PM)

Second legs:

October 23

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
CABINET%20OF%20CURIOSITIES%20EPISODE%201%3A%20LOT%2036
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGuillermo%20del%20Toro%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tim%20Blake%20Nelson%2C%20Sebastian%20Roche%2C%20Elpidia%20Carrillo%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Nepotism is the name of the game

Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad. 

Updated: February 04, 2022, 4:46 PM