Britain's Queen Elizabeth attending a reception at Sandringham House this month, before she tested positive for Covid-19. AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth attending a reception at Sandringham House this month, before she tested positive for Covid-19. AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth attending a reception at Sandringham House this month, before she tested positive for Covid-19. AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth attending a reception at Sandringham House this month, before she tested positive for Covid-19. AFP

Britain's Queen Elizabeth tests positive for Covid-19


Jamie Prentis
  • English
  • Arabic

Britain's Queen Elizabeth tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, Buckingham Palace said.

The 95-year-old monarch is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor this week, a palace statement said.

She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all appropriate guidelines, it said.

"I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health," said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The queen had been isolating after her eldest son, Prince Charles, was diagnosed with Covid-19 on February 10, only days after a meeting with her.

She resumed public duties on Tuesday, when she received the credentials of the ambassadors of Spain and Estonia via video link from Buckingham Palace.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and wife of Prince Charles, tested positive a few days after her husband.

The prince, 73, had previously contracted Covid-19 in March 2020, in the early stages of the pandemic, but was reported to have suffered only mild symptoms.

The health of the queen, the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch, has been in the spotlight since she spent a night in hospital in October last year for an unspecified ailment and was then advised by her doctors to rest.

Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign - in pictures

  • Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her platinum jubilee in 2022, the first British monarch to reign for 70 years. Here 'The National' looks back at each of the years the queen has been on the throne. All photos: Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her platinum jubilee in 2022, the first British monarch to reign for 70 years. Here 'The National' looks back at each of the years the queen has been on the throne. All photos: Getty Images
  • 1952: A portrait of the queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
    1952: A portrait of the queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
  • 1953: The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after the queen's coronation, on June 2.
    1953: The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after the queen's coronation, on June 2.
  • 1954: The queen talking to an injured ex-serviceman during a visit to Repatriation General Hospital in Hobart, Australia.
    1954: The queen talking to an injured ex-serviceman during a visit to Repatriation General Hospital in Hobart, Australia.
  • 1955: Gen Francisco Craveiro Lopes, President of Portugal, leaves Westminster Pier for Buckingham Palace by coach, with the queen.
    1955: Gen Francisco Craveiro Lopes, President of Portugal, leaves Westminster Pier for Buckingham Palace by coach, with the queen.
  • 1956: The queen inspects the Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment, at Kaduna Airport, Nigeria, during her Commonwealth tour.
    1956: The queen inspects the Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment, at Kaduna Airport, Nigeria, during her Commonwealth tour.
  • 1957: The queen presents the trophy to American tennis player Althea Gibson after she won the women's singles tennis title at Wimbledon.
    1957: The queen presents the trophy to American tennis player Althea Gibson after she won the women's singles tennis title at Wimbledon.
  • 1958: The queen shares a joke while watching Prince Philip during a cricket match at Highclere Castle, Hampshire.
    1958: The queen shares a joke while watching Prince Philip during a cricket match at Highclere Castle, Hampshire.
  • 1959: US president Dwight D Eisenhower with Prince Philip, Princess Anne, the queen, Prince Charles and John Eisenhower, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
    1959: US president Dwight D Eisenhower with Prince Philip, Princess Anne, the queen, Prince Charles and John Eisenhower, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
  • 1960: The queen and Prince Charles walk through Liverpool Street Station in London with their dogs, having returned by train from Sandringham after the Christmas holidays.
    1960: The queen and Prince Charles walk through Liverpool Street Station in London with their dogs, having returned by train from Sandringham after the Christmas holidays.
  • 1961: The queen and Prince Philip leave Manchester by train.
    1961: The queen and Prince Philip leave Manchester by train.
  • 1962: The queen attends the races at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.
    1962: The queen attends the races at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.
  • 1963: The queen waves to residents from the rear of an open top car in the town of Russell, during a Commonwealth visit to New Zealand.
    1963: The queen waves to residents from the rear of an open top car in the town of Russell, during a Commonwealth visit to New Zealand.
  • 1964: The queen during the State Opening of Parliament ceremony in the chamber of the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster in London.
    1964: The queen during the State Opening of Parliament ceremony in the chamber of the House of Lords, at the Palace of Westminster in London.
  • 1965: At the Tissisal Falls, where the Blue Nile begins, with Emperor Haile Selassie during a royal visit to Ethiopia.
    1965: At the Tissisal Falls, where the Blue Nile begins, with Emperor Haile Selassie during a royal visit to Ethiopia.
  • 1966: The queen smiling after presenting England captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet trophy, following England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London.
    1966: The queen smiling after presenting England captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet trophy, following England's 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London.
  • 1967: The queen meets actor Rex Harrison and his wife Rachel Roberts at the premiere of the film 'Dr Dolittle' at the Odeon Marble Arch, London.
    1967: The queen meets actor Rex Harrison and his wife Rachel Roberts at the premiere of the film 'Dr Dolittle' at the Odeon Marble Arch, London.
  • 1968: The queen, Princess Margaret, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, riding at Ascot Racecourse.
    1968: The queen, Princess Margaret, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, riding at Ascot Racecourse.
  • 1969: The royal family at Windsor: Prince Edward, the queen, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.
    1969: The royal family at Windsor: Prince Edward, the queen, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.
  • 1970: US president Richard Nixon and British prime minister Edward Heath meet the queen for lunch at Chequers.
    1970: US president Richard Nixon and British prime minister Edward Heath meet the queen for lunch at Chequers.
  • 1971: Prince Charles takes part in a polo match in Windsor Great Park, accompanied by the queen and Prince Edward.
    1971: Prince Charles takes part in a polo match in Windsor Great Park, accompanied by the queen and Prince Edward.
  • 1972: The queen and Prince Philip with the president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, during a visit to Kenya.
    1972: The queen and Prince Philip with the president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, during a visit to Kenya.
  • 1973: Anne, the Princess Royal and Mark Phillips with the queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London after their wedding.
    1973: Anne, the Princess Royal and Mark Phillips with the queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London after their wedding.
  • 1974: The queen with the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.
    1974: The queen with the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.
  • 1975: The queen greets the public while visiting Greenwich, London.
    1975: The queen greets the public while visiting Greenwich, London.
  • 1976: The queen looking relaxed standing next to her car.
    1976: The queen looking relaxed standing next to her car.
  • 1977: The crowd cheers the queen in her gilded state coach during her silver jubilee procession.
    1977: The crowd cheers the queen in her gilded state coach during her silver jubilee procession.
  • 1978: The queen and Prince Philip are greeted by Native Canadians as they arrive by train during a tour of Canada.
    1978: The queen and Prince Philip are greeted by Native Canadians as they arrive by train during a tour of Canada.
  • 1979: The queen is met by president Julius Nyerere at Dar es Salaam airport, at the start of a three-day state visit to Tanzania.
    1979: The queen is met by president Julius Nyerere at Dar es Salaam airport, at the start of a three-day state visit to Tanzania.
  • 1980: On a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show, London.
    1980: On a tour of the Chelsea Flower Show, London.
  • 1981: The Prince and Princess of Wales pose on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, with the queen.
    1981: The Prince and Princess of Wales pose on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, with the queen.
  • 1982: US president Ronald Reagan and the queen at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle.
    1982: US president Ronald Reagan and the queen at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle.
  • 1983: The queen and Prince Philip are met by Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi and president Zail Singh at Palam Airport, New Delhi, during a Commonwealth tour of India.
    1983: The queen and Prince Philip are met by Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi and president Zail Singh at Palam Airport, New Delhi, during a Commonwealth tour of India.
  • 1984: Prince Charles is presented with an award by his mother, after a polo match at Smiths Lawn in Windsor.
    1984: Prince Charles is presented with an award by his mother, after a polo match at Smiths Lawn in Windsor.
  • 1985: The queen visits the University of Evora during a state visit to Portugal.
    1985: The queen visits the University of Evora during a state visit to Portugal.
  • 1986: The queen and Li Xiannian, president of China, outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during her visit to China.
    1986: The queen and Li Xiannian, president of China, outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during her visit to China.
  • 1987: The queen with Prince William and Prince Harry in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn, Windsor.
    1987: The queen with Prince William and Prince Harry in the Royal Box at Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn, Windsor.
  • 1988: US president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan chatting with the queen at Buckingham Palace.
    1988: US president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan chatting with the queen at Buckingham Palace.
  • 1989: The royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London for the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Pictured are Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William, the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
    1989: The royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London for the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Pictured are Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William, the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
  • 1990: The queen on a walkabout in Reykjavik, during a three-day state visit to Iceland.
    1990: The queen on a walkabout in Reykjavik, during a three-day state visit to Iceland.
  • 1991: England captain Will Carling introduces the queen to the England team before the Rugby World Cup Final against Australia at Twickenham.
    1991: England captain Will Carling introduces the queen to the England team before the Rugby World Cup Final against Australia at Twickenham.
  • 1992: The queen at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin during an official tour of Germany. She is seen with President Richard Von Weizsaecker.
    1992: The queen at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin during an official tour of Germany. She is seen with President Richard Von Weizsaecker.
  • 1993: The queen walking through the crowds at Royal Ascot.
    1993: The queen walking through the crowds at Royal Ascot.
  • 1994: The queen, Princess Anne, Prince Philip and Princess Diana greeting well-wishers as they attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
    1994: The queen, Princess Anne, Prince Philip and Princess Diana greeting well-wishers as they attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
  • 1995: The queen at a banquet in Cape Town, South Africa, with president Nelson Mandela.
    1995: The queen at a banquet in Cape Town, South Africa, with president Nelson Mandela.
  • 1996: Germany captain Jurgen Klinsmann lifts the trophy as the queen smiles, after the 1996 UEFA European Championships Final against Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium in London.
    1996: Germany captain Jurgen Klinsmann lifts the trophy as the queen smiles, after the 1996 UEFA European Championships Final against Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium in London.
  • 1997: The queen and Prince Philip view tributes from the public outside Buckingham Palace to Diana, Princess of Wales, after her funeral.
    1997: The queen and Prince Philip view tributes from the public outside Buckingham Palace to Diana, Princess of Wales, after her funeral.
  • 1998: The queen shopping at the trade stands at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
    1998: The queen shopping at the trade stands at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
  • 1999: With British prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair during the Millennium New Year celebrations in Greenwich, London.
    1999: With British prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair during the Millennium New Year celebrations in Greenwich, London.
  • 2000: The queen and Italy's president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi walk past the honour guard at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome.
    2000: The queen and Italy's president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi walk past the honour guard at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome.
  • 2001: The queen and other members of the royal family appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in London.
    2001: The queen and other members of the royal family appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in London.
  • 2002: The queen and Prince Philip leave after a party for close friends and family at The Ritz hotel in London. The monarch was thanking them for making her golden jubilee year a success.
    2002: The queen and Prince Philip leave after a party for close friends and family at The Ritz hotel in London. The monarch was thanking them for making her golden jubilee year a success.
  • 2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by the queen during a procession at the start of his state visit in London.
    2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin is accompanied by the queen during a procession at the start of his state visit in London.
  • 2004: The queen arrives in her horsedrawn carriage to attend Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.
    2004: The queen arrives in her horsedrawn carriage to attend Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.
  • 2005: Prince Charles and his bride, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pose with their families and the queen at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony.
    2005: Prince Charles and his bride, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pose with their families and the queen at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony.
  • 2006: The queen smiles at the crowds in Windsor, during a walk in the town to celebrate her 80th Birthday.
    2006: The queen smiles at the crowds in Windsor, during a walk in the town to celebrate her 80th Birthday.
  • 2007: A less-than-impressed queen raises her hand during a downpour as she stands with Prince Philip and Prince Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
    2007: A less-than-impressed queen raises her hand during a downpour as she stands with Prince Philip and Prince Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
  • 2008: The queen stands in the music room at Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas day message to the Commonwealth.
    2008: The queen stands in the music room at Buckingham Palace after recording her Christmas day message to the Commonwealth.
  • 2009: US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama with the queen and Prince Philip during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
    2009: US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama with the queen and Prince Philip during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
  • 2010: The queen and Prince Philip wear 3D glasses to watch a demonstration, during a visit to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
    2010: The queen and Prince Philip wear 3D glasses to watch a demonstration, during a visit to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
  • 2011: The queen and Prince Philip arrive to open the Sainsbury Laboratory for Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden.
    2011: The queen and Prince Philip arrive to open the Sainsbury Laboratory for Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden.
  • 2012: The queen makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.
    2012: The queen makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.
  • 2013: The queen and other members of the royal family leave Westminster Abbey in London, after the service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of the queen there.
    2013: The queen and other members of the royal family leave Westminster Abbey in London, after the service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of the queen there.
  • 2014: A smiling queen arrives for the opening of the Flanders Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks in London.
    2014: A smiling queen arrives for the opening of the Flanders Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks in London.
  • 2015: The queen signs a book during a visit to the headquarters of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force's 603 Squadron in Edinburgh, Scotland.
    2015: The queen signs a book during a visit to the headquarters of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force's 603 Squadron in Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • 2016: Prince Charles, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Harry, the queen, and Prince Philip stand on the balcony during the Trooping the Colour, this year marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall.
    2016: Prince Charles, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Harry, the queen, and Prince Philip stand on the balcony during the Trooping the Colour, this year marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall.
  • 2017: The queen and Prince Charles attend the State Opening Of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster, London.
    2017: The queen and Prince Charles attend the State Opening Of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster, London.
  • 2018: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and the queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
    2018: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and the queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
  • 2019: The queen and US president Donald Trump arrive for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
    2019: The queen and US president Donald Trump arrive for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
  • 2020: Riding at Windsor. The queen has been in residence at Windsor Castle during the coronavirus pandemic.
    2020: Riding at Windsor. The queen has been in residence at Windsor Castle during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • 2021: The queen takes her seat at the funeral of Prince Philip, in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
    2021: The queen takes her seat at the funeral of Prince Philip, in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
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

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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.

WHAT%20START-UPS%20IS%20VISA%20SEEKING%3F
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEnablers%20of%20digital%20services%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Blockchain%20and%20cryptocurrency%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Crowdfunding%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Banking-as-a-service%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Banking%20identification%20number%20sponsors%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Issuers%2Fprocessors%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Programme%20managers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDigital%20issuance%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Blockchain%20and%20cryptocurrency%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Alternative%20lending%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Personal%20financial%20management%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Money%20transfer%20and%20remittance%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Digital%20banking%20(neo%20banks)%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Digital%20wallets%2C%20peer-to-peer%20and%20transfers%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Employee%20benefits%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Payables%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Corporate%20cards%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EValue-add%20for%20merchants%2Fconsumers%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Data%20and%20analytics%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20ID%2C%20authentication%20and%20security%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Insurance%20technology%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Loyalty%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Merchant%20services%20and%20tools%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Process%20and%20payment%20infrastructure%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Retail%20technology%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESME%20recovery%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Money%20movement%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Acceptance%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Risk%20management%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Brand%20management%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENew%20categories%20for%202023%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Sustainable%20FinTechs%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Risk%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%20Urban%20mobility%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sinopharm vaccine explained

The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades. 

“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.

"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."

This is then injected into the body.

"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.

"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."

The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.

Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.

“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.

Family reunited

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was born and raised in Tehran and studied English literature before working as a translator in the relief effort for the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in 2003.

She moved to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies before moving to the World Health Organisation as a communications officer.

She came to the UK in 2007 after securing a scholarship at London Metropolitan University to study a master's in communication management and met her future husband through mutual friends a month later.

The couple were married in August 2009 in Winchester and their daughter was born in June 2014.

She was held in her native country a year later.

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Price: from Dh498,542

On sale: now

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

The specs: 2017 Maserati Quattroporte

Price, base / as tested Dh389,000 / Dh559,000

Engine 3.0L twin-turbo V8

Transmission Eight-speed automatic

Power 530hp @ 6,800rpm

Torque 650Nm @ 2,000 rpm

Fuel economy, combined 10.7L / 100km

Results
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The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre, six-cylinder

Transmission: six-speed manual

Power: 395bhp

Torque: 420Nm

Price: from Dh321,200

On sale: now

While you're here

TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER

Directed by: Michael Fimognari

Starring: Lana Condor and Noah Centineo

Two stars

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.

The Cockroach

 (Vintage)

Ian McEwan 
 

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The biog

Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball

The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S

Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900

Engine: 937cc

Transmission: Six-speed gearbox

Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm

Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km

In the Restaurant: Society in Four Courses
Christoph Ribbat
Translated by Jamie Searle Romanelli
Pushkin Press 

Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series

All matches at the Harare Sports Club:

1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10

2nd ODI, Friday, April 12

3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14

4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16

UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
UAE and Russia in numbers

UAE-Russia ties stretch back 48 years

Trade between the UAE and Russia reached Dh12.5 bn in 2018

More than 3,000 Russian companies are registered in the UAE

Around 40,000 Russians live in the UAE

The number of Russian tourists travelling to the UAE will increase to 12 percent to reach 1.6 million in 2023

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

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Updated: February 20, 2022, 1:18 PM