• Raquel Pennington becomes emotional in a recorded video deposition, as a picture of Amber Heard is seen on screen. EPA
    Raquel Pennington becomes emotional in a recorded video deposition, as a picture of Amber Heard is seen on screen. EPA
  • Pennington testifies about seeing the spot on Heard's head, which was bloodied and bare. AP
    Pennington testifies about seeing the spot on Heard's head, which was bloodied and bare. AP
  • Depp listens as Pennington testifies in a recorded video deposition, as a picture of Heard appears on screen. AFP
    Depp listens as Pennington testifies in a recorded video deposition, as a picture of Heard appears on screen. AFP
  • Depp listens as Pennington testifies about what his lawyer yesterday called a 'photo shoot'. AFP
    Depp listens as Pennington testifies about what his lawyer yesterday called a 'photo shoot'. AFP
  • Heard watches former friend Pennington testify. EPA
    Heard watches former friend Pennington testify. EPA
  • Pennington testifies she once lived in the Los Angeles penthouses with Depp and Heard, and on 'many occasions' documented physical injuries to the actress. AFP
    Pennington testifies she once lived in the Los Angeles penthouses with Depp and Heard, and on 'many occasions' documented physical injuries to the actress. AFP
  • Depp looks on during a break. AFP
    Depp looks on during a break. AFP
  • Depp acknowledges supporters before a lunch break. AFP
    Depp acknowledges supporters before a lunch break. AFP
  • Josh Drew, Pennington's former husband, testifies in a recorded deposition. EPA
    Josh Drew, Pennington's former husband, testifies in a recorded deposition. EPA
  • Judge Penney Azcarate listens to Drew's recorded deposition. EPA
    Judge Penney Azcarate listens to Drew's recorded deposition. EPA
  • Depp speaks with his lawyer Camille Vasquez. AFP
    Depp speaks with his lawyer Camille Vasquez. AFP
  • Depp reacts as Pennington testifies. AFP
    Depp reacts as Pennington testifies. AFP
  • Depp gets up during a break in the courtroom on Wednesday. AP
    Depp gets up during a break in the courtroom on Wednesday. AP
  • Pennington often became emotional when asked about her friend's injuries. EPA
    Pennington often became emotional when asked about her friend's injuries. EPA
  • Pennington on screen above the spectators in the Virginia courtroom. EPA
    Pennington on screen above the spectators in the Virginia courtroom. EPA
  • Heard embraces her lawyer Elaine Bredehoft. AP
    Heard embraces her lawyer Elaine Bredehoft. AP
  • Depp arrives in the courtroom with Ms Vasquez. AP
    Depp arrives in the courtroom with Ms Vasquez. AP
  • Depp speaks with Ms Vasquez. AP
    Depp speaks with Ms Vasquez. AP
  • Heard's friends testify Depp could be generous and kind, but when drinking he became 'a monster'. AP
    Heard's friends testify Depp could be generous and kind, but when drinking he became 'a monster'. AP
  • Heard talks listens to her lawyer Elaine Bredehoft. AP
    Heard talks listens to her lawyer Elaine Bredehoft. AP
  • Ms Azcarate listens. AP
    Ms Azcarate listens. AP
  • Depp's lawyer Ms Vasquez and Heard's lawyer Ms Bredehoft speak in the courtroom before testimony. AP
    Depp's lawyer Ms Vasquez and Heard's lawyer Ms Bredehoft speak in the courtroom before testimony. AP
  • Heard in a rare relaxed mood on Wednesday. AP
    Heard in a rare relaxed mood on Wednesday. AP
  • Depp walks into the courtroom for Day 17 of testimony. AP
    Depp walks into the courtroom for Day 17 of testimony. AP
  • Depp gestures to his fans in the courtroom. AFP
    Depp gestures to his fans in the courtroom. AFP
  • Depp is suing former wife Heard for libel. AFP
    Depp is suing former wife Heard for libel. AFP
  • Depp and Heard's friend iO Tillett Wright delivers a bombshell testimony on Tuesday. AP
    Depp and Heard's friend iO Tillett Wright delivers a bombshell testimony on Tuesday. AP
  • Wright becomes emotional when detailing what he saw during his friendship with Depp and Heard. EPA
    Wright becomes emotional when detailing what he saw during his friendship with Depp and Heard. EPA
  • Heard and Ms Bredehoft on Wednesday. EPA
    Heard and Ms Bredehoft on Wednesday. EPA
  • Depp speaks to Ms Vasquez. EPA
    Depp speaks to Ms Vasquez. EPA
  • Depp hugs Ms Vasquez. AP
    Depp hugs Ms Vasquez. AP
  • Depp insists he was never violent with his former wife and has never hit a woman. AP
    Depp insists he was never violent with his former wife and has never hit a woman. AP
  • Heard hugs Ms Bredehoft. AP
    Heard hugs Ms Bredehoft. AP
  • Whitney Henriquez describes acts of violence towards her sister, Heard, by Depp. Reuters
    Whitney Henriquez describes acts of violence towards her sister, Heard, by Depp. Reuters
  • Heard listens as Ms Bredehoft questions her sister, Ms Henriquez. AP
    Heard listens as Ms Bredehoft questions her sister, Ms Henriquez. AP

World

US

Amber Heard's sister and couple's former friends back up her defence in Johnny Depp trial

They all testified that they were previous friends of couple and that Johnny Depp called himself 'a monster'

Holly Aguirre
Holly Aguirre

May 18, 2022

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Amber Heard’s former best friend was called to the stand on Wednesday as a witness for her defence in the multimillion-dollar libel suit brought on her former husband, Johnny Depp.

In a deposition recorded in January, Raquel “Rocky” Pennington testified that she saw several types of injuries on Heard’s face and body, and that she feared for her friend’s life.

“I was worried for her physical safety. I was worried that when he turned, he might accidentally do something that was worse than he ever intended,” Ms Pennington said.

Melanie Inglessis testified that she was responsible for covering cuts and bruises on Heard’s face before an appearance on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden' in December 2015. EPA
Melanie Inglessis testified that she was responsible for covering cuts and bruises on Heard’s face before an appearance on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden' in December 2015. EPA

When Ms Heard returned from Australia, Ms Pennington said that she saw “deep, long cuts on the backs of her forearms”.

Another friend, iO Tillett Wright, on Tuesday provided corroborating evidence to several of the alleged assaults.

“Then she showed me her feet – they were smaller cuts than the ones on her arms,” Ms Pennington said.

In earlier testimony, Heard said that while Depp was filming Pirates of the in Australia, he physically and sexually assaulted her in their rented home in which she sustain multiple injuries including cuts to her arms and feet.

Depp testified that he never struck Heard and that he suffered physical abuse at her hands.

He is suing Heard for libel in Virginia’s Fairfax County Circuit Court over a 2018 opinion piece she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse”.

Depp's lawyers say he was defamed by the article even though it never mentioned his name.

Ms Pennington, who briefly lived in one of the Eastern Standard penthouses along with Depp and Heard, said she was the first person to see her after a final fight between the couple in May 2016, which hastened her divorce filing and domestic violence restraining order.

  • This photo was taken at the Los Angeles courthouse the day Heard filed her domestic violence restraining order against Johnny Depp. AP
    This photo was taken at the Los Angeles courthouse the day Heard filed her domestic violence restraining order against Johnny Depp. AP
  • Evidence showing pictures of injuries to Heard appear on a screen. EPA
    Evidence showing pictures of injuries to Heard appear on a screen. EPA
  • Actor Johnny Depp is seen laying in a hospital after his finger was injured while he and his ex-wife Amber Heard were in Australia in March 2015. Photo: Johnny Depp Legal Team / Reuters
    Actor Johnny Depp is seen laying in a hospital after his finger was injured while he and his ex-wife Amber Heard were in Australia in March 2015. Photo: Johnny Depp Legal Team / Reuters
  • Evidence presented by US actress Amber Heard showing a bald spot in her head. AFP
    Evidence presented by US actress Amber Heard showing a bald spot in her head. AFP
  • Evidence showing US actress Amber Heard's hair she testified was pulled out by her ex-husband Johnny Depp. AFP
    Evidence showing US actress Amber Heard's hair she testified was pulled out by her ex-husband Johnny Depp. AFP
  • Evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard's injuries presented in court. AFP
    Evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard's injuries presented in court. AFP
  • Evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard appear on a screen during a defamation trial. AFP
    Evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard appear on a screen during a defamation trial. AFP
  • More evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard. AFP
    More evidence showing pictures of US actress Amber Heard. AFP
  • Johnny Depp reportedly wrote messages in his own blood to his former wife Amber Heard. EPA
    Johnny Depp reportedly wrote messages in his own blood to his former wife Amber Heard. EPA
  • Pictures of shattered glass presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
    Pictures of shattered glass presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
  • Photo presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
    Photo presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
  • This is a photo of the ping pong table where Amber Heard testified she was sexually assaulted by her former husband Johnny Depp. EPA
    This is a photo of the ping pong table where Amber Heard testified she was sexually assaulted by her former husband Johnny Depp. EPA
  • Johnny Depp's scribblings presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
    Johnny Depp's scribblings presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
  • Evidence appears on a monitor during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial. EPA
    Evidence appears on a monitor during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial. EPA
  • Evidence appears on a monitor during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial.
    Evidence appears on a monitor during the Depp vs Heard defamation trial.
  • A photo of Johnny Depp that Amber Heard says she took of him whilst he was passed out. EPA
    A photo of Johnny Depp that Amber Heard says she took of him whilst he was passed out. EPA
  • Communications presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
    Communications presented as evidence by Amber Heard's defence team. EPA
  • Evidence appears on a monitor in the courtroom during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, EPA
    Evidence appears on a monitor in the courtroom during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, EPA
  • More evidence was shared in the courtroom in the US actor Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial. EPA
    More evidence was shared in the courtroom in the US actor Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial. EPA
  • Johnny Depp's emails were submitted as evidence in today's trial. EPA
    Johnny Depp's emails were submitted as evidence in today's trial. EPA
  • An image taken by US actress Amber Heard of her former husband, Johnny Depp, passed out was submitted as trial evidence. EPA
    An image taken by US actress Amber Heard of her former husband, Johnny Depp, passed out was submitted as trial evidence. EPA
  • Johnny Depp testified that these pictures were taken during the period when he had 'fallen off the wagon'. EPA
    Johnny Depp testified that these pictures were taken during the period when he had 'fallen off the wagon'. EPA
  • Evidence shown in today's proceedings. When asked if he would often drink whisky in the morning, Mr Depp replied: “Isn’t happy hour anytime?”
    Evidence shown in today's proceedings. When asked if he would often drink whisky in the morning, Mr Depp replied: “Isn’t happy hour anytime?”
  • US actress Amber Heard reacts as she listens to an audio recording of she and US actor Johhny Depp arguing. AFP
    US actress Amber Heard reacts as she listens to an audio recording of she and US actor Johhny Depp arguing. AFP
  • US actor Johnny Depp testifies during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. EPA
    US actor Johnny Depp testifies during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. EPA
  • US actress Amber Heard during the trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. EPA
    US actress Amber Heard during the trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. EPA
  • Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
    Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
  • Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
    Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
  • Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP
    Images of Amber Heard admitted as evidence. AP

Ms Pennington testified that during a fight, she protected Heard with her own body on the floor and that Depp used a wine bottle to smash glasses, pictures and other items throughout the home.

On Thanksgiving, Pennington testified, a group of friends and family gathered at the Eastern Standard penthouses for dinner.

It was attended by Depp and Heard, his son Jack, his friend Marilyn Manson, Heard’s father, Heard’s make-up artist Melanie Inglessis and Josh Hurd, who was engaged to Ms Pennington at the time, she said.

According to the recorded deposition by Ms Inglessis, Depp and Manson left the table for “a very long time”, which upset Heard and caused another argument between the couple.

“It was a very intimate and weird dinner,” she recalled.

Ms Inglessis also testified that she was responsible for covering cuts and bruises on Heard’s face before an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden in December 2015.

In her sworn testimony, she said that when she met Heard, it “looked like someone had head-butted her”.

“I did make-up, just a little heavier," Ms Inglessis said. "We covered the discoloration and the bruises with slightly heavier concealer.”

“We had no other option that night … than to use a really red lipstick that night to cover up the injuries on her lip.”

She said that she also noticed a patch of hair that was missing from the top of Heard's head.

Heard's sister, Whitney Henriquez, was also called to stand where she testified that she often saw contentious and loving moments between Heard and Depp.

  • A mutual friend said that Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard were very in love yet often 'vicious' towards one another.
    A mutual friend said that Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard were very in love yet often 'vicious' towards one another.
  • Johnny Depp leaves court after jury selection in his $50 million defamation lawsuit against former wife Heard. EPA
    Johnny Depp leaves court after jury selection in his $50 million defamation lawsuit against former wife Heard. EPA
  • US actress Amber Heard leaves the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia on April 11. AFP
    US actress Amber Heard leaves the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia on April 11. AFP
  • Depp filed a defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard, after she wrote an opinion piece in 'The Washington Post' in 2018 that, without naming him, accused him of domestic abuse. Reuters
    Depp filed a defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard, after she wrote an opinion piece in 'The Washington Post' in 2018 that, without naming him, accused him of domestic abuse. Reuters
  • Jury selection began on April 11 in the defamation case involving allegations of spousal abuse between Depp and Heard. AFP
    Jury selection began on April 11 in the defamation case involving allegations of spousal abuse between Depp and Heard. AFP
  • Depp fan David Laman holds a poster outside the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse as jury selection progressed. Reuters
    Depp fan David Laman holds a poster outside the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse as jury selection progressed. Reuters
  • Tiffany Lunn, a supporter of Depp, outside the court in Fairfax, Virginia. AP
    Tiffany Lunn, a supporter of Depp, outside the court in Fairfax, Virginia. AP
  • Johnny Depp fans at the courthouse. AP
    Johnny Depp fans at the courthouse. AP
  • The defamation case brought by Depp against former wife Heard is expected to last between five and six week. Reuters
    The defamation case brought by Depp against former wife Heard is expected to last between five and six week. Reuters
  • Depp leaves the High Court in London, England, on July 22, 2020, during the libel case there. Reuters
    Depp leaves the High Court in London, England, on July 22, 2020, during the libel case there. Reuters
  • Heard arrives at the High Court in London. Reuters
    Heard arrives at the High Court in London. Reuters
  • Depp and Heard at the 72nd Venice Film Festival in northern Italy, 2015. Reuters
    Depp and Heard at the 72nd Venice Film Festival in northern Italy, 2015. Reuters

“When he was sober, he was wonderful,” said Ms Henriquez. “When he wasn't sober, they were terrible.”

Ms Henriquez also testified that she saw Depp inebriated on many occasions and once found herself in the crossfire of an altercation.

She told jurors that Depp once blamed Heard for forcing him into the extramarital encounter and charged up a staircase to confront her.

When she tried to stop him from reaching her sister, Ms Henriquez said she was struck in the back, and Heard became enraged and “landed one” on Depp, with Henriquez stuck between the two.

Amber Heard's sister, Whitney Henriquez, looks towards the table where Johnny Depp is seated. She said that she once called him 'brother'. AFP
Amber Heard's sister, Whitney Henriquez, looks towards the table where Johnny Depp is seated. She said that she once called him 'brother'. AFP

“We all thought that we would see Johnny on the other end of this, because again, when he was sober, things were wonderful … we all thought that he was just going to get better,” she said.

Less than two years ago, Depp lost a libel case against The Sun after the British tabloid referred to him a “wife beater”.

A London High Court judge ruled that he had repeatedly assaulted Heard.

Closing arguments are scheduled for May 27.

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

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Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.

They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi

Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday) 

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

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

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

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

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

3. More tax audits

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

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

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

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

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

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

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

7. Limited time periods for audits

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

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

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

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

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

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

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

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Getting%20there
%3Cp%3EGiven%20its%20remote%20location%2C%20getting%20to%20Borneo%20can%20feel%20daunting%20even%20for%20the%20most%20seasoned%20traveller.%20But%20you%20can%20fly%20directly%20from%20Kuala%20Lumpur%20to%20Sandakan%20and%20Sepilok%20is%20only%20half%20an%20hour%20away%20by%20taxi.%20Sandakan%20has%20plenty%20of%20accommodation%20options%2C%20while%20Sepilok%20has%20a%20few%20nature%20lodges%20close%20to%20the%20main%20attractions.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203S%20Money%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20London%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Zhiznevsky%2C%20Eugene%20Dugaev%20and%20Andrei%20Dikouchine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%245.6%20million%20raised%20in%20total%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

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.

New schools in Dubai
Checks continue

A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.

Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.

Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

Whiile you're here
Museum of the Future in numbers
  •  78 metres is the height of the museum
  •  30,000 square metres is its total area
  •  17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
  •  14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
  •  1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior 
  •  7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
  •  2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
  •  100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
  •  Dh145 is the price of a ticket
Towering concerns
FIGHT%20CARD
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFeatherweight%204%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EYousuf%20Ali%20(2-0-0)%20(win-loss-draw)%20v%20Alex%20Semugenyi%20(0-1-0)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%206%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EBenyamin%20Moradzadeh%20(0-0-0)%20v%20Rohit%20Chaudhary%20(4-0-2)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EHeavyweight%204%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EYoussef%20Karrar%20(1-0-0)%20v%20Muhammad%20Muzeei%20(0-0-0)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%206%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMarwan%20Mohamad%20Madboly%20(2-0-0)%20v%20Sheldon%20Schultz%20(4-4-0)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESuper%20featherweight%208%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EBishara%20Sabbar%20(6-0-0)%20v%20Mohammed%20Azahar%20(8-5-1)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECruiseweight%208%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMohammed%20Bekdash%20(25-0-0)%20v%20Musa%20N%E2%80%99tege%20(8-4-0)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESuper%20flyweight%2010%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESultan%20Al%20Nuaimi%20(9-0-0)%20v%20Jemsi%20Kibazange%20(18-6-2)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELightweight%2010%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EBader%20Samreen%20(8-0-0)%20v%20Jose%20Paez%20Gonzales%20(16-2-2-)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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.
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

How it works

1) The liquid nanoclay is a mixture of water and clay that aims to convert desert land to fertile ground

2) Instead of water draining straight through the sand, it apparently helps the soil retain water

3) One application is said to last five years

4) The cost of treatment per hectare (2.4 acres) of desert varies from $7,000 to $10,000 per hectare 

While you're here
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20DarDoc%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Samer%20Masri%2C%20Keswin%20Suresh%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%24800%2C000%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Flat6Labs%2C%20angel%20investors%20%2B%20Incubated%20by%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi's%20Department%20of%20Health%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2010%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
england euro squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)

Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Updated: May 19, 2022, 3:52 AM
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