Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends the second day of Royal Ascot in England with Sheikh Hamdan and Princess Haya bint Al Hussein. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends the second day of Royal Ascot in England with Sheikh Hamdan and Princess Haya bint Al Hussein. Wam

UAE People & Politics: A week in review



Every week, The National looks at the people and politics of the UAE, as the country steps more confidently forward on the world stage.

June 11

New Zealand military visit to Ajman Museum

A military delegation from New Zealand visited Ajman Museum and was received by Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager of Ajman Tourism Development Department accompanied by ATDD national heritage adviser Ali Al Matroushi. Mr Al Nuaimi said: “Ajman Museum contributes by acquainting foreign tourists, as well as Arab visitors and residents, with Emirati culture and lifestyle before the discovery of oil.”

ERC, WFP discuss humanitarian challenges

Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), and the World Food Programme (WFP) discussed humanitarian crises caused by food shortages in conflict and disaster zones, particularly in African and Asian countries. Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi, deputy secretary-general for international assistance at the ERC, hosted Barbara Noseworthy, UN assistant secretary general and assistant executive director of the WFP, at the ERC headquarters.

June 12

Ruler attends Aurak graduation ceremony

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended a ceremony hosted by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah for the graduation of its fourth batch of students. Sheikh Saud said the advanced educational standards in the UAE were a culmination of the vision of President Sheikh Khalifa, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. “Today, the UAE is the region’s biggest hub for the leading European, American and Australian universities,” Sheikh Saud said.

UAE envoy meets Iraqi PM

The UAE Ambassador to Iraq, Hassan Ahmed Al Shihi, met Iraqi prime minister Dr Haider Al Abadi to discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties. Dr Al Abadi praised his country’s progressive relations with the UAE and thanked the UAE said his government would provide full support to the UAE Ambassador to guarantee success in his mission.

June 13

Ajman Ruler directs financial grants for contributors in Ajman Fishermen Association

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, has directed that grants be given to all contributors in the Ajman Fishermen Association on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, as of Monday. Ahmed Al Ghamlai, chairman of the Ajman Fishermen Association, thanked Sheikh Humaid and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid, Crown Prince of Ajman, for their continued support.

Sharjah Ruler satisfied with AUS’s march to leadership

Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), expressed satisfaction at the university’s progress towards leadership in higher education and scientific research during his address to 500 graduates at the spring 2015 commencement ceremony.

June 14

UAE delivers equipment to Somali police

The UAE has sent equipment to Somali police as part of a support framework agreed with the government of Somalia. At a ceremony in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in the presence of Mohammed Ahmed Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to Somalia, Abdirazak Mohamed Omar, Somali minister of internal security, thanked the UAE, which he said plays a leading role in Somalia through its development and humanitarian projects.

Fujairah Ruler reviews NCEMA’s programmes and plan

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, was briefed on the programmes, objectives, specialities and plans of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). Sheikh Hamad was also briefed on the efforts of the authority in developing emergency responses and crisis management.

June 15

UAE Embassy in Nouakchott starts iftar project

Isa Abdullah Al Kalbani, the UAE’s Ambassador to Mauritania, attended the launch of an iftar project for 2015 (1436) in the presence of Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Junaibi, head of the distribution committee. The project is funded by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and the Emirates Red Crescent. It includes distribution of tonnes of foodstuffs to the underprivileged during the holy month.

Sheikh Saif meets US FBI delegation

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, met John Giacalone, an assistant director, at FBI headquarters to discuss cooperation in areas of police work.

June 16

Sultan Al Qasimi unveils plans for diabetes and nano medicine centres

Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and president of the University of Sharjah (UoS), unveiled plans to establish a centre of excellence for diabetes and endocrinology research, and a centre for nano medicine at UoS. Sheikh Sultan said, at a graduation ceremony of the colleges of health sciences, medicine, and pharmacy: “The launch of the centre is prompted by high diabetes prevalence in the UAE and the region at large.”

Fujairah Ruler receives envoys

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, received separately ambassadors Nicole Bintner of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Sidi Mohammed Hanan of Mauritania and Salah Attia of Algeria, Issam Tawfiq Massalha of Palestine and Mustafa Levent Bilgen of Turkey. Sheikh Hamad also welcomed Manabile Shogole, South Africa’s new consul-general to Dubai.

June 17

RAK Ruler receives Shamal Folk Arts & Theatre Society

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, praised the efforts of the Shamal Folk Arts & Theatre Society, Ras Al Khaimah, aimed at preserving the legacy of the forefathers. Sheikh Saud received the society’s latest board of directors and members at his palace. The board extended its appreciation to Sheikh Saud for his interest.

UAE consulate distributes dates in Munich mosques

The General Consulate of the UAE in Munich has started distribution of dates to mosques in the Bavarian capital. The process, supervised by Consul General Khalid bin Ghelaita Al Muhairi, is part of the UAE’s efforts to support Muslims around the world.

June 18

UAE Embassy in Berlin debates polio in Pakistan

The UAE Embassy to Berlin, Germany, in cooperation with the Court of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Image Nation, held a discussion on ways to eradicate polio in Pakistan. The pioneering role of the UAE in humanitarian work was highlighted, as was the nation’s first position as the world’s largest donor of official development assistance in 2013.

RAK Ruler: Visionary, leadership is behind UAE development model

The UAE is a model of inclusive, sustainable development and an oasis of safety, security and political, economic and social stability, thanks to the visionary leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa, said Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE, Sheikh Saud said, had maintained top rankings in international development indices and earned the respect and appreciation of the international community for its leading role in political, humanitarian and economic fields.

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The Byblos iftar in numbers

29 or 30 days – the number of iftar services held during the holy month

50 staff members required to prepare an iftar

200 to 350 the number of people served iftar nightly

160 litres of the traditional Ramadan drink, jalab, is served in total

500 litres of soup is served during the holy month

200 kilograms of meat is used for various dishes

350 kilograms of onion is used in dishes

5 minutes – the average time that staff have to eat
 

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

How Apple's credit card works

The Apple Card looks different from a traditional credit card — there's no number on the front and the users' name is etched in metal. The card expands the company's digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. Its attributes include quick sign-up, elimination of most fees, strong security protections and cash back.

What does it cost?

Apple says there are no fees associated with the card. That means no late fee, no annual fee, no international fee and no over-the-limit fees. It also said it aims to have among the lowest interest rates in the industry. Users must have an iPhone to use the card, which comes at a cost. But they will earn cash back on their purchases — 3 per cent on Apple purchases, 2 per cent on those with the virtual card and 1 per cent with the physical card. Apple says it is the only card to provide those rewards in real time, so that cash earned can be used immediately.

What will the interest rate be?

The card doesn't come out until summer but Apple has said that as of March, the variable annual percentage rate on the card could be anywhere from 13.24 per cent to 24.24 per cent based on creditworthiness. That's in line with the rest of the market, according to analysts

What about security? 

The physical card has no numbers so purchases are made with the embedded chip and the digital version lives in your Apple Wallet on your phone, where it's protected by fingerprints or facial recognition. That means that even if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use the card to buy things.

Is it easy to use?

Apple says users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app on their iPhone and begin using it almost immediately. It also tracks spending on the phone in a more user-friendly format, eliminating some of the gibberish that fills a traditional credit card statement. Plus it includes some budgeting tools, such as tracking spending and providing estimates of how much interest could be charged on a purchase to help people make an informed decision. 

* Associated Press 

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The Two Popes

Director: Fernando Meirelles

Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce 

Four out of five stars

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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