logo
Pictures of the week: From Trump's Abu Dhabi visit to the Cannes Film Festival

Pictures of the week: From Trump's Abu Dhabi visit to the Cannes Film Festival

The National16-05-2025
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
UAE coins
Dh5 note
Dh10 note
Dh20 note
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove Edinburgh, Scotland Westminster, London Camden, London Glasgow, Scotland Islington, London Kensington and Chelsea, London Highlands, Scotland Argyll and Bute, Scotland Fife, Scotland Tower Hamlets, London
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEdited%20by%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Idries%20Trevathan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20240%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hirmer%20Publishers%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE's fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Under the UK government's proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country's systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
Ministry of InteriorMinistry of DefenceGeneral Intelligence DirectorateAir Force Intelligence AgencyPolitical Security DirectorateSyrian National Security BureauMilitary Intelligence DirectorateArmy Supply BureauGeneral Organisation of Radio and TVAl Watan newspaperCham Press TV
Sama TV
Sand storm Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
Name: QyubicStarted: October 2023Founder: Namrata RainaBased: DubaiSector: E-commerceCurrent number of staff: 10Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EElggo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20August%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Luma%20Makari%20and%20Mirna%20Mneimneh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Education%20technology%20%2F%20health%20technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Four%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
At this rate, Lebanon may not survive to see its 100th birthday
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Muzzamil Afridi, Rahman Gul, Rizwan Haider (Dezo Devils); Shahbaz Ahmed, Suneth Sampath (Glory Gladiators); Waqas Gohar, Jamshaid Butt, Shadab Ahamed (Ganga Fighters); Ali Abid, Ayaz Butt, Ghulam Farid, JD Mahesh Kumara (Hiranni Heros); Inam Faried, Mausif Khan, Ashok Kumar (Texas Titans
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.4-litre%2C%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E617hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E750Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh630%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eco%20Way%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Kroshnyi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electric%20vehicles%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bootstrapped%20with%20undisclosed%20funding.%20Looking%20to%20raise%20funds%20from%20outside%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE fixturesMay 9, v MalaysiaMay 10, v QatarMay 13, v MalaysiaMay 15, v QatarMay 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
The UN-brokered ceasefire deal for Hodeidah will be implemented in two stages, with the first to be completed before the New Year begins, according to the Arab Coalition supporting the Yemeni government.
By midnight on December 31, the Houthi rebels will have to withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Al Saqef, coalition officials told The National.
The second stage will be the complete withdrawal of all pro-government forces and rebels from Hodeidah city, to be completed by midnight on January 7.
The process is to be overseen by a Redeployment Co-ordination Committee (RCC) comprising UN monitors and representatives of the government and the rebels.
The agreement also calls the deployment of UN-supervised neutral forces in the city and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure distribution of aid across the country.
Updated: May 16, 2025, 6:02 PM
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

John Dory Seafood Market review: Five dishes to try at Belarusian brand's first Dubai outpost
John Dory Seafood Market review: Five dishes to try at Belarusian brand's first Dubai outpost

The National

time7 minutes ago

  • The National

John Dory Seafood Market review: Five dishes to try at Belarusian brand's first Dubai outpost

Tucked into one of the deeper nooks of Dubai Festival City Mall's The Market Island, a modern food hall with communal seating, this Belarusian seafood brand is making its first international foray after more than a decade of service in Minsk. You can tell straight away this is one of the more ambitious offerings in any UAE shopping mall food hall. It's sprawling and it looks great. There's an open kitchen, a raw bar serving oysters, and a sit-down space with a mix of couple and group seating all tied together in a light, well-paced layout. The kitchen snakes through the restaurant, with the counter finished in soft green and engraved with fish, a quiet design detail that runs throughout. Focused on serving seafood nose to tail but relaxed in its execution, John Dory Seafood Market delivers some of the best fish you'll find in any mall outlet. It is family-friendly and does what a good mall restaurant should: make you forget you're in a mall. Here are five dishes to try. Oysters (various prices) No oysters taste the same, and that's the point of John Dory's offerings. While sold individually, a recommended idea is to curate your own set and explore the differences in brine, texture and depth. The selection is thoughtful with oysters sourced from France to Fujairah. Served on ice, each has a distinct character. The Gillardeau No 2 (Dh45) offers a meaty depth, while the Dibba Bay No 3 (Dh18), the most local of the lot, is crisp, saline and fresh. The Speciale Krystale No 2 (Dh32) is buttery and rich while the Fine de Claire Geay No 2 (Dh13) is clean and delicate, and best saved for the end depending on how you sequence your tray. Other options include the Fines de Normandie No 3 (Dh10), Speciale Poget No 3 (Dh37) and Speciale Belle-Ile No 3 (Dh25). At Dh180 for all seven, it's best shared with friends. Seychellois yellowfin tuna tiradito (Dh60) Bright, tart and dressed for the occasion. This is a raw dish that's all about balance and texture. Thinly-sliced tuna is expertly laid over a tangy tomato ponzu, garnished with crisp potato straws and a drizzle of Japanese mayo blended with kimchi. The acidity is sharp enough to cut the fat, while the crunch of the straws adds contrast. It reminded me a little of more upmarket crevice. It's beautiful to look at and wonderfully refreshing. Carabineros prawns (Dh300) This is the most indulgent item on the menu, and it announces itself with a bold, no-frills presentation. If you need a reminder that John Dory is, at its core, a seafood fishmonger restaurant, then this is it. Large, vivid red prawns arrive lightly grilled and drizzled with lime. It is all about freshness here. The flesh is sweet and tender. But the real treat, and this is not for the faint-hearted, is the head. That is where you will find the rich umami with all its flavour and fat. Yes, it is pricey but for seafood connoisseurs but this is a treat you owe yourself. Octopus hotdog (Dh75) Now, this is a case where looks can deceive. It looks like a roll with a big piece of octopus in the middle. But once you bite into it, you're caught off guard in a good way. While the tentacle is fresh, smoky and soft, the sauce is the real standout. A base layer of Japanese mayo and kimchi sits underneath the tentacle, while a layer of melted cheese ties it all together. The sauce is spicy enough and coats everything just right. It is one of the most surprising dishes on the menu. Bold and satisfying and Dubai exclusive, this treat could be the UAE outpost's calling card. Dry-aged tuna fillet (Dh65) Years of eating canned tuna as a student meant I rarely gave the fish much thought, so I approached this dish with some hesitation. This version is more considered. White yellowfin tuna from the Seychelles is aged in-house for 10 to 14 days, then lightly seared and sliced into neat, delicate strips. The ageing gives it a firmer, meatier texture, somewhere between sashimi and a lean steak. The minimal seasoning allows the concentrated flavour to come through. It is slightly nutty, with a gentle umami depth that lingers. While it may not convert the sceptical, it shows how tuna can be reimagined in an elegant way. Save or splurge Dishes range from Dh40 to Dh300, with plenty on offer for diners of different appetites and varying passion for crustaceans. The value holds up, especially when you consider the sourcing and technique involved. Between the fish counter, raw bar and dining space, John Dory Seafood Market shows what a premium food hall can be. It proves that accessible, well-executed, even polished dining can exist in a mall without losing integrity. For those wanting to take some of that experience home, the adjacent seafood store sells pre-marinated fillets and ready-to-bake meals. John Dory Seafood Market at Dubai Festival City Mall is open daily from 12pm to 11pm. Reservations can be made by calling 052 240 3898.

UAE announces new calendar for university academic year 2025-2026
UAE announces new calendar for university academic year 2025-2026

Gulf Today

time4 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

UAE announces new calendar for university academic year 2025-2026

Following the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council's approval, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced a new academic calendar structure to be implemented across all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) for the academic year 2025-2026, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the national education system. The new structure introduces key changes to end-of-term holidays to create a more flexible and consistent academic calendar across UAE-based HEIs. Aligned with the 'Year of Community' objectives, the structure aims to foster family cohesion and support students through a balanced distribution of study and break periods. Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, noted that the new academic calendar reflects the Ministry's commitment to creating an integrated university environment that meets student needs, enhances academic life and boosts student performance. Dr Al Awar added: "This step reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the higher education system by aligning academic policies with community development goals and student needs. The changes mark a qualitative shift toward a more flexible, balanced system that supports students' well-being, community engagement and personal growth.' Under the new structure, the university academic year will start on 25 August 2025, with major holidays aligning with the school calendar. These include a four-week winter break from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with classes resuming on 5 January 2026, as well as a two-week spring break from 16 to 29 March 2026, with classes resuming on 30 March 2026. The academic year will end on 3 July 2025, offering a clearer and more balanced schedule that supports students' learning and wellbeing. All UAE-based higher education institutions must follow a unified academic year start and end date, with exceptions for international universities aligned with their home calendars. The mandate also allows flexibility in determining the start date of the academic year in line with the requirements of academic programs and specializations at higher education institutions, as well as flexibility in setting the end date of the academic year based on the timing of the summer semesters. While also allowing the flexibility to adjust the holiday dates by up to one week before or after the specified dates, provided the holiday duration remains unchanged. Adoption of the new academic calendar is a strategic move aligned with national efforts to advance higher education by offering a more flexible, high-quality experience that meets students' academic and personal needs. It reflects MoHESR's commitment to fostering an integrated learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential, prepares them for the future and equips them to contribute to national development with the skills and creativity needed across vital fields. WAM

MBRU scientists publish first Arab Pangenome Reference in major genomic breakthrough
MBRU scientists publish first Arab Pangenome Reference in major genomic breakthrough

Economy ME

timea day ago

  • Economy ME

MBRU scientists publish first Arab Pangenome Reference in major genomic breakthrough

Scientists at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the academic and research arm of Dubai Health , have achieved a major milestone in global genomic science with the publication of the first Arab Pangenome Reference. Featured in Nature Communications , a leading peer-reviewed journal, the study marks a pivotal advancement in precision medicine and personalized healthcare for Arab populations. The landmark achievement supports the UAE's National Genome Strategy, a 10-year initiative launched in 2023 by the Emirates Genome Council. The strategy aims to transform healthcare in the UAE through cutting-edge genomic research focused on personalized, preventive, and precision medicine. The Arab Pangenome Reference was created using high-quality DNA sequencing from 53 individuals of diverse Arab heritage residing in the UAE. Conducted at MBRU's state-of-the-art Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG), the research identified more than 110 million base pairs of novel DNA sequences. Additionally, it uncovered nearly 9 million small genetic variations and over 235,000 large structural differences unique to Arab populations — none of which had been previously reported in global DNA references. Read: Sheikh Hamdan awards golden visas to nurses with 15+ years of service at Dubai Health Leadership insights Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali , director general, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and co-author of the study, said: 'This achievement strengthens the UAE's position in genomic science. By building a reference that reflects the genetic diversity of Arab populations, we are enabling more precise and equitable healthcare. It's a foundational step towards realising the goals of our National Genome Strategy and ensuring that future medical innovations are shaped by data from our own communities.' Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, acting Provost of MBRU, and co-author of the study said: 'The capabilities of the CATG lab were central to the success of this project. From genetic sequencing to advanced bioinformatics, every stage of the research was completed in-house. This level of integration gave us full control over quality and timelines, reflecting Dubai Health's commitment to building world-class infrastructure and fostering national scientific leaders.' Dr. Mohammed Uddin, director of CATG and associate professor of Genetics at MBRU, and senior author of the study, said: 'This pangenome reference marks a major advancement in our understanding of Arab genomic diversity. It serves as a critical resource for both research discovery and clinical genome diagnostics, with lasting impact for future generations across the region.' Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, director general, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Addressing gaps in global genomic databases Historically, global genomic databases have significantly underrepresented Arab populations, limiting the accuracy of genetic risk assessment and treatment strategies for these communities. The Arab Pangenome Reference fills a critical gap by introducing high-resolution genomic data from a population long absent in international references. One particularly notable finding from the study was the discovery of the duplicated gene TAF11L5, which is highly enriched among Arab individuals but missing in existing global genomic references. Researchers believe this gene could influence the regulation of other genes and may hold important insights into disease risk and variations in treatment response. Enabling precision healthcare in the Arab World The Arab Pangenome Reference provides a foundational tool for national and regional precision medicine initiatives. It enables the development of population-specific biomarkers, disease risk models, and targeted therapies — advancing the region's ability to deliver more accurate, personalized healthcare solutions. Alongside the genomic map, the research team also introduced a new bioinformatics tool called PanScan. Designed to support more complex analysis of human pangenomes, PanScan helps researchers detect gene duplications, novel DNA variants, and complex genomic structures. Though not the main focus of the study, the tool has been made freely available on GitHub, offering global researchers access to further investigate human genomic diversity. The strategy aims to transform healthcare in the UAE through cutting-edge genomic research focused on personalized, preventive, and precision medicine A strategic step toward global representation Genomic research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, but much of the foundational data has come from a limited range of populations, creating blind spots in medical understanding. The Arab Pangenome Reference contributes to a growing international effort to correct this imbalance and promote global inclusivity in genomic science. The initiative also reflects Dubai Health's long-term commitment to research and innovation through MBRU. By investing in foundational studies such as this, Dubai Health is ensuring that Arab populations are actively represented in the future of genomics and precision healthcare. This groundbreaking research not only elevates the UAE's position in global genomic science but also lays the groundwork for more equitable, effective, and personalized healthcare systems across the Arab World.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store