UAE Gulf News - 08 August 2022

MONDAY AUGUST 8, 2022 gulfnews.com TABLOID | P4-5
MUHARRAM 10, 1444
INDIA’S ACE
© All rights reserved 2022 THE VIEWS| P10 Scan for YOUTUBER
our social TALKS ABOUT
NATION | P2 How midterm STARDOM
results would media
Rare gesture by help Democrats How Bhuvan Bam
crash survivors, NATION | P4 earns millions
victims’ families while surviving in
47,300 families the big bad world
get inflation of social media
allowances

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Ukraine SPECIAL REPORT | HEALTH Islamic Jihad, BUSINESS
power plant Israel agree to
shelled again WHY A 9% DROP IN Gaza truce Huawei close
to finalising
KYIV COVID CASES MATTERS DEAL RAISES HOPES OF AN IMMINENT location for
CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN ENCLAVE Saudi data
Ukraine said yesterday World Health Organisation data gives centre | P7
that renewed Russian hope, although cases rise in Japan, US, GAZA CITY MULTIPLE PROBLEMS
shelling had damaged Korea, Germany and Italy | P9 INDIA
three radiation sensors and I slamic Jihad militants yes- Gaza’s top hospital director
hurt a worker at the Zapor- terday agreed terms of an warned yesterday that PM: Cooperative
izhzhia power plant, in the Egyptian-brokered truce medics are facing multiple federalism
second hit in consecutive with Israel, intended to end crises amid deadly violence helped country
days on Europe’s largest three days of intense con- between Palestinian emerge from
nuclear facility. flict that has left at least 43 Pal- fighters and Israel, with pandemic | P13
estinians dead. drugs and electricity
Ukrainian President Vo- supplies urgently needed to SPORT
lodymyr Zelensky called The deal raises hopes of an keep treating patients.
Saturday night’s shelling imminent cessation of the worst Haaland double
“Russian nuclear terror” fighting in Gaza since an 11-day FULL STORY ON P11 gives Man City
that warranted more inter- war last year devastated the im- dream start,
national sanctions, this time poverished Palestinian coastal ment to work towards the re- United beaten
on Moscow’s nuclear sector. territory. “A short while ago the lease of two prisoners, (Bassem) by Brighton | P16
wording of the Egyptian truce Al Saadi and (Khalil) Awawdeh”.
Kyiv said Russia hit a pow- agreement was reached,” senior WORLD
er line at the plant on Friday. Islamic Jihad member Moham- Earlier in the day, an Egyptian
mad Al Hindi said in a statement. security source said that Israel Chinese and
However, the Russian- “has accepted” a ceasefire. Taiwanese
installed authority of the Since Friday, Israel has car- warships
area said Ukraine hit the ried out heavy aerial and artil- Israel said it had “irrefutable” shadow each
site with a multiple rocket lery bombardment of Islamic evidence that a stray rocket fired other | P12
launcher, damaging admin- Jihad positions in Gaza, with by Islamic Jihad was responsible
istrative buildings and an the militants firing hundreds for the deaths of several children
area near a storage facility. of rockets in retaliation. Gaza’s in Gaza’s northern Jabalia area
health ministry yesterday even- on Saturday. Israel has said it was
Reuters could not verify ing raised the death toll to 43 in- necessary to launch a “pre-emp-
either side’s version. cluding 15 children, with more tive” operation against Islamic
than 300 people wounded in the Jihad, which it said was planning
Events at the Zaporizhzhia Palestinian enclave, which is run an imminent attack.
site have alarmed the world. by the Islamist group Hamas.
“(It) underlines the very real The army has killed senior lead-
risk of a nuclear disaster,” Two Israelis have been injured ers of Islamic Jihad, including Tay-
International Atomic Energy by shrapnel over the same pe- sir Al Jabari in Gaza City and Khaled
Agency head Rafael Mariano riod, medics reported. Mansour in Rafah in the south.
Grossi warned on Saturday.
Islamic Jihad’s Hindi said the — AFP
Elsewhere, a deal to deal “contains Egypt’s commit-
unblock Ukraine’s food
exports and ease global
shortages gathered pace as
another four ships sailed
out of Ukrainian Black Sea
ports while the first cargo
vessel since Russia’s Febru-
ary 24 invasion docked.

— Reuters

SEE ALSO P12

Over 80,000 tourists trapped in Following the success of 10 Buildings in Dubai Sports City (Elite 1-10 Sports Residence)
China resort city amid Covid spike and success of Elite Business Bay Residence

TRIPLANET GROUP proudly presents

S. Arabia: SR 5.00 All flights out of 483 to leave must test negative in Elite Downtown Residence is now a newly Hand Over Started
Pakistan: Rs 100.00 Sanya cancelled over five PCR tests over seven days, launched project in the emerging district of
the weekend Covid cases were health authorities said. Hotels Dubai, Downtown Dubai. Standing 24 storey’s tall
reported in Hainan in the city have been asked to with over 400 stunning apartments and 4 levels of
BEIJING yesterday offer guests a 50 per cent dis- parking, Elite Downtown Residence emphasizes
count until the travel restric- on larger living spaces to provide you with high-
Over 80,000 tourists are On Saturday, the sale of tions ease, an official said dur- quality living.
stranded in a resort city rail tickets out of Sanya was ing a news briefing on Saturday.
popularly known as suspended, state broadcaster Situated within the Burj Khalifa Community. Elite
“China’s Hawaii” after a Covid CCTV reported, citing the China is the only major Downtown Residence is at the center of a range of
flare-up led authorities to im- national operator, and more economy still holding fast to a shopping, leisure and recreational outlets. It also
pose strict travel restrictions. than 80 per cent of flights zero-Covid strategy with snap provides effortless mobility, with the Burj Khalifa
to and from Sanya had been lockdowns and long quaran- and Business Bay Metro stations.
Tourism hotspot Sanya is cancelled, according to data tines, battering local tourism.
a city of more than a million provider Variflight. Rich with Amenities:
people on the southern island The country’s borders have
of Hainan, where 483 Covid Hainan has been closed to also remained largely closed
cases were reported yesterday. overseas tourists for the past since early 2020, halting inter-
two and half years since China, national tourism. The latest Cov-
Sanya reported 689 symp- in response to the pandemic, id outbreak comes during peak
tomatic and 282 asymptomatic stopped issuing tourist visas tourism season in Sanya, a pop-
cases between August 1 and and implemented strict quar- ular surfing spot. All entertain-
7. Other cities around Hainan antine rules. Tourists who want ment venues have been closed
province, including Danzhou, since last week, but essential
Dongfang, Lingshui, and Lin- services such as supermarkets
gao, have all reported over a and pharmacies remain open.
dozen cases in the same period.
— AFP

SEE ALSO P12

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2 NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 | GULFNEWS.COM

PRAYER FAJR DHUHUR ASR MAGHRIB 20.23ISHA Abu Dhabi: +4 mins,
TIMINGS Ras Al Khaimah: -4 mins,
04.26 12.27 15.53 19.03
Fujairah: -6 mins
For other countries, go to gulfnews.com/guides/prayer-times

Rare gesture by crash survivors, victims’ kin

HEALTH CENTRE FOR SAVIOURS NEAR DUBAI-KOZHIKODE AIR INDIA EXPRESS CRASH SITE; COMPENSATION CASES SETTLED

SECOND ANNIVERSARY

DUBAI ■ Left: Relatives of the deceased and crash survivors hand over the agreement to build a family ■ Thajina K.P, who was one of the most critically injured
health centre as a token of gratitude to the local residents who led rescue operations. passengers, and her children, who survived the crash, are
BY SAJILA SASEENDRAN back with her husband Abdul Rasheed in Dubai.
■ Right: The second anniversary event turned out to be an emotional reunion of the families of
Senior Reporter the deceased passengers and survivors with the local residents who saved many lives.

O n the second an- Relatives of all the deceased passengers and 21 Thajina is now life. “Despite our heavy loss, life
niversary of the all the survivors have been compensated by walking with the has to move on,” said Abu Dhabi
D u b a i - Ko z h i ko d e the airline, with 47 compensation settlements people were killed help of a prosthetic resident Ismail Palollathil, fa-
Air India Express done through a UAE-based legal firm. in the crash in leg. We are so ther-in-law of crash victim Ma-
(AIE) flight crash Kozhikode grateful that she nal Ahmad who died along with
yesterday, survivors and vic- can walk again her five-month-old unborn baby.
tims’ families pledged to sup- hammed — the youngest vic- cued several lives. Supplied vid- centre (FHC) through this unique though it is still His son Athif Muhammad had
port residents who had led the tim, in the crash. Also the legal eos showed that the event began charity project,” he said. painful.” lost his wife just 10 days before
rescue operations, by gifting convener of the Air Crash Action with a silent prayer for the de- their first wedding anniversary.
them with a family health cen- Council formed by MDF that was ceased, with the names of all 21 He added that passengers’ Abdul Rasheed However, Athif is now set to open
tre near the crash site in the at the forefront to grant compen- read out. Kerala officials and pol- families are free to contribute as | Dubai resident a new chapter in life after getting
South Indian state of Kerala. sation for the victims of the ac- iticians also took part in the event per their capacity from the com- engaged again, said Ismail.
cident, Dr Sajjad told Gulf News that saw relatives hand over the pensations they received. poration UAE which was hired by
Passengers of the ill-fated that passengers’ families would agreement to construct the FHC the families of the deceased. Thajina K.P, now 34, who lost
flight IX 1344 have joined hands contribute the money to build to the health care officials con- All compensated: AIE her unborn child and a leg af-
with Malabar Development Fo- the new Family Health Centre cerned. For 16 of the 18 people who ter the crash, and her children
rum (MDF) Charity Foundation (FHC) facility. “An agreement for A spokesperson of AIE con- died, compensation in different Muhammed Hisham, now 13,
to construct an annexure build- constructing the new building The project is estimated to cost firmed to Gulf News that the air- amounts ranging from Rs13.1 daughter Hadiya, now 9, are
ing for the government Primary was handed over at a ceremony Rs5million, according to Raheem line has compensated all injured million to Rs62.3 million have among the injured survivors who
Health Centre in Chirayil area held this morning,” he said over Wayanad, general convener of passengers and family members been paid to the families who had have overcome many challenges
near the Calicut International phone from Kerala. the action council. of the deceased passengers. “We demanded compensation as per to move on in life.
Airport in Karipur as a token of could complete the process with the Montreal Convention.
their gratitude to the heroes who Emotional reunion “The Chirayil PHC is just 300 the support of the family mem- Thajina’s husband Abdul
risked their own lives to save metres away from the crash site. bers of deceased and the injured ‘Life has to move on’ Rasheed, a Dubai resident, said
crash victims during the peak of The event witnessed an emo- It serves a huge colony of low- passengers.” According to the Meanwhile, families of the he brought his family back to
the Covid-19 pandemic. tional reunion of the relatives income families from backward action council, 131 compensa- Dubai in April this year. “Thajina
of the deceased and survivors communities. We can ensure tion cases were settled in India, deceased and the injured sur- is now walking with the help of a
Twenty-one people, includ- with local residents of Kondotty better health care services to 47 in the UAE and six in the US. vivors have tried to move on in prosthetic leg. She uses a walking
ing 19 passengers and two pilots, and surrounding areas who res- hundreds of deserving people by The settlements in the UAE were stick and a walker also. We are so
were killed and more than 160 upgrading it to a family health done through Bestwins Law Cor- grateful that she can walk again
were injured when the Vande though it is still painful.” He said
Bharat repatriation flight carry- his son still has to undergo some
ing Indians stranded in the UAE more surgeries and the next one
overshot and skidded off the tab- is scheduled after six months.
letop runway in heavy rain, and
the fuselage broke into two while
nosediving into a ravine.

Relatives of all the deceased
passengers and all the survi-
vors have been compensated by
the airline, with 47 compensa-
tion settlements done through
a UAE-based legal firm, said Dr
Sajjad Hussain, who had lost his
sister Sahira Banu, 29, and her
ten-month-old son Azam Mu-

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GULFNEWS.CO M | MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 NATION 3

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Summer road safety Ras Al Khor Road Short takes
campaign launched transit time to reduce
Paid parking in
Federal Traffic RTA: 75% OF SHAIKH RASHID BIN SAEED CORRIDOR READY Khor Fakkan
Council drive targets
car maintenance, DUBAI The Khor Fakkan City
tyre safety Gulf News Report Municipality has said
that the paid parking
ABU DHABI 81 T he Roads and Trans- The project extends 8km along Ras Al Khor system in Khor Fakkan
port Authority (RTA) Road from the intersection of Dubai-Al will be effective from
BY AGHADDIR ALI deaths in accidents of Dubai has an- Ain Road to the intersection of Shaikh August 15.
between July and nounced that 75 per Mohammad Bin Zayed Road.
Senior Reporter September 2021 cent of the construc- The activation and
tion of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed The project aims struction of another two-lane application of the prepaid
The Federal Traffic Coun- the campaign aims to educate Corridor Improvement has to increase the bridge extending 115 metres to parking service will be in
cil (FTC) has launched drivers about the importance been completed. capacity of Ras serve the traffic inbound from place on Shaikh Khalid
the third ‘Summer with- of taking all precautions re- Al Khor Road to Nad Al Hamar to Ras Al Khor Street, Khor Fakkan
out Accidents’ road safety lated to vehicle safety. The project extends 8km 10,000 vehicles Road heading in the direction Corniche, Rafisa Dam
campaign across the UAE un- along Ras Al Khor Road from per hour, slash the of Dubai-Al Ain Road. Works area and Shees Garden.
til September 1. The topics covered include the intersection of Dubai-Al travel time to seven also include the construction The municipality also said
checking and ensuring tire Ain Road to the intersection of minutes.” of a two-lane tunnel to enable that Sharjah citizens 60
The Ministry of Interior quality, especially during Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed right-side turns from Ras Al years and above will be
(MoI) said the campaign aims high summer temperatures, Road. Works include con- Mattar Al Tayer Khor Road to Nad Al Hamar,” able to use the parking
to increase safety awareness comprehensive maintenance structing bridges extending | Director General, RTA added Al Tayer. spaces free of charge.
and practices so the accident of the car and ensuring that 2km, widening Ras Al Khor
death rate does not exceed it is free of malfunctions that Road from three to four lanes a two-lane bridge extending Biggest project 2 share Mahzooz
three deaths per 100,000 could affect driving. in each direction, and building 988 metres to enable free left- Dh10m top prize
people. two-lane service roads on both side turns of traffic inbound “The Shaikh Rashid Bin
The campaign targets all sides. from Nad Al Hamar Road Saeed Corridor Improvement For the first time in the
The importance of servic- community groups through heading in the direction of Project is one of the biggest history of Mahzooz,
ing cars on a regular basis radio, television, newspapers “The project aims to increase Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed projects undertaken by RTA. In the top prize of Dh10
is included in the initiative, and social media to reach the the capacity of Ras Al Khor Road. It also involves the con- future, it will include the con- million was claimed by
implemented by the Federal widest possible range. Road to 10,000 vehicles per struction of Shaikh Rashid Bin two winners, who each
Traffic Council in coordina- hour, slash the travel time from Saeed Crossing; a bridge cross- took home Dh5 million
tion with the MoI’s traffic RAK Police campaigns 20 minutes to about seven min- ing over the Dubai Creek to link in the 88th weekly
and patrol departments at utes, enhance traffic safety and Al Jaddaf in Bur Dubai with the draw on Saturday
the ministry, and other traffic Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah flow, and eliminate the existing street extending between Dubai at the Mahzooz UAE
safety authorities from both Police also launched Summer overlapping traffic spots. The Creek Project and Dubai Festi- studios.
the public and private sectors. without Accidents and ‘Make project serves a host of major val City.”
sure your vehicle is safe, to be development projects inhabited They scooped up the
According to FTC, there safe’. Brigadier General Dr Mo- by 650,000 residents namely prize after matching all
were 81 deaths and 943 inju- hammad Saeed Al Hamidi, Di- The Lagoons, Dubai Creek, five numbers (7,9,17,19,21).
ries in 785 traffic accidents in rector-General of Central Op- Meydan Horizon, Ras Al Khor,
the UAE between July 2021 to erations, stressed that the two Al Wasl, and Nad Al Hamar The latest draw saw
September 2021. campaigns embody the strat- Complex,” said Mattar Al Tayer, 3,349 other winners
egy of MoI and Ras Al Khaimah Director General, Chairman of also walk away with
“Traffic accidents still re- Police towards achieving the the Board of Executive Direc- prize money totalling
main a major concern to po- highest levels of traffic safety tors, RTA. Dh12,421,750.
lice units because they result for all road users.
in deaths, injuries and mate- “The project also includes —Gulf News Reports
rial losses,” said Major Gener- improving the intersection
al Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen, of Nad Al Hamar Road with
chairman of the FTC. Ras Al Khor Road to enhance
its capacity to 30,000 vehi-
Meanwhile, Lieutenant cles per hour by constructing
Colonel Rashid Humaid Bin
Hindi, deputy director of
Traffic and Patrols Depart-
ment at Ajman Police, said

31329039_12.1

4 NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 | GULFNEWS.COM

47,300 Emirati Al Shehhi
families to get wins World
allowances Media
Award
UAE PRESIDENT HAD DOUBLED SOCIAL
SUPPORT PROGRAMME TO DH28B LONDON
Gulf News Report
ABU DHABI Dh25k ■ Kanaf is a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary, multi-agency child protection centre that provides
prompt legal, psychological, social support to child victims of physical and sexual abuse. Khaled Al Shehhi, Ex-
BY KHITAM AL AMIR and below should be ecutive Director of
the monthly salary Sharjah sets up multi-agency Marketing and Com-
Chief News Editor to be eligible child protection centre munication for the UAE
Government Media Office,
Atotal of 47,300 Emi- electricity and water in Septem- Kanaf will provide Kanaf will utilise Shamsi, Chairperson of the has won the World Media
rati families with low ber. Applying for inflation allow- comprehensive local expertise Department of Family Devel- Award (WMA) for Content
incomes have so far ances is still available for those protection to abused and build on the opment Centres; and Dr. Hessa Leadership & Innovation for
benefited from infla- who meet the terms and condi- children strengths of the Al Kaabi, Head of the Child 2022, the World Media Group
tion allowances for tions. Emiratis can apply through child-protection Protection Unit at Emirates (WMG) has announced.
fuel, food and electricity and the website of the Ministry of SHARJAH legislative Schools Establishment.
water. The disbursement of Community Development or via ecosystem in “This honour is awarded
inflation allowances is part of its smart application. They can Gulf News Report Sharjah and the Following the standards to the individual recog-
the social support programme, register their names using their UAE.” nised by peers for talent in
which was doubled to Dh28 bil- digital ID or national ID. Her Highness Shaikha According to the directive, creating exemplary con-
lion last month on the instruc- Jawaher Bint Moham- Hanadi Al Yafei the committee will oversee the tent-driven campaigns that
tions of President His Highness Emiratis who are eligible mad Al Qasimi, wife | Director of CSD implementation of the Arti- demonstrate brand bravery,
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed for the scheme include those of His Highness the Ruler of cles of Agreement of the Kanaf creativity, and innovation.
Al Nahyan to support Emirati whose monthly salary is below Sharjah and Chairperson of Members comprise Counsel- project and follow the stand- Al Shehhi will receive his
families with low incomes. Dh25,000. They could apply for the Supreme Council for Fam- lor Anwar Amin Al Harmoudi, ards outlined in the agreement special award at this year’s
the fuel, electricity and food al- ily Affairs (SCFA), has issued a Head of Sharjah Public Pros- between competent entities WMA celebration in Sep-
The inflation allowances rep- lowances from July 5. directive to establish a higher ecution; Dr. Mohammad Obaid to manage and operate it. The tember,” WMG said in a
resent a government subsidy committee to steer Kanaf, a Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Committee will also ini- press statement.
disbursed to low-income Emirati Making the announcement of first-of-its-kind interdiscipli- Sharjah Federal Court of First tiate action to form an executive
families to help them face the rise the programme on July 4, Hessa nary, multi-agency child pro- Instance; Major General Saif Al committee to manage the inter- Ceremony in London
in the prices of fuel, food, elec- Bint Essa Bu Humaid, Minister tection centre that provides Zari Al Shamsi, Commander- nal operations at Kanaf. Al Shehhi will receive
tricity and water worldwide. The of Community Development, prompt legal, psychological, in-Chief of Sharjah Police; and
programme also covers financial had said: “We will immediately social support to child victims Afaf Ibrahim Al Marri, Head of Hanadi Al Yafei, Director of his award during an exclu-
support for housing and other start the implementation of the of physical and sexual abuse. the Sharjah Social Services De- CSD and Head of the Higher sive live ceremony at the
basic needs such as food, water, President’s instructions regard- partment. Committee of Kanaf, said: “The Ham Yard Hotel in London,
electricity and fuel, in addition ing inflation allowances to ensure The directive aligns with the Kanaf programme is a landmark on Thursday, September 8
to temporary financial support applicants benefit from these al- emirate’s efforts over the past The Higher Committee also initiative founded and sup- 2022, where the final cat-
for unemployed jobseekers and lowances. The ministry will start 40 years to adopt the highest includes Dr. Fatima Moham- ported by Her Highness Shai- egory winners will also be
unemployed Emiratis above the receiving applications for infla- local and international child- mad Al Khumairi, Head of Fo- kha Jawaher Al Qasimi, wife announced. The winner of
age of 45. tion allowances for fuel, electric- and-family-friendly standards rensic Medicine Department of the Ruler of Sharjah, to en- this year’s prestigious Grand
ity and food from citizens with and support all legislation and at the Ministry of Justice; Dr. sure the safety and well-being Prix Award will also be an-
Delivery at Adnoc a monthly salary of less than laws relevant to child protec- Safia Al Khaja, Director of Al of children and bring together nounced on the night.
Dh25,000 from tomorrow.” tion and care to ensure that Qassimi Women’s and Chil- Sharjah’s specialised entities
Beneficiaries can start receiv- children grow up in a safe and dren’s Hospital; Modhi Al under one umbrella. Kanaf will The global group ac-
ing fuel allowances through Ad- nurturing environment. utilise local expertise and build claimed the way the UAE
noc Distribution’s fuel stations on the strengths of the child- Government Media Office ap-
across the country. Food allow- As per the directive, Hanadi protection legislative ecosystem proaches communications,
ances will be distributed during Al Yafei, Director of the Child in Sharjah and the UAE to foster stating: “Al Shehhi has been
this month and allowances for Safety Department (CSD), will a comprehensive and resilient at the helm of many award-
head the Higher Committee. mechanism that supports and winning creative campaigns
■ Eligible UAE nationals can apply for the allowances through safeguards children.” including the transformation
the website of the Ministry of Community Development or of the Burj Khalifa into the
via its app. world’s largest donation box,
reaching 4.6 billion people
and raising over 1.2 million
meals for those most affected
by Covid.”

■ Khaled Al Shehhi

Malaysia Pavilion turns into a tech hub Dubai’s power transmission
100% reliable with new tech

Drone technology The big deal about Preventive
provider will use Expo City Dubai, the maintenance uses
pavilion as an city of the future smart technologies
international centre
DUBAI
DUBAI ■ MOSTI Secretary-General Datuk Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan, of Dubai’ as announced by His ■ Through its Space
who is also the Commissioner-General of Malaysia for Expo Highness Shaikh Mohammad Gulf News Report D-programme, Dewa
BY ANGEL TESORERO 2020 Dubai, says Expo’s legacy programme will boost Dubai’s Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice is developing several
position as a “tech-enabled city of the future”. President and Prime Minister of Dubai Electricity and Wa- specialised uses for the
Senior Reporter the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” the ter Authority (Dewa) electricity and water
Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan, who sition as a “tech-enabled city of Malaysian minister added. yesterday announced networks.
The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo is also the Commissioner-Gen- the future”. that the application of periodic
2020 Dubai has been turned eral of Malaysia for Expo 2020 Sustainability commitment preventive maintenance using nologies, thermal images and
into Malaysia’s Technology Dubai, said: “We congratulate “Malaysia is proud and hon- latest technologies has con- functional tests. Through its
and Innovation Hub and will be the people and Government of oured to be part of Expo City Aerodyne founder and group tributed to achieving 100 per Space D-programme, Dewa is
part of Expo City Dubai when it Dubai on its new chapter and Dubai and will leverage oppor- CEO Rabih Bou Rached said: cent in reliability and avail- developing several specialised
opens to the public in October look forward to the opening of tunities at the centre envisioned “(We are) enthusiastic to carry ability of the power transmis- uses for the electricity and wa-
this year. Expo City Dubai on October 1.” to be a global hub for creativity the torch for Malaysia in dem- sion system in emirate. ter networks, enhancing op-
and a model for cities of the fu- onstrating the country’s com- erational efficiency and effec-
After the pavilion was de- He noted Expo’s legacy pro- ture. We are excited to be part mitment to sustainability and The efforts have also reduced tiveness, including preventive
commissioned, officials from gramme will boost Dubai’s po- of the ‘most beautiful ambitions charting a future path. The stra- average maintenance costs by maintenance of the electricity
the Malaysian Ministry of Sci- tegic location of Dubai plays a around Dh2 million annually. and water networks and im-
ence, Technology, and Innova- vital role in expanding the reach This also has helped Dewa to proving resilience and agility
tion (MOSTI) handed it over to of Aerodyne’s services and plac- be the ‘Best in Class’ among in monitoring and controlling
Aerodyne Group, a DT3 (drone ing drones centre stage at the global utilities since 2018. the electricity and water net-
technology, data technology and global level. We envision that the works.
digital transformation) enter- pavilion will become a hub for Dewa continuously con-
prise solutions provider. Aero- all things drones, a conduit for ducts preventive maintenance
dyne Group said they will use the innovation, a space for all drone work based on Artificial Intel-
pavilion as their second interna- enthusiasts, and a place for ex- ligence (AI), Augmented Real-
tional headquarters. cellence.” ity, Data Science, Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the
In a statement to Gulf News, latest cyber security tech-
MOSTI Secretary-General Datuk

GULFNEWS.CO M | MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 BUSINESS 5

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NMC Healthcare set to show Dubai visitor swell
track record for new owner put at 183% for H1

HOSPITAL AND CLINIC OPERATOR NOW MANAGED BY CREDITORS LED BY ADCB Average hotel 7.12m
occupancy of 74%
DUBAI ■ Now, in the next two to Regardless of intrinsic to the UAE,” said Gil- international
three years, NMC will go how well it’s bert. in city is among the visitors to Dubai in
BY MANOJ NAIR through the process of performing, there’s highest in the world first half of 2022
becoming operationally always a discount Post exiting administration,
Business Editor stronger and finding a to value because “we have a small number of DUBAI 2.52m
new owner to take it into of the nervousness people that are assisting in the
G etting NMC Health- a more assured future. about its long-term handover process, specifically Gulf News Report global visitors to
care to find a new health.” with the finance and operations Dubai in same
owner in time was about how and when it’s going elements. However, most of the Dubai attracted 7.12 mil- period last year
— and remains — the to exit administration. There- Paul Gilbert work within the company itself lion international over-
best possible out- fore, giving a company a two- | Former CFO, NMC we have completed and exited.” night visitors between Average occupancy for the
come under the circumstances to three-year period to build January and June 2022, a hotel sector between January
the Abu Dhabi hospital and and demonstrate a track record A&M had helmed an exten- “For instance, my role was growth of more than 183 per and June 2022 stood at 74 per
clinic operator found itself in. outside of administration is go- sive round of talks with NMC as Interim CFO, and I handed cent compared to the 2.52 mil- cent, one of the world’s high-
ing to achieve a greater value. creditors, sounding them out that over almost immediately lion tourists who visited Dubai est, compared to 62 per cent
That’s according to Paul Gil- at each point on what’s be- once the new board took con- during the same period in in H1 2021, just short of the
bert, who was intimately in- “That increased value will be ing done and the choices for a trol. Most of the people that 2021, according to latest data 76 per cent occupancy level
volved in a two-year restruc- to the benefit of NMC’s credi- way forward out of the finan- were working with me also ex- from Dubai’s Department of registered during the pre-
turing process at NMC after it tors.” cial entanglements. If a major- ited very quickly after a brief Economy and Tourism (DET). pandemic period of H1 2019.
was placed under administra- ity of creditors had not agreed, handover. Although adminis-
tion in April 2020. Operationally solid NMC would have had to be tration allowed the business to This positive trend in H1 Investor confidence
In these two years, NMC has sold earlier - and which would avoid total collapse by provid- 2022 places the city firmly on
NMC is currently managed have been akin to a firesafe. In ing a moratorium to give space track to achieve its tourism Dubai’s hotel inventory by
by a group of its creditors led by rebuilt its foundations on the other words, not able to realise to restructure the group, it also goals for 2022 and beyond, the end of June 2022 comprised
ADCB, which is owed billions of operational side. It managed to enough value. brings a significant administra- and further reinforces its po- 140,778 rooms open at 773 ho-
dirhams. retain key healthcare person- tive burden. Broadly, the rigour sition as an international des- tel establishments, compared
nel, kept expanding into spe- “We consulted throughout and resulting governance re- tination of choice. to 118,345 rooms available at
This came about after Alva- cialty care, and sold non-core with a group of sophisticated quirements of a court process the end of June 2019 across 714
rez and Marsal, which was ad- interests outside the UAE and creditors. They, like us, were fo- — which the team brought to a Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mo- establishments. Meanwhile,
ministering NMC, passed on Oman. At this point in time, cused not only on the financial difficult situation, so the hand- hammad Bin Rashid Al Mak- the total number of hotels in
operational control to the group NMC is very much a systemi- outcome but also the protection over was a relatively straight- toum, Crown Prince of Dubai H1 2022 marked an 8 per cent
of creditors. (NMC was founded cally important player in UAE’s of a healthcare business that is forward exercise once that bur- and Chairman of The Executive growth over H1 2021, high-
by B.R. Shetty in the mid-1970s healthcare space. den was lifted. Council of Dubai, said: “The lighting continued strong in-
and emerged over the decades rapid rise in international tour- vestor confidence in Dubai’s
to be the UAE’s biggest private “There has been no equiva- “Nevertheless, the work of ist arrivals puts Dubai on track tourism sector.
healthcare operator.) lent restructuring of that size or the joint administrators that to achieve its ambitious target
complexity in this region that my colleagues in London are of becoming the world’s most The hotel sector outper-
Now, over the coming has been carried out in such a primarily dealing with contin- visited destination. In the years formed pre-pandemic levels
months, NMC will go through short space of time — less than ues in relation to litigation mat- ahead, Dubai will continue to across all other key meas-
the process of continuing to two years — allowing the com- ters.” develop itself further as a des- urements – Occupied Room
strengthen its operations and pany to move on and get back tination that offers compelling Nights, Average Daily Rate
finding a new owner to take to what it does best, which is value to international travel- (ADR) and Revenue per Avail-
it into a more assured future. serving its patients,” said Gil- lers.” able Room (RevPAR). Dubai
There is also the process going bert. “A&M was not the only hotel establishments delivered
on of finding ways to return the advisory firm involved – it was The number of tourists re- a combined 18.47 million oc-
missing billions and take action a real team effort with a num- corded in H1 2022 was close to cupied room nights during H1
against offenders. ber of other advisors, both legal the numbers achieved in the 2022, a 30.4 per cent growth
and financial.” first six months of 2019, which (on-year), and an 18 per cent
Sell later saw 8.36 million tourists arriv- jump over the pre-pandemic
ing in Dubai. period of H1 2019. In addition,
Gilbert, who served as NMC the ADR of Dh567 in the first
CFO during the administra- Regional market share half of the year surpassed the
tion years, says more time is ADRs for both H1 2021 (Dh382)
needed between now and sell- From a regional perspective, and 2019 (Dh444). RevPAR
ing to a new owner, as opposed Western Europe accounted for surged 76 per cent compared
to finding one when still under a significant share of tourist ar- to the first six months of 2021
administration. “Regardless rivals, comprising 22 per cent (Dh417 vs Dh237).
of how well it’s performing, of total international visitors
there’s always a discount to val- in the first six months of 2022.
ue because of the nervousness Mena and GCC continued to
about its long-term health,” make an impact, collectively
said Gilbert, who is the Head of contributing 34 per cent. South
Turnaround and Restructuring Asia contributed 16 per cent,
and Co-head of A&M’s opera- and Russia, CIS and Eastern
tions in the Middle East. Europe together accounting for
11 per cent.
“And (there’s) nervousness
for suppliers and customers

Emirates Development Bank drives UAE industry with Dh2.4b in H1 loans

Bank’s contribution Dh464 million approved from competitiveness. By expanding 66% growth, adoption of advanced velopmental score of at least 4 on
to UAE’s GDP up to the launch of the bank’s new access to capital, the bank is technology, enhancement of a scale of 0-6 reflecting their posi-
Dh1.9b as of H1 2022 strategy last year. helping develop a global hub for EDB transactions fetch the role of SMEs and promotion tive contribution to the wider UAE
industry, advanced technology, at least 4 on 0-6 card for of innovation and entrepre- economy.
ABU DHABI This has also resulted in an and the industries of future,” ‘developmental impact’ neurship through its tailored
Gulf News Report increase in the bank’s contribu- said Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, suite of products and services. Ahmad Mohammad Al Naqbi,
tion to the UAE’s national GDP to Chairman of the EDB Board and guarantee scheme, a 109 per CEO of EDB, said: “Over the
Emirates Development Bank Dh1.9 billion as of H1 2022, a 356 Minister of Industry and Ad- cent increase from the Dh168 According to the EDB’s pro- past period, we worked tire-
(EDB) mobilised Dh2.4 bil- per cent increase on the Dh425 vanced Technology. million deployed across 2021. prietary ‘Developmental Impact lessly to strengthen our capa-
lion in loans to the UAE’s in- million as of FY 2021. Scorecard’, which was created to bilities partnerships, share our
dustrial sector in H1 2022, it was SME support The initiatives deployed by ensure that the bank’s financing vision with industry leaders,
announced yesterday, a 418 per “These results are a testa- EDB are part of its new strategy is focused towards businesses and and cement our role in driving
cent increase compared to the ment to the bank’s progress EDB also mobilised Dh351 to support the UAE’s industrial projects that maximise economic the national economy to reach
towards supporting the UAE’s million in capital in H1 2022 impact for the UAE, 66 per cent of greater heights and consolidate
economic diversification agen- to support SMEs via its credit EDB’s transactions received a de- its pioneering position.”
da and increasing its global

In Brief GET IT LIVE: Dubai’s creative economy sector FUNDRAISING BOOM
Gold/Forex/Commodities gets additional boost
National banks’ gross assets Scan the code and get the latest on: $58 billion
cross Dh3tr: CBUAE DUBAI. Dubai CommerCity, part of
UAE Gold Rates (24/22/18 carats) the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones record IPO tally notched so far this
DUBAI. Total assets of the 22 national International Gold Rates Authority (DIEZ), signed a Memorandum
banks rose to Dh3.023 trillion in the first of Understanding with Dubai Culture & year across mainland China bourses
five months of 2022, up 4 per cent (Dh117.3 UAE foreign exchange Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) aimed at
billion), according to latest statistics rates/remittances creating a healthy ecosystem to further From London to Hong Kong, large initial share sales have
released by the UAE Central Bank. stimulate growth of Dubai’s creative sector all but dried up across the world’s major financial centres
UAE fuel prices. Commodity Prices and enhance the emirate’s attractiveness this year. But the market in China is bustling with activity.
Assets of national banks accounted for (WTI/Brent/Opec Basket) as a global hub for the creative economy.
87.8 per cent of the gross banking sector’s Initial public offerings on mainland exchanges have
assets of Dh3.442 trillion by end of May, Oman posts budget surplus of The partnership aligns with the Dubai climbed to $57.8 billion so far in 2022, the largest ever for
against 12.2 per cent for foreign banks. 784m rials in first half of 2022 Creative Economy Strategy launched in such a period, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
2021 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad There have been five IPOs of above $1 billion since January,
Assets of the 37 foreign banks rose 2.22 MUSCAT. The Omani government posted Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and one more is on the way. That’s versus just one such sale
per cent (Dh9.1 billion) to Dh419.4 billion a budget surplus of 784 million rials and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler each in New York and Hong Kong, and none in London.
by end of May, from Dh410.3 billion in May ($2.04 billion) at the end of the first of Dubai, to double the creative industries’
2021. half of 2022, Oman’s state news agency contribution to Dubai’s GDP to 5 per cent China’s IPO market has defied headwinds such as rising
reported yesterday. and increase the number of Dubai-based interest rates and fears of a US recession, which have brought
In its report, the Central Bank said creative enterprises to 15,000 by 2026. major equity fundraising elsewhere to a virtual standstill.
that gross credit grew by 2.6 per cent, The sultanate’s oil revenues increased
rising from Dh1,817.4 billion at the end of to 3.187 billion rials by the end of the first On gulfnews.com — Bloomberg
April 2022 to Dh1,865.5 billion at the end half, the report added. Public spending rose
of May 2022. 8.6 per cent to 5.94 billion rials year on year, ➜ Find additional details and related stories
the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.
Total public debt was down 2.2 billion rials
from the end of last year to 18.6 billion rials.

6 BUSINESS MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 | GULFNEWS.COM

Restructuring shouldn’t be Digital assets
a dirty word for businesses” business
group
OIL-LINKED BOOST TO ECONOMIES SHOULDN’T MEAN BUSINESSES HAVE TO DELAY ANY RESTRUCTURE formed

EXCLUSIVE All companies should In most cases, we don’t DUBAI
continue to look at the need face any resistance.
DUBAI to restructure operations or Once we’ve got to the Gulf News Report
product portfolio regularly, point of making a set
BY MANOJ NAIR particularly in a market of recommendations Dubai Chamber of Digi-
where maybe there has been to help a business tal Economy, one of the
Business Editor a little bit of uptick locally. then the management three chambers op-
It’s the ‘fix the roof when the generally sees the erating under the umbrella
T he publicly-listed sun is shining’ approach.” value we bring to the of Dubai Chambers, has an-
UAE and Gulf compa- table and understands nounced the formation of the
nies have been com- Paul Gilbert the benefits of Dubai Digital Assets Business
ing out with solid-to- | Head of Turnaround and implementing it. It is Group (D2A2), which aims to
spectacular numbers Restructuring at Alvarez & Marsal the initial stages where strengthen the digital asset
at the halfway mark of the year. it is sometimes harder industry’s role in the eco-
If these results are anything There are plenty of companies struggling you get a reluctance, before the to break through and nomic development of the
to go by, those businesses and with debt levels that should be really trying board or management is able overcome the stigma UAE and the wider Middle
groups not on the stock mar- to resolve those issues. It is far better to reach to focus on the benefits. of seeking external East region, enhance digital
kets, too, would have some an agreement with lenders or carry out some support and bearing the business infrastructure and
fancy numbers to show (if they form of restructuring to allow the company to But there are strong (cor- financial cost for it.” support the growth of digital
were so inclined). properly service its debt and with debt being porate) boards who do see the companies in Dubai. Among
at the right level to enable the business trade benefit. For instance, we’re Paul Gilbert the key objectives of the new
A lot of the upside has successfully. working with one client at the business group are promot-
been brought on by oil prices, moment that has requested us ket, the operations and the ing the digital asset industry
above or near $100 a barrel, ing’ approach. But when you in performance can mean that — before there is any kind of product, rather than just fo- in Dubai, boost transparency
and whose effects are pouring look at financial restructuring, actually they’re better able to a crisis — to help them to re- cusing all its efforts internally through market intelligence
through the various layers of which tends to be a reference service debt. So, they perhaps structure one of their problem- on how to service its debt next and data, support the inter-
the economy. (Sure, there are to too much debt on the bal- don’t need to restructure their atic offshore businesses. month. ests and growth of digital
the side-effects of higher fuel ance sheet, that is often what debt in those cases. What you asset companies and foster
costs at the local level.) With gets the headlines. Companies don’t want to be doing is pa- ■ Are you concerned about ■ What is the resistance that cross-border cooperation.
oil giving such a boost to local often avoid talking about re- pering over the cracks and kid- the level of debt that busi- you receive from poten-
and Gulf economies, are com- structuring because it has a ding yourself that that there’s nesses — listed and unlisted tial clients who understand Ideal platform
panies giving any thoughts to negative perception when as- not going to be action needed — are carrying in the Gulf? they have a problem but
streamline or restructure their sociated with excess debt. around the corner. Or would you say that’s a don’t seem to be doing the Omar Sultan Al Olama,
operations? Or find some ways problem of the past? right thing to fix it? Minister of State for Artificial
to whittle down debts? Restructuring really should ■ Do you face reluctance Intelligence, Digital Economy
not be seen as a dirty word — when you initiate talks on I would not differentiate be- In most cases, we don’t face and Remote Work Applica-
Paul Gilbert is Head of the leading and progressive restructuring? tween listed and non-listed. It any resistance. Once we’ve got tions, Chairman of Dubai
Turnaround and Restructuring companies do it all the time. is usually the businesses that to the point of making a set Chamber of Digital Economy,
at Alvarez & Marsal, the UK I do not think we can gen- have an inappropriate capital of recommendations to help noted that the group provides
consultancy that specialises However, when you get to eralise. The difficulty for man- structure, or a capital structure a business then the manage- an ideal platform for compa-
in these sort of matters. Paul restructuring of debt, while agement teams can often be an where they are constantly bat- ment generally sees the value nies operating in the digital
was directly involved in the no forecast is ever 100 per cent initial inability to focus on the tling to service the debt or ap- we bring to the table and un- asset sphere to unify their
turnaround of fortunes at NMC accurate, the best companies value and the outcome, and proaching some kind of a wall. derstands the benefits of im- voices, address market chal-
Healthcare, the Abu Dhabi are forecasting cash flows so how much positive impact it plementing it. It is the initial lenges and align their ambi-
headquartered hospital opera- that they can see when they will make to their business go- There are plenty of compa- stages where it is sometimes tions, adding that such efforts
tor and one of the biggest such potentially will reach a pinch ing forward. There is frequent- nies struggling with debt lev- harder to break through and will accelerate Dubai’s digital
in the region. point and they’ll show a range ly a tendency to focus on the els that should be really trying overcome the stigma of seek- transformation. Gaurang De-
of outcomes to try to accom- disruption and the cost of car- to resolve those issues. It is far ing external support and bear- sai, Chairman of D2A2, said:
In an interview to Gulf News, modate what may happen in rying out a restructuring. better to reach an agreement ing the financial cost for it. “We see an opportunity to
Gilbert gives an insight on what the market. with lenders or carry out some turn Dubai and the UAE into a
UAE and Gulf companies are Those are the areas where form of restructuring to allow However, once we have been regional hub for digital assets.
thinking about restructures. About oil prices, an uptick the company to properly ser- able to showcase the benefits That is why it is very impor-
vice its debt and with debt be- and value that can be achieved tant to work towards creating
■ Are current oil-fuelled ing at the right level to enable from carrying out a turnaround a bridge for the digital asset
gains allowing companies the business trade successfully. plan or restructuring then it’s industry to further integrate
to think short- to medium- much easier by the point you into the world economy by
term? The aim is to enable man- come to recommendations. cooperating with counter-
agement to focus on the mar- part organisations across the
I think it is important to dif- ■ If you were a betting man, world. We wish to welcome
ferentiate between the differ- do you think what was hap- all experts in the industry to
ent types of restructuring. If we pening on the global market come and join D2A2.”
take operational restructuring, would kind of slow down
the best companies are con- IPO activity in the Gulf? Among the key
stantly restructuring as their objectives of the
products and markets evolve. There is clearly quite a bit of new business group
Restructuring in that sense volatility in the in the global are promoting
needs to be seen as a positive markets at the moment, and the digital asset
management step to improve we do see a little bit of buck- industry in Dubai,
the operations and enhance the ing the trend with one or two boost transparency
company’s longevity and its at- IPOs here. So really, I wouldn’t through market
tractiveness in the market. bet on it. intelligence and data,
support the interests
All companies should con- and growth of digital
tinue to look at the need to asset companies and
restructure operations or foster cross-border
product portfolio regularly, cooperation.
particularly in a market where
maybe there has been a little
bit of uptick locally. It’s the ‘fix
the roof when the sun is shin-

IFZA partners with Commercial Bank of Dubai for banking solutions

Business owners As we continue expanding our business
find it tough to open ecosystem, this partnership will further enhance
corporate account our value-added services for our Partners and
Licensees and support the Dubai economy by
DUBAI attracting foreign entrepreneurs to seamlessly
commence business operations in Dubai.”
Gulf News Report
Jochen Knecht | CEO of IFZA Dubai
IFZA Dubai has entered into
a partnership with the Com- ■ Through this partnership, IFZA Free Zone companies will be able to open special corporate work of professional partners our Partners and Licensees and
mercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) bank accounts as well as obtain personalised services through dedicated on-site CBD with an additional layer of sup- support the Dubai economy by
to provide IFZA Free Zone com- relationship managers. port to IFZA licensees through attracting foreign entrepre-
panies with quick and con- curated packages tailored to neurs to seamlessly commence
venient access to banking ser- open a corporate bank account study conducted by IFZA, 50 compliance or lack of informa- meet their needs and assist them business operations in Dubai.”
vices and financial solutions. in the UAE. Sixty-five per cent per cent of the respondents tion. in efficiently setting up their cor-
Through this partnership, IFZA of the entrepreneurs inter- echoed similar sentiments, porate bank accounts in Dubai.” Dr. Bernd van Linder, CEO
Free Zone companies will be viewed cited banking as their finding opening a bank account Jochen Knecht, CEO of IFZA of Commercial Bank of Dubai,
able to open special corporate biggest challenge in a company challenging due to lengthy ap- Dubai, said: “We are pleased to “This service is designed for added: “Small businesses play
bank accounts as well as obtain set up in the UAE. In a recent plication processes, difficulty in announce our partnership with IFZA partners to provide more an essential role as drivers of
personalised services through CBD, providing our global net- services to their own clients. growth for the UAE economy,
dedicated on-site CBD relation- As we continue expanding our and CBD is committed to sup-
ship managers. business ecosystem, this part- porting business owners and
nership will further enhance empowering entrepreneurs to
According to a study by the our value-added services for achieve their ambitions.”
Dubai Chamber of Commerce,
entrepreneurs face consider-
able challenges when trying to

GULFNEWS.COM | MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 BUSINESS 7
CORPORATE NEWS

Huawei closes in on Saudi data centre plan

CHINESE TECH GIANT WENT LIVE WITH ABU DHABI DATA CENTRE LAST YEAR AS PART OF ITS MIDDLE EAST VISION

DUBAI Watch: Frank Dai ■ Frank Dai, President of If you as a tenant
talks about the Huawei Cloud M.E. puts 100 million
BY MANOJ NAIR company’s plans for objects of data at
the region Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News our facility, you
Business Editor have a chance to
gral part of the data economy Data centres and cloud are two of the is market leader on 5G more lose one object
C hinese tech giant means having cloud for com- buzzwords in the Gulf’s tech space, along recently.” every 1,000 years.
Huawei will soon pany. “To reach the ultimate with AI and Web3. Oracle, Amazon and We want to raise the
be taking a decision goal of a real ‘intelligent’ world, Microsoft are all powering in, as are local A ‘daily’ upgrade possibilities even
on where to locate a digital infrastructure is the entities such as Khazna Data Centres (a higher — to 10,000
data centre in Saudi foundation,” said Dai. “More G42-e& enterprise) and Hussain Sajwani- With data centres and cloud years.”
Arabia, its second in the Mid- precisely, cloud technology is owned Damac, which recently confirmed a computing, it’s not about
dle East. It was last year that it the foundation for that.” $1-billion investment play on data centres. building a property on suffi- Frank Dai
went operational in Abu Dhabi cient land and then stacking up | President of Huawei
with the first data centre. Surely, digital infrastructure a good two decades ago for the that our cloud operations never servers once the existing ones Cloud M.E.
comes before everything else? first time — even before we did had the same brand awareness touch max utilisation.
“We are in the final stages of “I will agree, but partially,” said so in China,” said Dai. “About as the consumer devices divi- threshold we have to then make
the Saudi decision — the invest- Dai, who took over as regional the cloud, we have been doing sion. Even with 5G, more peo- “The cloud tech model is a whole expansion plan.”
ment decision has already been head in October last. so since 10 years ago — it’s only ple became aware that Huawei very different. On the software
made,” said Frank Dai, Presi- side, we have patches that we Shared tasks on data
dent of Huawei Cloud M.E. “All “Cloud itself is part of that have to upgrade nearly every securing
that’s left is where in Riyadh infrastructure. It not only pro- day,” said Dai. “A systematic
should the facility be built.” vides computing storage capa- plan requires us to upgrade Dai says that the nature of
bility, but if you look carefully, every other quarter. The key to the cloud business comes with
“Saudi Arabia is one of the all of the latest IT technology creating a cloud infrastructure overlaps — on the responsibil-
strategic markets we have to innovations come from cloud is elasticity. When we reach a ity side. “Sure, the tenant will
be in. With the date centre, our and not from traditional tech. have his own security systems
technical design team has to Whether you are talking about in place,” he added. “On Hua-
ensure the highest availability the latest breakthroughs in da- wei’s part, we have to ensure
to our services. tabase, AI, all of these are from reliability, availability and du-
cloud services. rability of the services we offer.
“We will keep investing The data security of our tenant
in the whole data and cloud “This requires changes not is a shared responsibility.
computing space across the only to business models. Data
whole region. The Middle East volumes are such that there “When it comes to service
remains central to our vision has to be coexistence between availability, we offer the pos-
of how digital transforma- different systems and those re- sibility of 99.95 per cent avail-
tion can reshape economies, quire big storage and process- ability. That means, in a whole
even change the world. This ing capabilities. That, ultimate- year, there could be — theoreti-
is only the beginning of what ly, comes from the cloud.” cally — a downtime of only 26
data-driven economies can minutes. And even if there is a
achieve.” 3G-5G component failure, there is still
the redundancy to ensure the
Data centres and cloud are Apart from the cloud, Hua- highest availability of our ser-
two of the buzzwords in the wei is closely associated with vices.”
Gulf’s tech space, along with AI the Middle East telecom space’s
and Web3. Oracle, Amazon and transformation into full-
Microsoft are all powering in, as fledged 5G networks. (And with
are local entities such as Khaz- an early eye on 6G possibili-
na Data Centres (a G42-e& en- ties.) “I tell everyone that it was
terprise) and Hussain Sajwani- in Abu Dhabi that we tested 3G
owned Damac, which recently
confirmed a $1 billion invest-
ment play on data centres.

For Huawei, being an inte-

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8 BUSINESS MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 | GULFNEWS.COM
COMMENT & ANALYSIS

Worldly Wise GOLDEN VISA BOOST TO
DUBAI’S PROPERTY MARKET
BY GIUSEPPE NETTI
Special to Gulf News

Middle East’s green _____ • _____
financing drops a gear
At no time should developers lose sight of keeping all pricing options open for buyers

There was a point in 2021 when green finance in the Mid- BY FARHAD AZIZI | Special to Gulf News
dle East and North Africa (Mena) region was growing faster
than the world as a whole. In the first six months of that T hrough the years, we have wit-
year, issuances of green and sustainability-linked debt amount- nessed Dubai introduce a string
of initiatives, encompassing sim-
ed to $6.4 billion, outstripping the global growth rate, and more plified financing, low mortgage
rates, and swift enactment of pol-
than a third higher than total 2020 volumes. icies to further its dynamic economy.

Fast forward a year and the Mena market is down. Its leadership also played a pivotal role
during the outbreak of the pandemic by
The total value of green bonds in the Mena region in the first- setting prudent examples of how a global
powerhouse can navigate dire challenges
half of 2022 was approximately $2.05 billion, and sustainabili- and protect the gains of its economy and
the interests of stakeholders — which in-
ty-linked loans $1.25 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Capital clude local and international companies,
SMEs, and home-grown enterprises — and
Markets League Tables, significantly down on the same period paving the way for them to catapult their
businesses to greater heights.
of last year. That is not to say that 2022 has been without nota-
We saw overseas buyers flocking into the
ble transactions. city to invest in the real estate market while
resident-renters became first-time home-
Aluminium Bahrain’s $1.247 billion sustainability-linked owners. This trend stemmed from a broad
spectrum of benefits to trade, tech ad-
loan continued the country’s increasing participation in the vancements, safety, and health care, which,
in unison with the robust macroeconomic
green finance market, while UAE companies were once again fundamentals, consolidated the emirate’s
position as a global hub for businesses and
the region’s most active, with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) mak- tourism that never ceases to amaze.

ing three green bond issuances totalling $788 million and Swei- That said, the latest expansion of the
Golden Visa coverage will play a funda-
han PV Power issuing one of $700.8 million. mental role in attracting overseas buyers
and spurring demand for real estate pro-
The trend overall for the jects.

start of 2022, however, has A consumer-centric transformation

been downwards. The rea- The upcoming global Understanding the shifting demograph-
sons for the Mena dip lie climate meetings ics related to global social and economic
outside of the region, with are likely to support transformations help us make sense of the
the root causes the same as world we live in. The rise in migrations is
those that have dented the activity locally, indicative of a global economic resurgence
global economy in 2022: particularly in the and disproportionate rise in economic op-
geopolitical tensions, eco- most established portunities across competing geographies.
nomic uncertainty, rising markets that have
interest rates and increasing already set ambitious Capitalising on the rise in migration and
oil prices. talent-driven economic development, the
The downward trend in targets and are UAE introduced a Golden Visa scheme for
the Mena region also re- investing in clean a wide array of exceptional individuals who
flects the global picture for energy projects. meet certain eligibility parameters. The
green and sustainability- new visa scheme strengthens the UAE’s
position as an ideal destination to live,
linked debt in the first-half work, and invest in.

of the year. Globally, the most affected form of green finance With the surge in demand from property
investors and resident homeowners, the
in the first-half has been sustainability-linked loans, which are Golden Visa scheme has been expanded to
cover those who invest or purchase a sec-
down approximately 12.5 per cent. Green bonds have been less ondary or off-plan property for Dh2 mil-
lion.
affected, slipping only 3.2 per cent while continuing to attract
The recently updated 10-year UAE Gold-
significant interest, including two more issuances by the Euro- en Visa regulations are a fantastic initiative
to stimulate real estate investment even
pean Union following its 2021 debut. further, especially with the flexibility asso-
ciated with the new rules, all of which will
Looking further ahead, assuming it expands at only a third of prompt residents as well as overseas RoI- rent and property sales is expected to con-
chasing ‘hunters’ to invest in the country tinue momentum till the end of year.
the pace of the last five years, the global market for green and for the long term and allow non-residents With the surge in
to make the UAE their second home. demand from property Accept lower mortgage growth
sustainability-linked debt could potentially swell to $15 trillion investors and resident
Facts behind the figures homeowners, the Golden We expect slower growth in mortgage
by 2025 as the world keeps pushing towards net-zero. Visa scheme has been transaction volumes due to interest rate
The real estate market is at the outset of a expanded to cover those hikes, which will be partly offset by favour-
The Mena region has the potential to make an important con- pronounced upward trajectory. The market who invest or purchase able payment plans. While geopolitical ten-
is still considered a buyers’ market, with a secondary or off-plan sion is a primary risk, we expect Dubai will
tribution, particularly with COP27 and COP28 taking place in undervalued real estate and prices in Dubai property for Dh2 million. attract interest as a safe haven for wealthy
being more attractive than in other large individuals to establish their footprint. Ad-
Egypt and the UAE. metropolises. the results of a poll conducted by Reuters. ditionally, the supply-demand dynamics in
Housing prices in Dubai are expected to rise Dubai’s real estate market has transformed
The upcoming global climate meetings are likely to support Affordability is a driving force to fur- steadily over the next two years, driven by significantly compared to how it used to be.
thering the real estate market, according to demand from foreign investors attracted to This is largely due to the right kinds of units
activity locally, particularly in the most established markets depressed prices of properties. being offered, in terms of location, connec-
tivity, amenities, build quality, and scenic
that have already set ambitious targets and are investing in However, analysts caution that high- views, which are seeing substantial demand
er interest rates and a lack of affordable and are selling out rapidly, despite the notion
clean energy projects. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, the govern- homes might curb the volume of deals to of oversupply. Moreover, environmental, so-
some extent. In terms of transaction vol- cial, and governance standards will play an
ment is said to be preparing to issue its first green bond later in umes, Dubai’s real estate market recorded instrumental role in investment and pur-
over Dh170 billion from January to June chasing decisions in the immediate future.
2022. 2022. Sentiments in Dubai’s real estate sec- Dubai’s gains in the transparency ranking,
tor have remained optimistic and reached led by new regulations around market-lead-
Will high oil prices deter? an all-time high owing to new visa-related ing practices, beneficial ownership tracking
initiatives and regulations to attract foreign and sustainability reporting, and enhanced
In these countries, and across the region, the spotlight will direct investments. A resultant surge in digital services will redefine the market and
focus on how companies and governments are helping to build transaction values and volume in terms of attract overseas buyers as well as new pur-
a more sustainable future, with both consumers and investors chasing behaviour patterns.
likely to advocate more loudly for them to meet their existing
commitments and accelerate the pace of change. However, it is ■ The writer is CEO of Azizi Developments.
a time of significant uncertainty and if oil prices continue rising
and inflation persists, the positive effect on green finance may
be lessened, with new issuances potentially limited to fulfilling
capex and refinancing requirements.

Until recently, the Mena region was outpacing the world as
its market for green finance deepened and matured, backed by
ambitious governments, companies and financial institutions.
With the next two COP meetings taking place in the region,
there is an opportunity once again for the region to lead.

■ The writer is Regional Head of Middle East and Africa —
Financial Products, Bloomberg L.P.

Rope in UAE’s residential communities into sustainability drive

Time for residential of human capital and society. It business growth. People, like the reskilling, in some cases, is criti- and wellness initiatives within promoting healthy lifestyles and
hubs after Individuals, encompasses a company’s em- environment, are critical pillars cal to success. the workplace demonstrates to fostering a harmonious living ex-
organisations ployees as well as wider stake- of sustainability. People sustain- employees that their emotional perience among residents.
holders and communities, all of ability develops a positive culture Robust training and devel- and physical well-being require-
DUBAI which are important components in the workplace. Just as a com- opment programmes can en- ments are recognised and valued. Many activations and CSR ac-
of long-term business success and munity is vibrant with residents courage a continuous learning tivities can be organised or im-
BY H. P. AENGAAR growth. As real estate profession- and a building becomes a home culture, boost staff morale, ef- Research has also shown that plemented in a community to
Special to Gulf News als, and particularly as property with its occupants, employees ficiency, and productivity. Train- over three in five workers in achieve this, be it hosting eco-
managers, we cannot look at so- enrich their companies. There- ing programmes will also pre- some countries have witnessed friendly activities such as annual
Sustainability has been a hot cial and environmental sustain- fore, a company can undertake a pare employees to take up more or experienced discrimination in Earth Hour celebrations or in-
topic among businesses and ability from a single perspective. variety of programmes aimed at responsibility and will assist in the workplace based on age, race, stalling recycle bins in common
individuals for quite some From the inside out, we manage improving employee well-being, developing their leadership skills. or gender expression. How do we areas and rewarding tenants for
time. While the major focus tends the built environment. We ensure productivity, and retention rates. solve this critical issue? Encour- going above and beyond to make
to be on environmental sustain- that an asset is managed flawless- Similarly, another study states age diversity and inclusivity. their communities cleaners and
ability, which centres around ly, that the operational impact on High priority that employees who have mental greener among others.
managing business and peoples’ the environment is minimised, health problems and do not re- Community engagement
daily practice impact on the en- and, most significantly, that the More than a quarter of em- ceive proper care are 50 per cent Finally, whether it’s our envi-
vironment, sustainability extends happiness and well-being of the ployees in the UAE, according to a less engaged. It also says that 78 Positive community engage- ronment, people or the commu-
beyond that. What about recog- communities we manage is en- report, will likely require upskill- per cent of organisations believe ment initiatives lead to happier nities we manage, sustainabil-
nising and regulating our human hanced. ing post Covid. Globally, 65 per that ensuring the well-being of residents, results in higher de- ity is about meeting the needs of
impact? That’s also critical, and cent of employees believe that employees is one of the drivers of mand, better retention of tenant today without compromising on
it’s known as social sustainability, Only by considering the pillars workforce development must organisational performance and and strengthens brand image the ability to meet the needs of
which refers to the optimal state of economy, people and environ- be a high priority for businesses. 96 per cent say that well-being and reputation, which ultimate- future generations.
ment can we achieve sustainable Hence, employee upskilling or is a company’s responsibility. ly contributes to a higher RoI.
Therefore, implementing health Happy communities start by ■ The writer is CEO at Provis.

GULFNEWS.COM | MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 SPECIAL REPORT 9
PANDEMIC VIGIL

DUBAI ■ A health care worker ■ Where are the new waves of
inoculates a farmer with a infections happening?
BY SHYAM A. KRISHNA dose of Covid-19 vaccine in
Senior Associate Editor Imphal West, in the Indian The five countries with the
state of Manipur.
C ovid-19 is still most cases, according to the
around, but the ANI
world is trying to WHO report, were Japan, the
move on. People are
United States, South Korea,

Germany, and Italy. The most

deaths were in the US, Brazil,

no longer held hos- Italy, Japan and Australia.

tage by the coronavirus: em- In the Western Pacific re-

ployees are back in offices, stu- gion, the highest jump in cases

dents have returned to classes, was in Japan, which recorded

and travel has resumed in full a 42 per cent rise with an av-

swing. Life’s close to normal, erage of more

yet there’s still some way to go. than 200,000 70%

The recovery has been steady, cases per day.
The country’s
and the World Health Organi- healthcare sys-

sation provided more evidence, tem is under infection rate

reporting a 9 per cent decline in

new coronavirus cases world- strain in some of Omicron
areas, partly subvariant BA.5
wide. The announcement on due to Covid-19

August 3, which quoted data

from the previous week, also among the

said the number of deaths re- staff, according

mained stable. to the Japan Times.

Paul Hunter, a professor of South Korea has reported

medicine at the University of more than 100,000 cases daily

East Anglia, England, told the since April, the Korea Herald said.

Associated Press that Covid-19 According to WHO, infections in

cases and hospitalisations are South Korea rose by 25 per cent

likely to continue the down- compared to the week before.

ward trend in the following China is still struggling to

weeks. shrug off the virus despite a

That’s a good augury, but Zero-Covid” strategy. A part of

the optimism should be tem- Wuhan city, where Covid-19

pered with was first detected in December

35% caution since 2019, was shut down after four
there have been
spikes in sev- cases were detected.
eral countries.
IWAN9HF%EYCDDTORIOEONSPSIITNGMLCOOABVTATIDLE-LR1Y9?: In Africa, the biggest in-

decline in new WHO data gives hope even as cases rise creases were reported from Li-
in Japan, US, Korea, Germany, and Italy
Over the past beria, Seychelles, and Rwanda.

Covid-19 cases year, there have ■ What’s driving the new
in Europe been surges surge?
followed by a
In its report, the WHO said
sharp dip in that Omicron subvariants BA.4
and BA.5 were driving the latest
infections. New wave of infections. BA.5 cases
rose from 64 per cent to 70 per
waves are often triggered by the cent, while BA.4 infections rose
slightly, from 10.9 per cent to
arrival of newer variants of the 11.8 per cent.

virus.

Even amid such reality

checks, the WHO figures give

hope of a full recovery soon. Of

the 6.5 million cases reported ■ Has the virus become en-
demic?
during the last week of July, the

spike in cases was mainly in the

Western Pacific (20 per cent, What’s endemicity? It is the

more than 1.3 million cases) state when a

and Africa (5 per cent, 328,283 pathogen or

cases). But that has been off- virus becomes Japan recorded a
endemic or 42 per cent rise
set by a 35 per cent fall in new so common in cases with an
among the
cases in Europe. That’s encour-

aging since much of Europe has p o p u l a t i o n average of more

lifted Covid restrictions and

travel has gathered pace. that they cease than 200,000
to worry about cases per day.
DEATHS DWINDLE IN it. Much like According to
EUROPE the common WHO, infections
cold or flu.
Deaths too have dropped Has Covid in South Korea
globally. Although the WHO changed from rose by 25 per cent
reported more than 14,000 a pandemic to compared to the
an endemic? previous week.
deaths during the week, most A New York
were in the Western Pacific (44
per cent, 6,238) and the Mid- Times report
dle East (26 per cent, 3,686).
Europe had fewer casualties, says endemicity happens when

with deaths the average infected person in-

dropping by a fects fewer than one other per-

quarter. son. That has not happened.

We have to These are Since newer strains infect more

heartwarm- than one person, we haven’t

hope that the ing statistics, reached an endemic state.
incidence of but the WHO
long Covid has warned Infections, hospitalisations
from this against read-
ing too much and deaths have reduced in

Photos: ANI, AFP, AP much of the world. That’s more

wave will be ■ Participants ride a boat on August 6 as they take part in Amsterdam’s Canal Parade, which did not take place to do with people’s immunity.
during the Covid-19 pandemic. Right: People throng canal banks in the Dutch capital to take in the spectacle.
into the data. It The arrival of several vaccines

lower than had previously had helped prime human im-
in the first said that Covid
and second surveillance mune systems to fight the
waves.” has recently
been severely COVID CASES: A TELLING SAMPLE coronavirus better. It worked

even against newer variants

Of the 6.5 million although at reduced effective-
cases reported in the
compromised last week of July, the Country Cases Deaths Vaccinations ness. A new strain like Delta or
spike was mainly in the US 91,961,519 1,032,820 67%
James Naismith in some coun- Western Pacific (20%) India 44,107,588 526,600 68% Omicron can upend the gains.
| Director of the tries, which and Africa (5%). Brazil 33,964,494 679,536 81%
Rosalind Franklin have slackened France 33,068,287 149,055 79% ■ What does the future look like?
Institute at the their testing ON GULFNEWS.COM Germany 31,178,705 144,717 76%
University of and reporting UK 23,457,104 185,245 75% Epidemiologists say the virus
Oxford systems. So the Read more Italy 21,213,559 172,729 80% will continue to mutate to evade
Covid figures stories South Korea 20,273,011 25,191 86% the human immune response,
Russia 18,382,278 374,849 52% but that wouldn’t erase the im-
could be sig- US: Masked, vaccinated Turkey 15,889,495 99,341 64% mune protection from vaccina-
students didn’t catch Covid-19 tions or previous infections.
nificantly un- Australian cricket concerned
about its ‘missing generation’ So pharma firms will have
derestimated. to roll out a new generation
Long Covid-19 of vaccines, tailor-made for
Some experts insist that symptoms affect one in newer variants. The elderly and
Covid safety protocols should eight, study suggests people with underlying health
remain in place since health conditions will remain at risk.
systems in many countries con-
tinue to be under pressure. Back to the WHO data in July.
Does the 9 per cent dip in weekly
James Naismith, director of HOW THE STATISTICS STACK UP cases matter? It matters. It gives
the Rosalind Franklin Institute 582 million cases hope. Hope that we can outrun
at the University of Oxford, 6.4 million deaths the virus. But the chase will con-
England, advised people to 224 countries and territories affected tinue so long as there are new
variants. And viruses mutate to
continue getting vaccinated as Source: Our World in Data survive and propagate.
reinfections are real. “We have
to hope that the incidence of Normality looks distant. A
long Covid from this wave will life alongside coronavirus is
be lower than in the first and likely to be the new reality.

second waves,” he told the As-
sociated Press.

10 THE VIEWS MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 | GULFNEWS.COM

Scan for our social media

HOW MIDTERM RESULTS N P
WOULD HELP DEMOCRATS    M

_____ • _____ ’ 

An unbridled ambition, transformative change _____ • _____
has guided the party since Biden presidency
This has become a selfie session where
T he possibility of a second Trump ad- BY CLIVE CROOK © Gulf News Indian MPs, media people want to
ministration looms, but Americans preserve their memories
should ask whether the Democrats’ events of that day not as a riot, for example, Yet it is important to remember that this
improving prospects in the midterm but as an insurrection — that is, a conspiracy agreement happened despite Biden’s pro- BY SHEELA BHATT | Special to Gulf News
elections are an entirely good thing. to violently overthrow the government — im- tracted efforts to advance a far more ambi-
The party is much less popular than it should plies that anybody who fails to oppose Trump tious agenda. His defenders will say that if T he ongoing Monsoon session of India’s Par-
be, given the quality of its opponents — and now is a putative traitor. Such overkill repels he’d pushed from the outset for compromise, liament has been acrimonious with a face-
it needs to ask why. A brutal beating this No- the moderate voter. he’d have achieved much less. That’s doubt- off between the government and opposition
vember would force the conversation. Any- Encouraging narrative ful, in my view. benches. Notwithstanding the intense politi-
thing that can be spun as a qualified success cal back-and-forth inside the parliament, the
will allow the question to be shelved. Lately, the idea that Democrats in Congress Even if it’s true, something like the budget mood outside the building is quite nostalgic.
are incapable of getting anything done has agreement is best described not as a “historic
Three main factors are currently helping abruptly given way to a new and more encour- achievement” — assuming that something As independent India’s first Parliament built by Indi-
the party: the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the aging narrative. The Senate’s radically scaled- is actually achieved — but simply as govern- ans comes up, a sense of recollection of history looms.
flow of new information about the January 6 down Build Back Better plan, now called the ment working as it should. The buzz is that the current session may be the last one
attack on the Capitol, and renewed hope of Inflation Reduction Act, has been widely — in this historic Parliament that was built during years
a productive budget-reconciliation package. and rightly — applauded for its measures to If Trump does run in 2024, the alternative 1921-27. The foundation stone of the new Parliament
But Democrats seem determined to misread promote clean energy, curb prescription drug that the middle of the electorate will want is building was laid in December 2020, and construction
these developments — bending them to fit costs and trim the 10-year budget deficit. not wholesale reinvention of a fundamentally began January 2021. That is exactly a century after the
the ill-conceived theory of unbridled ambi- broken nation but the prospect of calm, de- construction of the old parliament building (1921).
tion and transformative change that’s guided The deal still isn’t done and, as it stands, liberate, incremental improvement by mini-
them since the outset of Joe Biden’s presi- some of the details are questionable. It’s a mally competent elected officials. You might The present Parliament building was originally designed
dency. shame, as well, that the Inflation Reduction call it “normal politics,” except that in the US as ‘Council House’ for British India. Post-independence, it
Act won’t reduce inflation, though by now vot- it would be anything but normal. Republicans served as India’s Parliament House. Although no final an-
The Supreme Court’s decision overturning ers are surely inured to the absurd names that under Trump’s sway cannot hope to make any nouncements have been made regarding the inauguration
Roe v. Wade is unpopular, with 57 per cent of Congress attaches to its legislation. The meas- such offer. Democrats — once they ask them- of new Parliament, both visitors and members of Parliament
Americans disapproving. Even better for elec- ure is a good one on balance, representing the selves why they’re failing to persuade half the (MPs) are looking at the old building with a tint of loss. The
toral purposes, moderate Democrats oppose kind of sensible compromise that centrists like country — could. old grand building has been a mute witness to the making of
the ruling by a very wide margin (74 per cent to advocate, combining smart public invest- modern and independent India. Since 1950s, all members of
to 25 per cent) whereas moderate Republicans ments and incentives with fiscal discipline. — Bloomberg Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of
are about evenly split (50 per cent support it, States) have profound memories linked to the building.
49 per cent oppose). ■ Clive Crook is a columnist and editor
The current members are seen taking selfies with the
Steady flow of information distinctive pillars in the background that make the cir-
cular building very unique. This session has become a
Yet this doesn’t show that most voters fa- selfie session where MPs and media people want to pre-
vour the Democratic position on this. It shows serve their memories of the building.
they don’t trust Republican legislatures to stop
at the kind of limited regulation most voters Linking old and new
actually support. A plurality of Americans fa-
vour a Roe-like guarantee — the middle way The impact of the under-construction new Parlia-
that Chief Justice John Roberts proposed. But ment building is immense. The new Parliament build-
on this issue, as on every other, committed ing, the old Parliament building, Library and Annexe,
Democrats and Republicans are reflexively and the proposed Chambers for Members of Parliament
opposed to compromise. Democrats could will form the Legislative Enclave. It will be an indelible
have owned the moderate middle. Instead, part of the legacy of the Modi era. One of the most inter-
they greeted the backlash as vindicating their esting things about the mega project is that the new par-
recently adopted fundamentalism. liament building will be linked to old Parliament with
the help of the iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
The House of Representatives’ January 6
Committee has supplied a steady flow of in- Work on the project is going on full speed to meet the
formation showing former President Donald deadline and have the new Parliament ready as India cel-
Trump’s unfitness for office. Nobody should ebrates its 75th year of Independence. Since the new build-
have needed the committee’s work to real- ing is the first purpose-designed Parliament for India, it
ise this. But the torrent of defamatory details will have numerous Indian elements. One of the supervi-
surely makes that conclusion harder to evade. sors of the site claims that the building’s main purpose is
Trump’s strongest supporters can’t admit it, to make everything functional. It’s not built to “excite”
but even many of them must be embarrassed. visitors and users. The Rajya Sabha Hall in the new Parlia-
It’s another boost for Democrats. ment building will have a capacity of 384 seats while the
Lok Sabha Hall will have a capacity of 770 seats, expand-
Here was an opportunity to open the minds able up to 1134 seats during joint sessions.
of wavering Republicans to Trump’s patholo-
gies. Some of that happened, no doubt — but Interestingly both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will have
the impact on the median voter was likely MPs sitting in a two-seater arrangement with modern fa-
diminished by the committee’s theatrically cilities on the desk for delivering speech and voting. As
partisan spin. The tendency to refer to the India’s supreme legislative body gets set to move to a new
home, it will never be the same in the old building. Those
selfies being clicked in the current session may continue.

■ Sheela Bhatt is a senior Indian journalist based in New
Delhi.

Crossword MORE CROSSWORDS IN TABLOID Play more Sudoku, Crosswords and Word Search ON GULFNEWS.COM
in the new Games section on gulfnews.com Read more
Views online
ACROSS 41 Sticky stuff 6 Fish-eating birds 43 Wooden boxes
1 Family member 42 Chaperone 7 __ Crosby 44 Breakfast drinks From the Editors: UAE
5 Scrapbook 44 Court clown 8 Neighbor of Mex. 46 Go around in order to ensures innovative
10 Simple float 45 Bacardi product 9 Role on TV’s “Alice” avoid ideas become a reality
14 Once more 46 Raw fish dish 10 Furious 47 Wise
15 Din 47 Fat-shunner of nursery 11 Mom’s sister 48 Priest’s advice Africa’s new psyche,
16 Surrounding glow rhyme 12 Not busy 49 Aggravate gravitating away from
17 Ending for Ann or Nan 50 Short one-act play 13 Little boys 50 Pierce western influence
18 Like neutral nations in 51 “SEAL Team” network 19 Actor Jeremy 52 Radar screen image
wartime 54 School subject 21 Cooper or Coleman 53 Unexceptional
20 __ Isaac Newton 57 City on the island of 24 Nevada casino city 55 __ as a hornet
21 Band of hoodlums Hawaii 25 Became alert 56 Female animal
22 Church formalities 58 Forceful wind 26 __ up; shorten, as pant 57 Weather forecast
23 Tests before a panel 59 In the know legs
25 Achieved victory 60 Singer Redding 27 Nimble ANSWERS FROM PREVIOUS DAY
26 __ off; dwindles 61 “Bright __”; Shirley 28 Theater section
28 No __; not anymore Temple film 29 Stretchiness
31 Great pain 62 Financial obligations 30 Line of travel
32 Dingbats 63 Secretary’s error 32 Bagpiper’s skirt
34 Building site 33 Very late bedtime
36 About 2.2 pounds DOWN 35 Stadium level
37 Trace of color 1 West & others 37 Long-__; lasting quite a
38 Island near Lanai 2 Prefix for social or body while
39 Football’s __ Manning 3 Large bustling city 38 Prepare potatoes
40 Wild brawl 4 In __ of; floored by 40 __ off; be sassy
5 Historical records 41 Pain in the neck

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GULFNEWS.COM | MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 MIDDLE EAST 11

Head of Gaza’s main hospital Lebanon’s decay down
flags ‘crisis’ as supplies dwindle to Cabinet mess: Cleric

MEDICINES, POWER BACK-UP URGENTLY NEEDED AS PATIENT NUMBERS RISE Maronite Patriarch
says ‘ugly campaigns
GAZA CITY in media’ meant to
stall new government

G aza’s top hospital di- BEIRUT
rector warned yester-
day that medics are AFP Lebanon’s top Christian Reuters
facing multiple crises cleric said yesterday it is
amid deadly violence ■ Palestinian children receive treatment at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on Saturday. “shameful” that politi- ■ Bechara Boutros Al Rahi
between Palestinian fighters and cians have yet to form a new
Israel, with drugs and electricity TARGETED STRIKE cabinet nearly three months BEIRUT JAILBREAK
supplies urgently needed to keep after elections, blaming their
treating patients. Israel claims killing of Islamic Jihad chronic feuding for the coun- SAWING AWAY
try’s “decay”. Many Lebanese
Mohammad Abu Salmiya commander in enclave’s south see the long-entrenched gov- More than 30 people
said wounded people were ar- erning elite as hamstrung by fled a Lebanon
riving “every minute” at Shifa GAZA CITY Israel says some of the deaths were caused corruption and dysfunction, detention centre at
hospital in Gaza City. by errant rocket fire, including one incident in and blame it for pushing Leba- dawn yesterday, security
Israel said yesterday it killed a senior Islamic Jihad the Jebaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza in non into a financial and eco- forces said, after sawing
“There is a crisis in medicine, commander in a crowded Gaza refugee camp, which six Palestinians were killed on Saturday. nomic meltdown that has left their way through a
a crisis in drugs, a crisis in elec- the second such targeted attack since launching eight in 10 people poor. window, according to a
tricity,” said Abu Salmiya, the its high-stakes military offensive against the mili- Badly damaged judicial official.
hospital’s director general. tant group just before the weekend. In his weekly sermon,
Mansour, the Islamic Jihad commander Maronite Patriarch Bechara “At dawn ... 31 detainees
Forty-three Gazans have The militant group has fired hundreds of for southern Gaza, was in the apartment of a Boutros Al Rahi drew an unfa- managed to escape” from
been killed and over 300 others rockets at Israel in response, raising the risk of member of the group when the missile struck, vourable comparison between a detention centre in the
wounded in fighting since Fri- the cross-border fighting turning into a full- flattening the three-storey building and badly Lebanon’s progress in securing Adlieh neighbourhood
day, when Israel fired on Islam- fledged war. Gaza’s ruling Hamas group, which damaging nearby houses. a maritime boundary deal with of the capital Beirut, the
ic Jihad positions and the group fought an 11-day war with Israel in May 2021, longtime foe Israel and the pa- Internal Security Forces
retaliated by launching rockets appeared to stay on the sidelines for now. “Suddenly, without warning, the house next ralysis in domestic politics. said in a statement.
across the frontier. to us was bombed and everything became black
The Islamic Jihad commander, Khaled Man- and dusty with smoke in the blink of an eye,” Shameful “Immediate orders
Gaza’s sole power plant shut sour, was killed in an air strike on an apart- said Wissam Jouda, who lives next to the targeted were given to arrest them
down on Saturday due to a lack ment building in the Rafah refugee camp in building. Ahmad Al Qaissi, another neighbour, “Isn’t it shameful that au- and investigations are
of fuel, four days after Israel southern Gaza late on Saturday. Two other said his wife and son were among the wound- thorities make efforts to reach underway.”
closed its crossings with the ter- militants and five civilians also were killed in ed. To make way for rescue workers, Al Qaissi an agreement with Israel on
ritory citing security concerns. the attack, bringing the Palestinian death toll agreed to have part of his house demolished. maritime borders but refrain —AFP
“The situation is very bad,” said to 43 since the start of the Israeli offensive on from forming a government?
Salmiya. Friday. Among the dead were 15 children. The As Mansour’s funeral began in the Gaza Strip Has it become easier for them formation and the election of
Palestinian Health Ministry said more than 300 last afternoon, the Israeli military said it was hit- to agree with Israel than to a new president later on this
“We need urgently to open the people were wounded since Friday. ting suspected “Islamic Jihad rocket launch posts.” agree on a government among year. He was alluding to an es-
borders to bring in drugs, [fuel the Lebanese?” he said. calating dispute between Presi-
for] electricity.” —AP dent Michel Aoun and caretak-
Lebanon’s political system er Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Diesel for the power plant is is based on power-sharing
usually trucked in from Egypt among various Muslim and —Reuters
or Israel, which has maintained Christian sects, with the presi-
a blockade of the enclave since dency reserved for a Maronite
the militant group Hamas took Catholic. Rai said “ugly cam-
control of Gaza in 2007. paigns in the media” appeared
aimed at delaying government
The depleting electricity
supply will see “a cessation of Syria more than doubles
health services” tomorrow af- petrol price: Ministry
ternoon, as power generators
are running out of fuel, Gaza’s Third time this year istry added. The increases rep-
health ministry projected. that authorities have resent the third time this year
increased fuel price that authorities have increased
Potentially life-saving fa- the price of fuel, as the Syrian
cilities such as operating rooms DAMASCUS pound continues to depreciate.
and ventilators in hospitals
need power to continue run- Syria’s internal commerce Uncertainty
ning. ministry has announced a
petrol price hike of around Syria’s currency is trad-
UN agency’s warning 130 per cent in the war-torn ing at around 4,250 to the
country facing fuel shortages dollar on the black market,
There are also concerns that and extended power cuts. compared to an official rate of
the fuel shortage across the Pal- 2,814.
estinian territory could affect The cost of a litre of sub-
ambulances, said the UN’s hu- sidised fuel will rise to 2,500 “This measure will hit eve-
manitarian agency OCHA. Syrian pounds, from 1,100 pre- ryone,” said Raed Al Saadi, a
viously, a rise of 127 per cent, warehouse worker. “Our sala-
A spokesperson for the Israe- the ministry said in a statement ry is now only enough to get us
li military said there is “deep quoted by the official SANA to the workplace, and not even
concern about the humanitar- news agency late Saturday. enough to get us home again.”
ian situation in Gaza”.
The cost of non-subsidised “Life has become very dif-
The enclave’s 2.3 million res- petrol will rise from 3,500 to ficult and I don’t where this
idents experience regular pow- 4,000 Syrian pounds, the min- situation will lead us,” the
48-year-old added.
43 er shortages and last month water supply from the water “It disrupts people’s lives es-
received only an average of 11 wells and desalination plants”. pecially under the intense heat — AFP
Palestinians killed hours of power per day, accord- that hits the region,” he said.
in Gaza since latest ing to OCHA data. Ahad Ferwana, a Gaza resi-
outbreak of hostilities dent, said people become sick “That forces people to leave
The UN agency warned on when the water supply is inter- their homes, which puts their
Saturday that without a boost rupted. lives at risk because of the con-
to the electricity supply, Gaza tinued bombardment.”
will soon see “the reduction of The power cuts “affect all ar-
eas of life in Gaza Strip,” he said. —AFP

Short takes Saudi Arabia toughens
traffic accident laws
Umrah pilgrims urged Kuwait’s new PM vows
Saudi Arabia has warned the
to beat the rush to curb nepotism public that motorists causing
serious traffic accidents
Saudi Arabia has urged the Kuwait’s new prime minister resulting in death or total
faithful wishing to undertake has vowed to fight nepotism impairment will be jailed for
Umrah during the current (wasta) and follow a different a maximum of four years
Islamic lunar month of approach, local media reported. and/or fined 200,000 Saudi
Muharram to benefit from riyals, according to traffic
a quieter interval saying The Al Qabas newspaper said regulations amendments.
that the Grand Mosque in Shaikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Ahmad Al
Makkah, where the lesser Sabah has instructed all ministers During an interview with
pilgrimage takes place, is less to follow a new approach, based on Al Ekhbariya TV, Saleh Al
crowded. transparency and objectivity. Ghamdi, Member of the
Traffic Safety Committee, said
The Ministry of Hajj He is also said to have asked motorists who cause injuries
and Umrah posted on its competent authorities not to in traffic accidents resulting in
Twitter images of the ritual pass any transactions that do not hospitalisation for a maximum
circumambulation of the Holy meet set criteria. The paper said 15 days will be imprisoned for
Kaaba in the mosque showing Shaikh Ahmad has directed all at least two years and/or fined
the courtyard less crowded. ministers to desist from receiving a maximum of SR100,000. The
representatives of the dissolved amended rules have specified
The new season of Umrah parliament or candidates eight types of violations.
commenced on July 30, which for upcoming elections in
marked the start of the new their offices, and not to allow —Gulf News Reports
Islamic Hijiri year. interference in their official work.

31330707_1.1

12 WORLD MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 | GULFNEWS.COM

UN’S NUCLEAR WATCHDOG ISSUES ‘This is the worst
WARNING ON UKRAINE PLANT holiday of my life’

Russian forces shell ‘dozens’ of frontline towns 80,000 visitors 80%
stuck inside hotels
KYIV in Chinese tourist flights to and from
hotspot Sanya have been
T he head of the Inter- Reuters cancelled
national Atomic En- BEIJING/SHANGHAI
ergy Agency raised ■ A serviceman with a Russian flag on his uniform stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear ily is eating pot noodles every
grave concern about Power Plant outside the Russian-controlled city of Enerhodar in Ukraine. When Chinese busi- day to avoid spending more
shelling at a nuclear nesswoman Yang on food.
power plant in Ukraine, as its 2nd Jing was planning
military said Russian forces had this year’s summer holiday “This is the worst holiday
attacked dozens of frontline caravan of four ships in 2021, she chose the tropi- of my life,” Yang, who is in
towns. with Ukrainian grain cal southern island of Hainan her 40s and lives in Jiangxi
exports set sail from because of its nigh-perfect province in southern China,
Since Russia attacked Black Sea ports Covid track record. told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukraine on February 24 in
what President Vladimir Pu- The island in the South Sanya reported 689 symp-
tin termed a “special military China Sea recorded just two tomatic and 282 asymptomat-
operation”, the conflict has positive symptomatic Cov- ic cases between August 1 and
settled into a war of attrition id-19 cases in the whole of 7. Other cities around Hainan
fought largely in Ukraine’s east last year. Fast forward to this province, including Danzhou,
and south. month, however, and the Dongfang, Lingshui, and Lin-
number of cases has suddenly gao, have all reported over a
But the fighting over the soared, prompting a lock- dozen cases in the same pe-
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in down in the city of Sanya and riod.
the south, captured by Russian leaving tens of thousands of
forces in the opening stage of tourists like Yang stuck on the On Saturday, the sale of
the war but still run by Ukrain- island. rail tickets out of Sanya was
ian technicians, has raised the suspended, state broadcaster
prospect of a wider disaster. Sanya, the island’s main CCTV reported, citing the
tourist hub, imposed a lock- national operator, and more
“I’m extremely concerned down on Saturday and re- than 80 per cent of flights
by the shelling yesterday at stricted transport links to try to and from Sanya had been
Europe’s largest nuclear power to stem the outbreak, even cancelled, according to data
plant, which underlines the as some 80,000 visitors were provider Variflight.
very real risk of a nuclear dis- enjoying its beaches at peak
aster,” IAEA Director General season. Many are now stuck Hainan has been closed to
Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a inside hotels until next Satur- overseas tourists for the past
statement.Both sides have ac- day, if not longer. two and half years .
cused each other of engaging in
“nuclear terrorism”. Yang, along with her hus- —Reuters
band and child, are staying at
Ukraine’s state nuclear a four-star hotel paid out of
power company Energoatom their own pocket. The fam-
blamed Russia for the damage
while Russia’s defence minis- I’m extremely concerned by the shelling at
try accused Ukrainian forces of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which
shelling the plant. underlines the real risk of a nuclear disaster.”

‘Nuclear shield’ Rafael Mariano Grossi | IAEA Director General

The United States has ac- a high-voltage power line on front-line towns. In a positive said a second caravan of four Reuters
cused Russia of using it as a Friday at the facility, prompt- development, Ukraine is start- ships with Ukrainian agricul-
“nuclear shield” while Russia’s ing its operators to disconnect ing to resume grain exports, ture products sailed from Black ■ Sanya, the main tourist hub in the tropical southern
defence ministry said dam- a reactor despite no radioactive easing fears of a global food Sea ports. The first four ships island of Hainan, has imposed a lockdown and restricted
age to the plant had only been leak being detected. While the crisis, in an effort overseen by a left Ukraine last week under transport links as it tries to stem a Covid outbreak
avoided thanks to the “skilful, world’s attention was focused Joint Coordination Centre in Is- the agreement.
competent and effective ac- on the nuclear plant, the war tanbul where Russian, Ukrain-
tions” of its units. was grinding on in the east and ian, Turkish and UN personnel Before the conflict, Russia
south. Ukraine’s military said are working. and Ukraine together account-
Grossi, who leads the United late on Saturday that Russian ed for nearly a third of global
Nation’s nuclear watchdog, forces had shelled dozens of Ukrainian Infrastructure wheat exports.
urged all sides to exercise the Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov
“utmost restraint”. Shells hit —Reuters

Human brain did not Chinese, Taiwanese warships ‘Little hope’
shrink 3,000 years ago shadow each other amid drills of saving
stranded
No change over any time-period: study beluga

NEW YORK implications of a substantial Taiwan says gradually RENNES
lifting restrictions on
As speculated ear- reduction in modern hu- flights through its Hopes of saving a mal-
lier, the 12th century airspace nourished beluga
BCE, a time when man brain size at roughly whale that has swum
3,000 years ago, during an up the Seine river were re-
era of many important in- ceding yesterday, but rescu-
ers said they have ruled out
humans were forging great novations and historical “euthanasia” for now.

empires and developing events, the appearance of TAIPEI The whale was first spot-
ted on Tuesday in the river
new forms of written text, Egypt’s New Kingdom, the that runs through Paris to the
English Channel. Since Friday
did not coincide with an development of Chinese Chinese and Taiwanese it has been between two locks
warships played high seas some 70 kilometres north of
evolutionary reduc- script, the Trojan War, “cat and mouse” yester- the French capital. But leav-
day ahead of the scheduled end ing it in the warm stagnant
tion in brain size, and the emergence of four days of unprecedented water between the lock gates
Chinese military exercises is no longer an option.
say a team of re- of the Olmec civi- launched in reaction to a visit
to Taiwan by US House Speaker “He has to be moved in
searchers refut- lization, among Nancy Pelosi. the coming 24-48 hours,
these conditions are not
ing the popular many others,” Pelosi’s visit last week to the good for him,” Sea Shep-
island infuriated China, which herd France head Lamya
hypothesis. said anthro- regards the island as its terri- Essemlali told AFP.
tory and which responded with
Last year, a pologist Brian test launches of ballistic mis- Specialists held out “little
siles over the island’s capital for hope” for the visibly under-
group of scien- Villmoare from the first time and the cutting of AP weight whale, Essemlali said.
some areas of dialogue with the Although rescuers tried feed-
tists made head- the varsity. United States. ■ Taiwanese naval frigate Lan Yang is seen from the deck of a ing it frozen herring and then
Chinese military ship during military exercises. live trout, it refused the food.
lines when they In a new paper About 10 warships each “His lack of appetite is surely
from China and Taiwan sailed a symptom of something
concluded that the published in Fron- at close quarters in the Taiwan else... an illness,” she said.
Strait, with some Chinese ves-
human brain tiers in Ecology sels crossing the median line, —AFP
an unofficial buffer separating
shrank during 1,000 and Evolution, the two sides, according to a tary ships, aircraft, and drones urday, the Taiwan side stayed
person with knowledge of the were simulating attacks on the close to monitor and, where
the transition they re-exam- matter. island and its navy. It said it had possible, deny the Chinese
to modern ur- ined the previ- sent aircraft and ships to react the ability to cross, said the
ban societies ous dataset and The island’s defence minis- “appropriately”. person with knowledge of the
about 3,000 human fossil found that hu- try said multiple Chinese mili- situation who declined to be
‘Regular’ drills identified.
years ago be- database in man brain size
cause, they previous study has not changed A commentator on Chinese “The two sides are show-
said, our an- in 30,000 years, state television said yesterday ing restraint,” the person said,
night that the Chinese military describing the manoeuvres as
cestors’ ability and probably would now conduct “regular” high seas “cat and mouse”.
drills on the Taiwan side of the
to store infor- not in 300,000 line, saying the “historic task” “One side tries to cross, and
of China’s reunification “can be the other stands in the way and
mation externally in social years. realised”. forces them to a more disad-
vantaged position and eventu-
groups decreased our need The previous hypotheses As Chinese forces “pressed” ally return to the other side.”
the line, as they did on Sat-
to maintain large brains. that gleaned from a dataset —Reuters

Not so fast, said the team of nearly 1,000 early human

from University of Nevada- fossil and museum speci-

Los Angeles. mens.

“We were struck by the — IANS

GULFNEWS.COM | MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 INDIA 13

Maiden PM: Cooperative federalism Short takes
rocket helped India overcome Covid
mission Family health
fails ‘EVERY STATE PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE ACCORDING TO ITS STRENGTH’ cards in TN

SRIHARIKOTA NEW DELHI The Tamil Nadu health
department will
The maiden mission H ighlighting the ef- ANI provide family health
of India’s brand new forts of state govern- cards to everyone,
rocket, the Rs 560 mil- ments in combat- ■ India is example for the developing nations to look up to as a global leader, Prime Minister listing their names, age,
lion Small Satellite Launch ing the challenge Narendra Modi said at the Governing Council Meeting of Niti Aayog, in New Delhi yesterday. occupation, health
Vehicle (SSLV), yesterday of Covid-19, Prime profile, and treatment
morning ended in a failure. Minister Narendra Modi yster- PM Modi said that the credit the Centre and States to iden- to focus on modernized agri- undertaken, it was
day said collective efforts in the for this goes to the state govern- tify national priorities. “For the culture, animal husbandry, and announced yesterday.
The failure of a small spirit of cooperative federalism ments, which focused on grass- first time in India’s 75 years of food processing to become self-
rocket in ejecting the two as a force helped India emerge roots delivery of public services independence, all of India’s sufficient and a global leader in State Health Minister
satellites into their intend- from the Covid pandemic. to the people through coopera- Chief Secretaries met together the agriculture sector. Ma Subramanian said
ed orbit puts the focus on tion across political lines. in one place and deliberated on the scheme will be part
the safety of India’s human Addressing the seventh issues of national importance —ANI of the ‘Makkalai Thedi
space mission that will be meeting of the Governing Seventh meeting for three days. This collective Maruthuvum’ programme
carried out by Geosynchro- Council of Niti Aayog, PM process led to the development India poised for under which people are
nous Satellite Launch Ve- Modi said, “Every state played The Prime Minister high- of the agenda for this meeting,” double digit growth treated for diabetes and
hicle-Mk III (GSLV-Mk III) a crucial role according to its lighted that the seventh meet- Prime Minister said. this fiscal: Niti Aayog hypertension at their
with the tricky cryogenic strength and contributed to In- ing was a culmination of doorsteps.
engine stage. dia’s fight against Covid. This months of rigorous brainstorm- The Prime Minister further
led to India emerging as an ex- ing and consultations between highlighted the need for India Blow to TRS as
Hours after the SSLV- ample for the developing na- Pradeep quits
D1 was launched with two tions to look up to as a global
satellites at about 9.18 AM, leader.” In a blow to the
the Indian Space Research Telangana Rashtra
Organisation (Isro) said sat- This was the first physi- Samithi, Panchayat
ellites are unusable as they cal meeting of the Governing Raj Minister Errabelli
were put into a different or- Council since the onset of the Dayakar Rao’s brother
bit than the intended one. pandemic, with the 2021 meet- Errabelli Pradeep Rao
ing held via video conferenc- yesterday announced
‘All the stages performed ing. The meeting was attended his resignation from
normally. Both the satel- by 23 Chief Ministers, three the party. Pradeep
lites were injected. But the Lieutenant Governors and two Rao, former Chairman
orbit achieved was less than Administrators and Union of Warangal Urban
expected, which makes it Ministers. The meeting was Cooperative Bank, has
unstable,’ Isro said in a very moderated by Defence Minister been unhappy with the
brief statement about the Rajnath Singh. party for denying him
mission. ticket for Assembly
In his inaugural address, election and for not
‘SSLV-D1 placed the sat- Prime Minister said India’s fed- nominating him to the
ellites into 356 km x 76 km eral structure and cooperative Legislative Council.
elliptical orbit instead of 356 federalism emerged as a model
km circular orbit - 76 km is for the world during the Covid CUET-UG exam
the lowest point close to the crisis. He said that India had deferred again
surface of the earth,’ ISRO sent a powerful message to the
Chairman S. Somanath said. developing nations of the world The Central
— that it is possible to overcome Universities Common
He said when the satel- challenges with resilience de- Entrance Test (CUET)
lites are placed in such an spite resource limitations. UG examination,
orbit, they will not stay scheduled for August
there for long and will come 4 across 17 states
down. but postponed till
August 12 due to
—IANS administrative and
technical reasons,
Idukki dam’s First time ever, US Navy ship will now be held from
shutter opened in India for repair services August 24.

Orange alert issued TWO MISSING USNS Charles Drew According to the
as water level in will be at Kattupalli University Grants
reservoir touches Two fishermen, shipyard in Chennai Commission (UGC),
2401.58 feet who had gone to for 11 days now the postponed
the sea yesterday examination will take
IDUKKI morning from NEW DELHI place from August 24-28
Thiruvananthapuram, instead of August 12-14.
In view of heavy rainfall, were missing after Adding a new dimension to ■ The arrival of USNS Charles Drew for repairs is a sign of
the State Water Authority their boat capsized in the burgeoning India-US maturing Indian shipbuilding industry, according to India’s HC orders NHAI
of Kerala opened a shutter Muthala Pozhi. strategic partnership, US Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. to fill potholes
of Kerala’s Idukki dam as the Navy Ship USNS Charles Drew
water level continues to rise. The missing arrived at Kattupalli shipyard $2b shipyards with a turnover of Kerala High Court on
fishermen have been in Chennai on Sunday for un- nearly $2 billion. We are mak- Saturday asked the
“Shutter No 3 of the Cheru- identified as Suneer and dertaking repairs and allied Turnover of six ing ships not only for our own National Highway
thoni dam was opened at 6 in Safeer, who are from services. major shipyards requirements. We have our own Authority of India
the morning by 40 cm but it Chermunathuruthu in in India design house capable of mak- (NHAI) to fill the
was raised to 60 cm on 8.30 Thiruvananthapuram. According to the Ministry of ing all kinds of state-of-the-art potholes immediately
AM,” said Idukki district of- The fishing boat in Defence, this is the first ever letter day for the Indian ship- ships. The country’s first Indig- in the wake of a
ficials. The district adminis- which they had gone repair of a US Navy ship in In- building industry and the enous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant man’s death in Kochi.
tration has issued an orange to the sea along with dia. The US Navy had awarded India-US defence relationship, is a shining example of the A scooter rider has
alert as the water level in another fisherman Ansari a contract to L&T’s Shipyard Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar growth of the Indian shipbuild- died in an accident
the reservoir there touched overturned near the at Kattupalli for undertaking said, “We are indeed pleased to ing industry,” he said. that occurred due
2401.58 feet. Muthala Pozhi due to maintenance of the ship. The welcome US Naval Ship USNS to a pothole on the
high waves and wind. event signifies the capabili- Charles Drew to India, for mak- Latest technologies National Highway at
Kerala is experiencing ties of Indian shipyards in the ing her voyage ready. India’s Nedumbassery in
continuous rains these days, —IANS global ship repairing market. initiative also assumes special “Under the new innovation Ernakulam district.
which is wreaking havoc in Indian shipyards offer wide- significance in furthering the ecosystem, vessels capable of Hashim, (52) died on
the state. Due to the rain, life and warned that the state ranging and cost-effective ship strategic partnership between undertaking autonomous mis- Friday night. He was
has been disturbed all around can expect isolated extremely repair and maintenance ser- India and the US. It marks the sions have been built by Goa run over by a lorry upon
the state. heavy rainfall over its Ghat vices, using advanced maritime beginning of a new chapter for Shipyard Limited and some of falling from his scooter.
regions. technology platforms, said the deeper engagements.” our start-ups. The shipbuilding
Earlier, on Friday also, the Ministry. industry today is not just car- Back with family
administration opened four Earlier in the month of Kumar described the ar- rying out conventional things, after nine years
shutters of the Malampuzha July, the Kannur and Kasar- Official welcome rival of USNS Charles Drew for but is also amalgamating the
dam and also issued a warn- god districts witnessed heavy repairs as a sign of maturing latest technologies with it,” he A girl, kidnapped
ing for those living close to showers with the rivers of Defence Secretary Ajay Ku- Indian shipbuilding industry. added. almost nine years ago
the banks of the Mukkaipu- Kasargod overflowing. mar, Vice Chief of Naval Staff “Today, India has six major from the Gilbert area of
zha, Kalpathipuzha, and Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, The Defence Secretary also Mumbai’s Andheri, was
Bharathapuzha rivers. Several houses in Kannur Flag Officer Commanding Ta- asserted that the ties between reunited with her family
collapsed and got partially mil Nadu and Puducherry Na- India and US have been ex- on Friday in Mumbai.
Rains forecast damaged due to the inun- val Area Rear Admiral S Venkat panding in scale and scope.
dation of rainwater inside. Raman and other senior offi- D N Nagar police have
As per the rule curve, the One family had to be shifted cials of the Ministry of Defence —ANI arrested one of the
capacity of the dam is 112.99 from the Payannur munici- visited the shipyard to welcome accused and sent him
metres. The situation is not pality due to the overflow. the vessel. Consul General of to custody till August 10.
alarming at present but the The water levels of Kadalundi US Embassy in Chennai Judith The police registered a
shutters were opened and (Malapuram), Bharathapuzha Ravin and Defence Attache at first information report
raised up to 5 cm in view of (Palakkad), Shiria (Kasar- the US Embassy at New Delhi (FIR) against the accused
the heavy rains. god), Karavannoor (Thrissur) Rear Admiral Michael Baker couple Harry D’Souza
and Gayathripuzha (Thrissur) were also present. and his wife Soni with
The India Meteorologi- rivers have reached the warn- charges of kidnapping,
cal Department (IMD) has ing level. Terming the event as a red- wrongful confinement
predicted widespread rains and trafficking.
in Kerala from August 4 to 8 —ANI
—Agencies

14 PAKISTAN MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 | GULFNEWS.COM

PTI cabinet Zoo offers lions to private collectors
takes office
in Punjab Conservationists say ■ Lions at their
the big cats should enclosure at the
be moved to other Lahore Safari Zoo,
established zoos considered one of
the best in Pakistan.
UP FOR AUCTION
AFP

TOP BUREAUCRAT REQUESTS LAHORE
WITHDRAWAL OF SERVICES

ISLAMABAD senior leaders, it was made APakistan zoo is auction- 29 12 AFP an initial attempt last year
clear to Pervaiz Elahi that ing off a dozen lions to to auction lions fell through as
BY ZUBAIR QURESHI since his party Pakistan Mus- private collectors next Lions currently of the lions in potential buyers lacked the
lim League-Quaid (PML-Q) week to free up space for a housed at the the zoo to be necessary documentation or
Correspondent was given the top slot i.e. pride that won’t stop growing. Lahore Safari Zoo auctioned off licences.
Chief Minister despite having
P unjab Governor Ba- 10 votes, the provincial cabi- Lahore Safari Zoo now has ing trade - which is counter- serve of 150,000 Pakistan Nouman Hassan, who fell
lighur Rehman has net would comprise the PTI’s so many big cats that their li- productive to conservation,” rupees ($700) per cat, but foul of authorities in the past
administered the members. ons and tigers have to take it in she added. hope each will fetch around when he was filmed walking
oath of office to the turns to access the paddocks, two million rupees. Not just his pet tiger on a leash in La-
21-member Punjab In the new setup, the fi- said Tanvir Ahmed Janjua, the Keeping lions, tigers and anyone can take part in the hore, plans to take part.
cabinet comprising all PTI nance portfolio has been giv- zoo’s deputy director. other exotic wildlife as pets is auction, however. Janjua said
members. en to Mohsin Leghari while not uncommon in Pakistan, buyers will have to be regis- “I will try to buy two to
the home and prisons depart- “Not only will we free up and is seen as a status symbol. tered with provincial authori- three lions for sure,” he told
The ministers took oath ment has been put under the more space here, but our ex- ties and show they have the AFP, adding the auction was a
after the Supreme Court de- control of retired Col Hashim penses for meat to feed them Wealthy owners post imag- means to provide proper care good way to diversify the gene
clared Chaudhry Parvaiz Ela- Dogar. will also decrease,” he said. es and video clips of their big and shelter for the creatures. pool for private collectors who
hi the province’s executive on cats on social media, and rent already owned a big cat.
winning 186 votes in the run- PTI’s Khurram Virk has The zoo is currently home them out as props for movies Zoo veterinary officer Mo-
off elections of the Punjab As- been given the law and par- to 29 lions, and officials plan and photoshoots. hammad Rizwan Khan told With little legislation to
sembly on July 26. liamentary affairs portfolio an auction on August 11 to sell safeguard animal welfare,
while Dr Yasmin Rashid has 12 of them, aged between two Zoo officials have set a re- zoos across Pakistan are noto-
The Punjab Governor had been retained as health min- and five years old. rious for their poor facilities,
earlier refused to administer ister. Raja Yasir Humayun but the Lahore Safari Zoo is
oath to Pervaiz Elahi as a tit- is made minister for higher There are also six resident considered one of the best.
for-tat action to Imran Khan’s education and IT while Mu- tigers and two jaguars.
party Pakistan Tehreek-e- rad Raas has been retained as —AFP
Insaf’s (PTI) Governor Omar school education minister. Opposition to sale
Sarfraz Cheema’s refusal to
administer oath to the Paki- After the provincial cabi- Conservationists are op-
stan Muslim League-Nawaz’s net took oath, Punjab Chief posed to the sale, with the
(PML-N) Chief Minister Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal environmental group WWF
Hamza Shehbaz. ‘owing to personal reasons’ saying the creatures should
made a request to the federal be moved to other established
Official ceremony government to withdraw his zoos, or breeding females
services immediately. sterilised or given contracep-
However, regarding oath tives.
to provincial ministers, he al- His request came in the
lowed the chief minister and wake of a wide-range of “Animal exchanges and
his cabinet to attend the of- transfers and postings of the donations between zoos are
ficial ceremony at the Gover- officers of the district admin- a widely accepted practice,”
nor’s House. istration and police across the the organisation’s Uzma Khan
province by Chief Minister told AFP.
In the new cabinet, all the Elahi.
ministers belong to the PTI “Once an institution such
and according to the PTI’s as a zoo places a price tag on
a wildlife species it is promot-

Karachi residents suffer during
rains due to poor infrastructure

Potholes, damaged ■ The monsoon rains have severely damaged the drainage
systems in the city, creating serious problems for motorists.
drainage system add
Rs1.5b
to monsoon woes
released by the
KARACHI cabinet for the
repair of roads
BY AZEEM SAMAR
70137057_26.1 ■ A fruit vendor pushes his Hundreds of thousands of
Correspondent cart across a flooded street office-goers who use motor-
following heavy monsoon cycles in Karachi have started
The economic and health rains in Karachi last month. complaining of backache.
problems of Karachi resi-
dents have multiplied due proached for special financial Prof Dr Mohammad Wasay,
to poor road infrastructure in assistance to restore the vital President of Neurology Aware-
the city that is constantly being civic infrastructure in the city. ness and Research Foundation,
damaged due to back-to-back said that young people in Kara-
spells of heavy monsoon rains. The cabinet decided to im- chi in their 30s were diagnosed
mediately release Rs 1.5 bil- with the issue of degenerative
Craters and potholes have lion for the repair of the roads spine after constant use of two-
developed on all major roads on seven routes of the newly wheelers.
and streets in every part of Ka- launched People’s Bus Service
rachi. The monsoon rains have in the city. Prof Dr Abdul Malik, a con-
severely damaged the drainage sultant neurologist, said that
and sewerage systems in the bikers in Karachi had been de-
city, creating serious problems veloping spinal disk problems
for motorists. as shock absorbers on motor-
cycles were either not properly
Craters on the roads are often maintained or of poor quality.
filled with rainwater or waste-
water that seriously impedes
the smooth flow of traffic, be-
sides damaging four-wheelers
and two-wheelers. The vehicle
owners are left with no option
but to spend extra money on
the repair of their cars and mo-
torcycles but doing so creates
an immense financial burden
on them due to high inflation.

Sindh Chief Minister, Syed
Murad Ali Shah, told Prime
Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, dur-
ing a video conference that the
rains had damaged 35 sewerage
lines of Karachi Water & Sew-
erage Board, besides damaging
a number of main roads in the
city.

A recent meeting of the
Sindh cabinet decided to start
the assessment of damaged
roads, sewerage, and drainage
lines in Karachi so that the fed-
eral government could be ap-

GULFNEWS.CO M | MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 SPORT 15

Scan for our social media

Aussies set gold standard Meronk keen to
in women’s cricket, again return to Tour

NIKHAT SWELLS INDIA’S GOLD TALLY AS BADMINTON STARS MAKE FINAL To take part
in DP World
BIRMINGHAM Championship
in November

A ustralia again DUBAI

stamped their class BY NICK TARRATT
Senior Golf Writer
on women’s cricket

by clinching a thrill-

ing nine-run win Gulf News met up with
Dubai-resident, 29
over India in the final of the year-old Adrian Mer-
onk (Poland), who plays on
Commonwealth Games at Edg- the DP World Tour, as we in-
terrupted his down time, on
baston yesterday. holiday in Thailand.

Ashleigh Gardner pulled Aus- Sponsored by Dubai-based ■ Adrian Meronk, who is on
White Eagle Sport, through a break, will be back on
tralia back into the contest with fellow Pole Marta Biswas and the course on Tuesday.
husband Subho, Adrian is
two quick strikes after Indian now placed in 60th on the Read full interview
OWGR and eighth on the DP of Dubai resident
skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and World Tour Rankings. Adrian Meronk

Jemimah Rodrigues put on a ■ What was the reaction ■ As a Dubai resident when
from everyone to your win will see you back home in
96-run partnership for the third in the Horizon Irish Open Dubai?
on the DP World Tour?
wicket, chasing a target of 162 I will be back home in
I received a great reception Dubai at the end of October. I
in 20 overs. After Megan Schutt in Ireland immediately after will be playing the DP World
my win, the Irish people are Tour Championship, Dubai on
broke the partnership by remov- very friendly people. Then I Earth course at Jumeirah Golf
travelled to Scotland for both Estates in November.
ing Rodrigues at 118, Gardner the Genesis Scottish Open and
The Open, and for the first I will pop home to Poland
struck a twin blow to remove time I was being recognised between Christmas and back
and everyone seemed to want in Dubai just after New Year
Harmanpreet for 65 to leave In- a photo and selfie with me. and then play the Desert
Swing events and be based
dia 121 for five and the subse- ■ The Open was your last there until the end of April, as
tournament. Are you still was my 2022 schedule.
quent run outs under pressure Reuters practicing and hitting balls
since playing there? ■ Tell us about your part-
handed back the advantage to ■ Australian players celebrate their victory in the gold medal match against India at Edgbaston, nership with Dubai-based
capping a stellar campaign in the Commonwealth Games Women’s Cricket T20 competition. No! I decided to take a Marta Biswas, husband
Australia, with India folding up complete one month break Subho and White Eagle
after The Open. That means Sport?
for 152 with three balls to spare. a ‘complete’ break with my
clubs locked away with not Marta and Subho have been
Australian opener Beth Moon- a ball being hit nor any exer- super supportive and are one
cise or even gym work. I am of my main sponsors, with
ey top-scored with 61, but a ter- decision. Nikhat won three of now back to work on Tuesday their White Eagle Sport logo
her bouts at Birmingham 2022 with 10 days or so prepara- on both my clothing and golf
rific fightback from India in the 5-0 and one via RSC (referee tions: hitting golf balls and bag. With Marta being a fel-
stops contest). lots of gym work, ready for low Pole and us all together
last five overs meant that Aus- my return to the DP World in Dubai it made our partner-
In a close-range contest, the Tour at the OMEGA European ship a ‘no-brainer.’ It was ex-
tralia finished at 161/8. two boxers traded blows early Masters at Crans-Sur-Sierre tra special that they followed
on but Zareen prevailed with GC, Switzerland from August me in Ireland when I won,
Apart from the 74-run stand her combinations early on. 25-28. they were special memories
With a mix of left hooks and that I will always cherish.
between Beth and captain Meg crosses, the Indian contained
the 33-year-old Carly McNaul
Lanning, Australia were not al- in the opening round.

lowed to break free as India con- McNaul continued to fight at
close range and resorted to a lot
ceded only 36 runs in the last of clinching even as the Indian
boxer countered her attacks.
five overs, taking five scalps. In- However, the efforts in the first
two rounds were enough for
dia were splendid in their field- Nikhat who went into evasive
mode in the final round and
ing, making tight stops, taking sealed the bout and her maiden
CWG medal.
brilliant catches and effecting
In badminton, Two-time
terrific run-outs. With the ball, Olympic bronze medallist P.V
Sindhu, World Championship
Renuka Thakur and Sneh Rana bronze medallist Lakshya Sen ANI
and the top men’s doubles pair
took two wickets each while of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and ■ India’s Nikhat Zareen celebrates her gold medal in the flyweight
category of the Commonwealth Games boxing competition.
Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav

had a wicket apiece.

India struck gold in the box-

ing ring, with world champion Chirag Shetty made it to the fi- ing for the bronze medals.
nals in their respective sections India’s Dipika Pallikal
Nikhat Zareen triumphing in as India set themselves up for
three gold in a final flourish. Karthik and Saurav Ghosal
the women’s 50kg light fly- won the mixed doubles bronze
Kidambi Srikanth lost in the medal in squash, defeating
weight division by winning the men’s singles semi-finals as did Australian duo Donna Lobban
the young women’s doubles and Cameron Pilley 2-0 (11-8,
final bout comprehensively. pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri 11-4).
Gopichand. They will be fight-
The 26-year-old defeated —Agencies

Northern Ireland’s Carly Mc-

Naul, a silver medallist from

Gold Coast 2018, by unanimous

Spinners turn on the heat Dubai-based Shiv Kapur finishes tied 27th
as India drub West Indies
Shoots final round sia Open played over the 7,243 for me. After a couple of months
Bishnoi takes 4-16, two under par 70 yards, par 72, Pondok Indah Golf off and away from the tourna-
while Kuldeep, Axar in Indonesia Open Course. Fellow Dubai resident ment scene, I am pleased with
bag 3 wickets each MG Keyser (RSA), who repre- my form. I have been working
in 88-run victory DUBAI sents Jumeirah Golf Estates, hard on my short game and
BY NICK TARRATT shot his best of the week round wedge play and it is still work
LAUDERHILL, US Senior Golf Writer of 69, to finish the tournament in progress. My next event is in
with rounds of: 70. 70. 74. 69 Singapore next week. I am look-
Rampant India toyed with Dubai-based Shiv Kapur for a total of 283 and five under ing to build on this week and
an outclassed and de- shot a final round of 70, par for tied 45th spot. hopefully my current jet lag will
flated West Indies in two under par, for a tour- be behind me by then.”
completing an 88-run victory nament total of 278, nine under Steady performance
in the final T20 International par, to finish in tied 27th place in India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar
of a five-match series at the the $500,000 Mandiri Indone- On completing his round, made history by becoming the
Broward County Stadium in Shiv told Gulf News, “It has been first player to win this week’s
Florida yesterday. a steady performance this week tournament on three occasions.

Shreyas Iyer’s 64 at the top AP Short takes England’s Shinkwin
of the order in a rejigged Indi- claims Cazoo Open
an batting order led his team’s ■ India’s Axar Patel, centre, celebrates with his teammates Raza helps Zimbabwe
charge to a total of 188 for sev- after bowling West Indies’ Shamarh Brooks during the fifth clinch ODI series Callum Shinkwin of England
en batting first. and final T20 match in Lauderhill, Florida, yesterday. strolled to a stunning four-
Sikandar Raza scored an shot victory at the €1.75
The Caribbean players’ not- former captain Jason Holder the match award by setting unbeaten 117 as Zimbabwe McIlroy remains on top million 2022 Cazoo Open
ed vulnerability to spin was being pushed mystifyingly to the West Indies immediately staged a great run chase for in DP World rankings supported by Gareth Bale to
then exposed by the trio of the top of the order. on the back foot with the first the second time in three days claim his second DP World
Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav three wickets. to beat Bangladesh by five Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland Tour title in style.
and Axar Patel as they crashed It ended with an abject ca- wickets yesterday and take a remained on top in the updated
to 100 all out off 15.4 overs to pitulation as the last six wick- “My plan was to vary my winning 2-0 lead in the three- DP World Tour Rankings at The 29 year-old carded six
surrender the series 4-1. ets tumbled for 17 runs. It only pace and take advantage of the match ODI series. the end of €1.75 million Cazoo birdies and five bogeys yesterday
served to magnify the excel- wickets here, which were simi- Open supported by Gareth Bale to reach 12 under par for the
Bishnoi led the rout with four lence of Shimron Hetmyer’s lar to the Caribbean in being The Pakistan-born batsman on the DP World Tour. tournament and continue his
for 16 while Yadav and Patel commanding 56 which came slow and offering a lot of assis- hit four sixes and eight fours off love affair with The Celtic Manor
claimed three wickets each. off 35 balls and was highlight- tance,” said the all-rounder. 127 deliveries and his 201-run None of the top 10 places in Resort, where he has finished
ed by five fours and four sixes. fifth-wicket partnership with the rankings changed. Movers first, fourth and joint-eighth in his
It marks the first occasion “It really doesn’t matter captain Regis Chakabva turned and shakers this week included last three visits.
in T20 Internationals, since Axar player of the match how people classify me as a the tide after Bangladesh Callum Shinkwin (Eng), who
the first was played in 2005, batting or bowling all-round- posted 290-9 in Harare. moved up 65 spots to number 28 The fans may have expected
that all ten wickets in an in- Patel, whose powerful late- er, once I contribute.” with his win. Connor Syme (Scot) to see a match play contest
nings were taken by spinners. order hitting was also impor- Zimbabwe reached 291-5 rose 34 spots to No 32, and between Shinkwin and Julien
tant in both the T20I matches Left-arm seamer Arshdeep with 15 balls to spare. The Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson moved Guerrier, who were separated
India’s utter dominance and preceding One-Day Inter- Singh, who took seven wick- triumph was the ninth in 10 ODI up just three spots to 34. by one shot at the start of the
contrasted sharply with a national series — which India ets in the series, was named and T20 matches under new day, but that was not to be.
confused West Indian bat- swept 3-0 — took the man of man of the series. coach Dave Houghton.
ting effort, which began with — Staff Reports
—Reuters

16 SPORT MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 | GULFNEWS.COM

LONDON HAALAND STRAIGHT TALK

E rling Haaland said he is PROMISES United must
only getting started af-
ter scoring twice on his MDROERAEMADFTEEBRUT let Ronaldo
Premier League debut
as Manchester City won GUARDIOLA’S SIDE BEGIN leave, says
2-0 at West Ham yesterday. TITLE DEFENCE WITH SLICK
DISPLAY AS UNITED UNDER Rooney
The Norwegian came on and TEN HAG FALL TO BRIGHTON
then coolly slotted home a pen- LONDON
alty to open the scoring before I was aware of Reuters reer goal against United, after
latching onto Kevin De Bruyne’s it before, this David De Gea had poorly pushed Former Manchester
through ball to become the first game doesn’t ■ Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after the Red out a Solly March drive right into United forward Wayne
City player to score twice on his change that. Devils’ first goal against Brighton at Old Trafford yesterday. the path of the German. Rooney believes that
league debut since Sergio Aguero. It is a hell of a the club must let Cristiano
job. We have to Ten Hag introduced Cris- Ronaldo leave if they are to
“It’s about the connections work really hard, tiano Ronaldo in the 53rd min- build a successful team for
we do every day in training. analyse then ute and the Portugal forward, the future under new man-
This will come even more so move forward.” who is reported to want to leave ager Erik ten Hag.
I’m not worried,” said Haaland. the club, provided the spark for
“It could have been more.” Erik ten Hag » United’s attempted comeback. The 37-year-old Ronaldo,
Manchester United’s new who re-signed for United
Haaland is seen as the succes- manager The home side gave them- from Juventus last season,
sor to Aguero, who is the club’s selves a foothold in the 68th reportedly wants a move
all-time leading goalscorer. United fans’ hopes that the The former Ajax coach wit- the half-hour with Leandro minute when a goalmouth away from Old Trafford after
off-season would mark a turning nessed a performance that was Trossard finding former United scramble ended with Alexis the team’s failure to qualify
Pep Guardiola’s men won the point have faded, with the club every bit as disjointed as those forward Danny Welbeck who Mac Allister turning the ball for the Champions League.
Premier League for the past two failing to make major moves yet produced under his predeces- squared the ball to the back into his own net but Brighton
seasons largely playing without in the transfer market and there sors Ralf Rangnick and Ole post for Gross to slot home. held on for a second straight “I think United should let
a central striker and the City was a grim familiarity to the Gunnar Solskjaer last season. win against United and their Cristiano Ronaldo go. It’s not
boss was delighted with how club’s opening match. Nine minutes later, Gross dou- first ever at Old Trafford. that Ronaldo can’t play in a
quickly the move for Haaland Brighton took the lead on bled the lead, with his sixth ca- Ten Hag team. He can play
paid off. “Erling is a good fin- Ten Hag said he had no il- in any team,” Rooney, who
isher and he is adapting per- lusions of the scale of the task now manages Major League
fectly,” he said. ahead of him. “I was aware of it Soccer side DC United, said.
before, this game doesn’t change
“He was good. I can’t teach that. It is a hell of a job. We have “Ronny will always score
him to score goals and he just to work really hard, analyse then you goals. But my personal
needs to be comfortable.” move forward,” he said. view is that United aren’t
ready to challenge for the ti-
City were awarded a penalty —Agencies tle now, so the aim has to be
after 36 minutes when Haaland to build a team that can win
charged past the West Ham de- the league in the next three
fence to latch onto a through to four years, and you have to
ball and take it around Alphonse plan for that.” Ronaldo net-
Areola before being fouled by the ted 24 times in all competi-
substitute goalkeeper. tions last season, emerging as
one of the few bright sparks
The Norwegian striker in an otherwise forgettable
stepped up to convert the spot campaign for United that
kick, his cool finish sending Are- saw them finish sixth.
ola the wrong way to give City
a deserved lead after an utterly Ten Hag this week said
dominant first half. he was happy to have a “top
striker” like Ronaldo in the
City midfielder Kevin De squad and looking forward
Bruyne then defended a se- to working with him.
ries of crosses before slipping
through a delightful pin-point Rooney, who is United’s
pass to Haaland, who timed his all-time leading scorer,
run to perfection and slotted added he was hopeful that
home with a fine left-footed Ten Hag would be able to
finish in the 65th minute. establish a clear playing
style at his former club.
At Old Trafford, new manag-
er Erik ten Hag saw the depth of — Reuters
the crisis at Manchester United
when his side fell to a 2-1 Pre-
mier League defeat by Brighton
& Hove Albion, with German
Pascal Gross scoring twice.

Magnificent Messi inspires PSG to 5-0 win

Courtesy: Leandro Lo Insta Scores sensational Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos brilliantly flicked the ball into at Racing Strasbourg after
bicycle-kick as team as they followed up last week- the path of Neymar, who fin- the home side had a last gasp
■ Brazilian Leandro Lo, who won eight world titles, was shot begin Ligue 1 defence end’s 4-0 Trophee des Cham- ished an excellent move. equaliser ruled out by VAR.
on the head by a stranger in a Sao Paulo pub. pions victory over Nantes with
PARIS another easy win. Hakimi scored midway Monaco, who play away in the
Brazilian jiu-jitsu great through the first half from a Champions League preliminary
Leandro Lo fatally shot Lionel Messi scored a sen- It took only nine minutes for lightening counter-attack, be- round against PSV Eindhoven on
sational bicycle-kick goal them to get in front as Messi fore Marquinhos headed Ney- Tuesday, went 2-0 up through
as Paris St Germain began mar’s free-kick into the net. Krepin Diatta and Sofiane Diop
the defence of their Ligue 1 title before Habib Diallo pulled one
with an emphatic 5-0 victory Neymar then provided a back in the 65th minute.
over Clermont at the Stade Ga- fourth for Messi, before the Ar-
briel Montpied on Saturday. gentine forward capped off an Diallo thought he had anoth-
excellent performance with a er, two minutes into stoppage
Messi netted a brace to stunning goal, chesting a pass time, when he headed home
go with goals from Neymar, from Leandro Paredes and pro- but teammate Alexander Djiku
viding a bicycle-kick finish. was found to be offside.

Earlier, Monaco won 2-1 — Reuters

Short takes Ayuso commits to
UAE Team until 2028
Eight-time champion record — pinned the man to Medvedev the man to Conte hails Spurs’ UAE’s Almeida wins
pronounced the ground “to stop the situa- UAE Team Emirates are
brain-dead by hospital tion and avoid a fight,” Sique- beat in Montreal perfect start to season Vuelta Burgos stage 5 pleased to announce the
ira said. He said Lo’s friends contract extension of Juan
RIO DE JANEIRO then helped both men up and Daniil Medvedev will get the Antonio Conte described his Joao Almeida put in a sterling Ayuso, who has renewed his
urged the stranger to calm chance to further solidify his Tottenham Hotspur side’s ride on stage 5 of the Vuelta existing deal to stay at the
Brazilian jiu-jitsu great down and leave. fragile world No 1 ranking as dominant 4-1 opening win Burgos to win the last day on team until the end of 2028.
Leandro Lo, an eight- the ATP Montreal Masters against Southampton as the the mountain finish on the
time world champion, Irreversible condition begins today. ‘perfect start’ to their Premier Lagunas de Neila (170km). Ayuso joined the team
was fatally shot in a Sao Paulo League season on Saturday. midway through 2021 with the
club yesterday, his family’s “At that exact moment, the The Russian, who was The UAE Team Emirates rider 19-year old part of the teams
lawyer said. guy allegedly turned around, banned along with his Conte took over as manager was distanced by the leading long term plan to develop
pulled out a gun and shot Le- compatriots and Belarus players last November and transformed group from the pace put on by young talented riders.
The 33-year-old martial arts andro in the head,” Siqueira from Wimbledon due to the the north London club’s form to Ineos-Grenadiers but fought back
champ was out with friends for told AFP. The jiu-jitsu champ invasion of Ukraine, secured his seal a top-four finish. to catch and pass all of his rivals Although still in his first
an event at the Clube Siria, a was rushed to hospital, but first ATP title of the season on before putting in his trademark full professional season and
sports and social club in Bra- was pronounced brain-dead, Saturday at Los Cabos, Mexico Some impressive business in kick to the line to take victory. being one of the youngest
zil’s biggest city, when a stran- he said. over Britain’s Cameron Norrie. the transfer market has raised riders on the pro circuit, Ayuso
ger approached their table expectations ahead of the As a result of his impressive has already tasted his first
and began making threaten- “His condition is irre- “The good thing about tennis new campaign and Tottenham climbing display he also shot up professional victory at the
ing gestures with a bottle, said versible. They’re just wait- is that in one week you can turn responded with a vibrant the General Classification to finish Circuito de Getxo in Spain
lawyer Iva Siqueira Junior. ing on some bureaucratic around your season,” Medvedev performance. second overall, +35’’ behind race earlier this month.
stuff to confirm (his death), said in Mexico. In Montreal, winner Pavel Sivakov. UAE Team
Lo, who won International but there’s no bringing him the 26-year-old will be missing “It was a perfect start for us, win tally rises to 38 this season. The young Spaniard will
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federa- back,” Siqueira said. his two major rivals — Rafael despite going behind,” Conte told now look to continue his
tion (IBJJF) world titles in five Nadal, who withdrew due to an the BBC. “We conceded a goal development alongside
different weight classes from Authorities have identified injury and Novak Djokovic who but after this we continued to the Emirati squad for the
2012 to 2022 — an all-time the shooter and are searching cannot enter Canada due to his play and we continued to believe foreseeable future.
for him, he said. vaccination status. in what we are working on in the
training sessions.” — Staff Reports
— AFP

DAILY HOROSCOPE PLUS HOTLINE INSIDE Scan for our ALSO INSIDE
social media
Lisa Kudrow
Monday, August 8, 2022 recalls body
image struggle

PAGE 2

‘EASTER SUNDAY’
A CELEBRATION OF
FILIPINO CULTURE

PAGE 6

Staying
grounded

India’s undisputed YouTube star Bhuvan
Bam opens up on his creative process
and how he nurtures his mass appeal
Pages 4-5

2 gulfnews.com/tabloid
Monday, August 8, 2022

HOT TOPICS

Photos: AP, Instagram, IMDb, Supplied Judith Durham with fellow
band member Athol Guy.
Kudrow shares
body image woe Aussie folk music icon
Judith Durham dies
‘Friends’ star reveals in that I don’t really look like I thought I
podcast how she came looked. That’s what was so jarring and Judith Durham, Australia’s folk music icon who
to terms with insecurity that’s when I was like, ‘I’ve gotta actu- achieved global fame as the lead singer of The
ally lose weight? I have to diet? Shoot’.” Seekers, has died. She was 79.
Friends star Lisa Kudrow has described Durham died in Alfred Hospital in Melbourne
the ‘jarring’ emotion she felt when film- Asked whether the media had im- on Friday night after suffering complications
ing the hit American sitcom alongside pacted her change in perception, Lisa from a long-standing lung disease, Universal
co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Court- put it down to ‘just seeing herself on Music Australia and Musicoast said in a state-
eney Cox. the show’ and simply seeing how the ment on Saturday.
female trio looked in clothes. Durham made her first recording at 19 and rose
The 59-year old, who shot to world- to fame after joining The Seekers in 1963. The
wide fame in the mid-1990s for her Kudrow said she asked Aniston, who group of four became the first Australian band
portrayal of Phoebe Buffay, revealed played Rachel Green and Cox, who to achieve major chart and sales success in the
that her body perception soon changed starred as Monica Gellar, to accompany UK and the United States, eventually selling
after she landed the role, reports mirror. her to various fittings to offer their 50 million records. International hits included
co.uk. wisdom. At that point she realised it The Carnival is Over, I’ll Never Find Another You,
“wasn’t just about tailoring”. A World of Our Own and Georgy Girl. Durham
Kudrow told the Popcrushed podcast embarked on a solo career in 1968 but recorded
she suffered from body dysmorphia, She added: “I’m not trying to say I with The Seekers again in the 1990s. —AP
adding that she wrongly felt like a ‘stick’ was overweight either. I was not. I just
like her sister and father. had no idea of the actual shape of my Harrelson pens funny
body.” poem for doppelganger
“I didn’t see it. I had no waist. I didn’t
see it at all. I thought I was just really Kudrow went on to reveal that she Not everyone is lucky to have someone like True
skinny and I could just do whatever,” finally began to accept her body upon Detectives star Woody Harrelson write a poem in
she explained. reaching her 40s, telling herself: “Do their name. Interestingly, a toddler named Cora
what you need to do to be healthy but has managed to achieve the same.
“And I would look at pictures and be this is your body and it’s OK.” Harrelson penned a hilarious poem for Cora, who
like, ‘Wow, pictures really distort reality’. happens to be his doppelganger. He posted Ode
It wasn’t until Friends that I realised It comes after Aniston recently re- to Cora on Instagram where it took off.
vealed that the girls ate the same salad He wrote: ‘Ode to Cora. You’re an adorable
every day for 10 years while filming. child. Flattered to be compared. You have a
wonderful smile. I just wish I had your hair.”
—IANS According to Newsweek, the poem came in
response to a now-viral tweet from Cora’s mom,
Dani Grier Mulvenna (@DanielleKGrier) in which
she shared side-by-side photos of Cora and the
Zombieland actor both flashing big grins. “OK,
but how does our daughter look like Woody Har-
relson,” she joked. —IANS

Why won’t Taapsee be on ‘Koffee With Karan? 3gulfnews.com/tabloid

Taapsee Pannu humoured the media when asked why she hasn’t been on popular chat Monday, August 8, 2022
show Koffee With Karan. At a promotional event with director Anurag Kashyap for her
upcoming film Dobaaraa, she was asked why she hadn’t been invited to Karan Johar’s HOT TOPICS

show and she mused that her personal life was perhaps not interesting enough. (IANS) Salman spotted
at Dubai Mall

A few days after the Mumbai
Police issued him a gun licence,
Bollywood actor Salman Khan
was spotted at Dubai Mall along
with his trusted bodyguard
Shera. Reports claim the actor

was in town to film his
new project Bhai-
jaan and is done
filming a part of
his project here.
In the videos that
are now doing the
rounds, Salman
seems to have beefed

up his security and is
seen exiting a store and taking an
escalator to the next level. Singer
Abdu Rozik, who is described
as the world’s smallest singer
by height, also took to his social
media to share videos of Salman
trawling through the expansive
mall. Rozik will soon be seen with
Khan in Bhaijaan. —Staff Report

Photos: Instagram, IMDb, Supplied Mohanlal posts

Tararadiates loveon warship tribute
boyfriend’s birthday
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal,
Actor posts series of images actor was seen with her girl gang. Sutaria had who got an opportunity to visit
with Aadar during a dinner on Friday put out a sweet birthday wish for India’s first Indigenous Aircraft
date and also with friends Aadar. She shared a series of pictures, which Carrier (IAC), IAC Vikrant, has
she captioned, “Happy Birthday, my whole” called the battleship “a true
Bollywood actor Tara Sutaria shared glimpses followed by heart and earth emoticons. engineering marvel” and ex-
from the birthday celebrations of her boyfriend pressed the wish that she ever
Aadar Jain on her social media account. Aadar and Armaan are the sons of Reema remain victorious.
Jain and Manoj Jain. Reema Jain is the late Raj Taking to Instagram, Mohanlal
Taking to Instagram, the Marjaavaan actor Kapoor’s daughter. wrote: “Honoured to be onboard
re-shared a raft of pictures from the intimate India’s first Indigenous Aircraft
dinner with her close friends. Aadar, who turned 28 on August 5, made his Carrier (IAC), soon to be com-
Bollywood debut with Qaidi Band in 2017. missioned as Vikrant, built in
In the pictures, Sutaria looked gorgeous as Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kerala.
she was seen wearing a white corset top that The two made their relationship Instagram “After 13 long years of dedicated
she paired with distressed blue jeans. official back in August 2020. Tara shared a construction, she sets sail as
picture featuring Aadar on his birthday and a true engineering marvel that
She completed her look with a pair of white wrote, “Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours! Happy further fortifies the Indian Navy
boots, statement jewellery and kept her tresses Birthday to my favourite person @aadarjain.” and speaks volumes about In-
open to increase the chic quotient of her outfit. dia’s shipbuilding capabilities.
Sutaria made her debut with Karan Johar’s “I express my heartfelt gratitude
On the other hand, the birthday boy was Student of the Year 2 in 2019 alongside Ananya for this matchless opportunity,”
seen dressed in a black-white printed shirt Panday. he posted.
with black denim. He opted for black shoes to “May she always be victorious
complement his comfy yet stylish look. She is currently riding high on the success of at sea!” —IANS
her recent release film Ek Villain Returns, which
In more pictures, the Student of the Year 2’ also stars Arjun Kapoor, Disha Patani and John
Abraham.

—ANI

4 gulfnews.com/tabloid
Monday, August 8, 2022

ON THE COVER

INDIA’S BIGGEST

YouTube
charmer

gets
candid

about his social
media sway

Bhuvan Bam talks lad — who wears many hats includ-
about surviving in ing that of a comedian, singer, actor,
the big bad world and content creator — takes pride in
of social media and being a democratic spirit.
earning millions
“I never force anything on them
By Manjusha Radhakrishnan and I don’t call them [subscribers]
Assistant Editor - Features my fans either. I hate that term. How
can you beg them to subscribe and
He has more than 20.5 million then call them ‘fans’? That’s not
YouTube subscribers and has cool,” points out Bam. He claims
earned over Rs220 million he has never paid a penny to ever
from his original digital con- promote his content and has relied
tent, but multi-hyphenate Bhuvan on word of mouth to do all the talk-
Bam loathes being called an ‘influ- ing. His topics might be snubbed by
encer’. highbrow intellectuals, but his loyal
followers love it when he goes on a
According to the first Indian to rant about Valentine’s Day and the
ever cross 10 million followers on pressure of pampering your special
YouTube, being labelled a culture one with gifts.
influencer is reductive.
He calls his topics proudly ‘middle-
“Influencing is such a huge re- class’. And it has worked.
sponsibility. My audience is vulner-
able, but I don’t want to tell them Bam’s reach on social media is
how or what to think,” said Bam in an so vast now that he was recently
interview with Gulf News. invited by the Dubai’s Department of
Tourism and Commerce Marketing
In his head, this 28-year-old Delhi (DTCM) to experience this city and
create digital content that would en-
tice his millions of his subscribers to

5gulfnews.com/tabloid

Monday, August 8, 2022

ON THE COVER

Arab social jot down UAE as a must-visit holiday penny on any video promotion. It’s all see the content I did a decade ago, I
media star spot this summer. organic. would never do that again.
Mohammed
Tarek joins “I had so much fun at Ski Dubai Tell us more about the breakout Are you embarrassed about your
‘DC League of and I have never felt this cool in video of yours that went viral in content uploaded before you hit
Super-Pets’ as summer. Dubai has some incred- Pakistan? the big league?
Aquaman ible things to offer. I even went on
a desert safari and it was so much It was a video about Valentine’s I have matured with age and I
fun,” said Bam. He even flashed a tiny Day and this guy ranting about why don’t have the guts to do it now. I
scratch gotten from his adventure- there was a need for it when most don’t think like that any more and
filled safari expedition as a badge of boys survive on such frugal pocket that phase has vanished. I am 28
honour. money … It was an anti-Valentine’s and I started at 22 or 23 where I had
day rant about buying gifts and the nothing to lose.
“There’s so much to do in Dubai hoopla around it. Musician Raghu
... The Burj Khalifa, the shawarmas, Dixit was the first celebrity who We live in a society that’s easily of-
the Ski Dubai,” said Bam. He had shared my video and the rest is his- fended. How do you navigate such
packed in so many activities that tory. an explosive terrain?
he was more than an hour late for
this interview. But his charming and Influencers were not taken seri- People will get offended when you
affable personality made up for his ously initially … How did you deal talk something with full confidence
tardiness. with such snide observations? and half knowledge … But you can’t
keep everyone happy. I am just here
“You know what’s more scary than I deal with it by not calling myself to make you laugh … While every-
being late? Being stuck with that an influencer and I hate that term thing is political, I choose not to talk
journalist in an elevator,” said Bam ... I just want to share what I have about the religious or communal
with a laugh. learned in my life and what I feel stuff. I don’t do insult comedy. When
about a certain topic. I have 19 characters played by me, I
Bam, who will soon make his don’t need to look outside to abuse
acting debut on a web streaming Quote- or target. I have created my own uni-
platform with Taaza Khabar, saw his Unquote verse where I can abuse myself.
first web film Dhindora garner almost
half a billion views. His short video I don’t believe in trade You have successfully made money
— in which he plays 19 characters in secrets. This is not a trade out of your YouTube channel and
varying ages and temperaments — is for me.” reports claim you make over Rs220
also a big hit. million … How did you crack that
BHUVAN BAM ★ When asked how he complicated code?
“I am not an influencer, I am an goes about monetising his content
entertainer,” said Bam. Frankly, I have never survived on
So you are a reluctant influencer? click-baits and that’s what I see
Excerpts from our interview as we I am an entertainer! This genera- everyone around me try to do. News
talk about his meteoric rise in the loses its authenticity then and I have
digital world, his humble beginnings, tion is lacking in emotions. All we also never sensationalised anything.
his haters, and more … do is abuse each other on social I talk about problems that affect the
media because we have a keyboard middle-class or a family who’s going
How did it all begin for you? and some free Wi-Fi. The anonym- through some issue and I put a hu-
I started my own YouTube chan- ity gives many the power to abuse mourous spin to it. Just like any good
anyone and become this generation old Indian drama, my content has
nel in 2015, but I had no clue how of keyboard warriors. But where’s the emotions and humour. I make con-
to go about it. I always thought emotion, the comedy, the sadness … tent about parents nagging their kids
Bollywood and music videos had a I want to fill those gaps. and how those parents ultimately
monopoly over YouTube. But I was have their child’s best interests in
proved wrong. When I was in school, While that’s noble, you have quite mind. I have some kids who experi-
I didn’t want to pursue academics a potty-mouth in the segments ence it DMing [Direct Messaging]
and I had no interest in learning. I where you are with your friends — me about their squabbles with their
used to doodle on the back of my all acted by you? parents. I interact with my subscrib-
books and I scored 75 per cent in my ers. I talk to them and I even play
school. Honestly, I launched my own Have you been to Delhi? Trust me, music for them. My subscribers are
YouTube channel in the most seren- I don’t abuse half as much. I have my reality check. If that’s gone, I will
dipitous manner. Someone randomly created 19 characters of my own, have nothing to say. They are my big-
told me about this new platform and only three out of those 19 char- gest teachers … Most of my content
called YouTube and I didn’t know acter abuse since we are a group of comes out of my DMs.
how to proceed. friends. Talking without slang in Delhi
or Mumbai is unheard of. Among Do they ever get spiteful and troll
I began making stuff on Facebook, friends, everybody abuses a lot and you mercilessly?
mostly music, because I used to sing the only difference is that I do it on
in a restaurant. I was 21 back then camera. Why should there be hypoc- Those who DM me after midnight
and one thing led to another … A risy around it? When three friends sit are often drunk and tend to abuse
video of mine went viral in Karachi and discuss life, they often talk crass me. I am like their punching bag …
and Bangladesh. At that point, my … But it’s not just crass talk in my But I talk to them and reason with
comment sections were filled with videos. I balance it with content that them. I reply to their spiteful mes-
comments from those living in Paki- are about issues that I feel passion- sages and sometimes they change
stan and got over 10,000 followers in ate about … Also, when I look and their mind about me … How can a
a day … Apparently, my videos were person who doesn’t know me have
going viral in a university in Karachi. a reason to abuse me? Their hate is
The truth is that sarcasm runs in often misguided and we often end up
my family and we are gifted with his talking late into the night.
‘street-smart’ humour. I am that
typical Delhi boy who kept wonder-
ing: ‘Dude how did all this happen?’
… Till date, I haven’t spent a single

6 gulfnews.com/tabloid
Monday, August 8, 2022

MAD ABOUT MOVIES

‘EASTER Review
SUNDAY’

IS A SWEET ODE TO
FILIPINO CULTURE

The film is an undeniable Eugene Cordero, Jo Koy Don’t Photos: AP, Universal Pictures
step forward for and Lou Diamond Phillips miss
representation on the in ‘Easter Sunday.’ it! up the California coast to Daly City and
big screen the Filipino American neighbourhood
Lydia Gaston and Jo Koy in ‘Easter where his mum and her sister, Teresa (Tia
Aboisterous extended clan gath- a still from ‘Easter Sunday.’ Sunday’ is Carrere), are each planning holiday meals.
ers for a family holiday, launch- out now They’re feuding, too. It doesn’t help that
ing the requisite arguments, mercial where he’s famous for the line, in UAE the two women happen to wear the exact
hurt feelings, grudges, inside “Let’s get this party started, baby!” cinemas. same exact dress to church (yes, that old
jokes, laughter, love, reconciliation and joke.) Much funnier is their fierce compe-
lots of eating, plus maybe a car chase. Joe misses the school meeting but tition over the balikbayan boxes filled with
makes the audition, only to be told that gifts to be sent to family back home.
So far, so familiar. they love him but want a “half-Filipino
What’s different about Easter Sunday, accent” — even though it’s an accent he As the holiday festivities proceed
a joyful if overly broad family dramedy doesn’t have. “This show just wants a apace and Joe tries to keep his sitcom
starring comedian Jo Koy, is that this funny-sounding Filipino,” he complains to prospects alive, several subplots come
extended clan is a Filipino American fam- his agent, who tells him to just suck it up into play. One involves Joe’s cousin
ily and the cast is almost all Filipino, with and do the accent. (The agent is played Eugene (Eugene Cordero) and his ill-
a few familiar actors finally getting cast by director Chandrasekhar as a guy who’s conceived entrepreneurial efforts, which
as Filipino characters And that in itself is always suspiciously driving through tun- land him and Joe into potentially deadly
a welcome achievement, especially for nels and losing his cell signal.) conflict with gun-toting bully Dev Deluxe
Koy, whose life is clearly echoed here and (Asif Ali) and bring them together, im-
who anchors the enterprise with a win- Easter Sunday comes, and Joe heads probably, with Filipino American star Lou
ning charm. Diamond Phillips, playing himself.
Koy clearly channels much of his
own story in this, his feature film debut, There’s also a brief run-in with the
drawing from his hugely popular standup law during a car chase, the law being
comedy (Jay Chandrasekhar directs from none other than Tiffany Haddish, in a
a script by Kate Angelo and Ken Cheng). cameo as Vanessa, an ex of Joe’s with
He plays Joe Valencia, a Los Angeles an axe to grind and, now, a cop’s badge.
comedian seeking his big acting break in
Hollywood — just as he’s navigating fam- Haddish is, not surprisingly, quite fun-
ily issues on multiple fronts, all coming to ny. Less welcome is the whole splapsticky
a head on, well, Easter Sunday. criminal-gang subplot that detracts from
We meet Joe, a divorced dad, on a day the more human themes. Speaking of hu-
of competing obligations. His son, Junior manity, the lovely Eva Noblezada projects
(a sweetly goofy Brandon Wardell) needs it beautifully as Tala, a romantic interest
his presence at a school meeting to dis- for Junior — a confident young woman
cuss mediocre grades. His own demand- who shows the LA-raised boy some of the
ing mum, Susan (Lydia Gaston, blending values around family that she’s learned
imperious, demanding, loving and needy) in Daly City. If you’re a Broadway fan, you
is constantly calling, making sure he’s on may know Noblezada from Hadestown.
track for Easter celebrations. And he’s Noblezada’s unforced delivery makes her
auditioning for a sitcom — something scenes a highlight in a film that overall
that’ll take him beyond that beer com- relies too heavily on broad comedy.

And yet, one can’t help leaving with a
smile. Food, family, a big karaoke scene.
and a spotlight on an immigrant com-
munity underrepresented in Hollywood.
There are worse ways to spend 96 min-
utes. —AP

gulfnews.com/tabloid JUST CHILL 7
Monday, August 8, 2022

GARFIELD SUDOKU Number 5314

THE WIZARD
OF ID

DILBERT Difficulty Rating ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

THE CHALLENGE SOLUTION 5313
An unsolved Sudoku
ANDY CAPP puzzle consists of
a 9x9 grid that has
been subdivided into
nine smaller grids of
3x3 squares. To solve
the puzzle each row,
column and box must
contain each of the
numbers one to nine.
Good luck!

NOTEPAD

CALVIN Play more Sudoku, Crosswords
& HOBBES and Word Search in the new
Games section
on gulfnews.com

BRIDGE

After technique comes flexibility

Gian Vincenzo Gravina, a jurist get his ninth winner from the That might seem straightfor-
and writer who died in 1718, club suit, except that he will be ward, but a clever West will force
claimed that “a bore is a man taking the finesse into West, the South to guess. He will discard
who deprives you of solitude defender with all of the hearts to two clubs and two diamonds,
without providing you with cash. As the finesse is surely los- preferably in that order. Then
company.” ing, given West’s overcall, South declarer must cash the club ace
If all bridge deals featured text- should engineer an endplay. to drop West’s now-singleton
book plays, we would become He wins the second round of king. If he gets it right, he will
bored quickly. However, there are hearts, noting that East followed have a story with which to bore
many contracts that require an both times. Then South cashes everyone for a week. If he gets it
abnormal approach. For exam- his spade and diamond winners. wrong, West will bore everyone.
ple, in today’s deal, West leads This brings West down to five
the heart king against South’s cards. Probably, he will discard — Phillip Alder
contract of three no-trump. one club and three diamonds,
What should declarer do? retaining three hearts and two
North’s negative double showed clubs. If so, declarer leads a
exactly four spades. heart. West takes his three heart
South has eight top tricks: tricks but is then forced to lead
four spades, one heart, two away from the club king at trick
diamonds and one club. He can 12.

8 JUST CHILL gulfnews.com/tabloid
Monday, August 8, 2022

LA TIMES CROSSWORD CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 64 Anti-frizz hair product ACROSS 5 See increases coming at 21 Abandon at the roadside (5)
1 Tappable screen symbols 65 Christmas __ 3 There’s a seat for each critical moments (6) 23 Decimal system absurdly
6 Spanish “Bravo!” 66 Zodiac sign between Cancer
9 Canine cries honoured companion (5) 6 In tattered galoshes, they claimed to be clinical (7)
13 “Water Lilies” painter Claude and Virgo 8 A book on Capone, a dis- spoil the waterproofing (5) 24 I had bees swarming around
14 Nemesis 67 Remove
15 Chicken structure DOWN reputable American (5) 7 Hesitate to be the flag right next door! (6)
16 *“Please don’t get hurt!” 1 Knocks back a few 10 On paper, they can make a bearer? (5) 25 A make-up outfit? (3)
18 Banks of fashion 2 Strong-armed 27 Mali’s religion? (5)
19 Listening device 3 __ in a blue moon star out of nothing (5) 9 It takes but a trice to finish 28 Tough guy getting a letter
20 “Wake Up With Al” weather 4 “How cool” 11 By quiet hesitation (3) her off! (3)
5 Juice box inserts 12 Would he bail out a skin- from a tennis star (2-3)
anchor 6 Like sour milk 12 The margins a business head 30 A recent survey revealed
21 “The Bachelorette” TV 7 Baseball Hall of Famer Brock head? (5) demands? (7)
8 Long wriggly fish 13 It appears to be some hundreds of them! (5)
network 9 Audition hopeful 14 A shot at goal? (3) 32 Elderly to a rising degree! (4)
22 *Have to pay back extra 10 GrufffootballerplayedbyBrett orphan named Tom (7) 16 A face-saving device, but 33 Managed to get a part in
26 Movie roll 15 Cut, thus causing severe
28 Transitioned Goldstein on “Ted Lasso” the knight saw through it Turandot (3)
29 Cultural funding org. 11 Know in advance reduction (5) (5)
30 Early PC platform 12 Like a no-frills hotel room 18 Go wrong out of sheer ter- 17 It’s fun to have several dur-
32 “Well played” 17 Fencing sword ing a dance (5)
33 Countdown start 19 Like shorts weather ror? (3) 19 Was it on TV for genera-
34 *“Seriously!?” 20 Turn in for cash 19 This appetite is unusual in tions? (7)
38 Quick blow 23 Satiric science prize for 20 The pound sign (5)
41 Many a Middle Easterner wild deer (6)
42 Like a post-rain hike “research that makes people 21 Don’t you need to save any
46 Poetic tribute laugh, then think”
47 To a greater extent 24 Night in Paris money for them? (3,4)
50 Garr of “Tootsie” 25 Virginia __ 22 The whiskey she’s short of
51 *Mall store with engage- 27 WC
31 Disgraces isn’t Scotch (4)
ment rings 35 Tweezing target 23 Spy going underground (4)
54 Skybox guest 36 Hard to find 24 A wave of destruction? (7)
55 Discontinued Apple music 37 Boring routine 26 Wealth a drunken sot needs
38 Least serious
devices 39 Travel kit plug for birds (6)
56 Preambles 40 Most nominated woman in 29 This littlechapiswrongalot(3)
58 Italian volcano Grammy history 31 Those of a cricket body? (5)
59 Wizard’s reference, and what 43 Conniving 32 Getting dressed makes a
44 Message on a Wonderland
the first words of the answers potion famous old model weary (7)
to the starred clues do 45 Sharp barks 34 My consumption of gin,
62 Faction 48 List on Facebook Market-
63 Bowler’s asset place, say perhaps, is parsimonious (5)
49 Warning words 35 American tin (3)
SATURDAY’S SOLUTION 52 Matchmaking site available 36 Food for certain days (5)
in Hebrew 37 Was outside the theatre
53 Curved sword
57 Cartoon explorer with a talk- advertising one’s needs! (5)
ing backpack 38 Nelson Eddy’s donkey (5)
59 “Blueberries for __”: Calde- DOWN
cott Honor Book by Robert 1 A start in Greek? (5)
McCloskey 2 Valuable pictures of workers
60 Diner slice
61 Moody genre in revolution? (7)
4 The pantomime dame’s

cheese? (4)

SATURDAY’S SOLUTION

ACROSS: 9. Out-goings 10. Runners-up 12. Tear 13. Manila 14. Dr-eamer 15. Regarding 17. Brilliant 18. Dotting 19. Credit 20. Ac-h-
e 23. Shake-down 25. Cannibals 26. Eyed (I’d) 27. Sticky 29. Bring on 32. Hastiness 34. Post-haste 35. One-Ti-me 36. En-TA-il 37.
Well 38. God-parent 39. Over-rates.
DOWN: 1. Dog-tired 2. Straight face 3. Engaging 4. As-king 5. Pre-amble 6. In addition 7. Rev-eals 8. Spirit-less 11. Sam-BA 16.
Railed 19. Con 21. Charge sheets 22. F-in-ish 23. See-through 24. On the level 25. (out)Cry 28. Cas-set-te 29. Bass-I-net 30.
Need-less 31. Fin-ic-al 33. Spend 34. Pot-I-oN (rev).

EASY CROSSWORD

ACROSS 24. Small falcon (7) 5. Baby’s soft shoe (6) 24. Martial art (6)
3. Snatches (5) 26. Rapscallion (6) 6. Warning device (5) 25. Torn cloth (3)
8. Masculine (5) 29. Witch (3) 7. Underground drain 27. Fossil resin (5)
10. Lubricated (5) 31. Bedaub (5) 28. Desert animal (5)
11. Foot digit (3) 32. Finery (7) (5) 30. Essential (5)
12. Storey (5) 34. Army officer (5) 9. And not (3) 32. Decomposes (4)
13. Long-lasting (7) 35. Harden (3) 12. Face cloth (7) 33. Limb (3)
15. Belief (5) 36. Brimless cap (5) 14. Rubbish receptacle
18. By way of (3) 37. Sucrose (5)
19. Spanish woman (6) 38. Dog’s lead (5) (3)
21. Nom de plume DOWN 16. Original (5)
1. Fact (5) 17. Flavour (5)
(3,4) 2. Meataxe (7) 19. Stifle (7)
22. Not rich (4) 4. Annoy (4) 20.Practises boxing (5)
23. Nuisance (4) 21. Composure (5)
23. Winged horse (7)

SATURDAY’S SOLUTION

ACROSS: 9. Inelegant 10. Interfere 12. Pull 13. Relate 14. Classes 15. Sincerely 17. Tasteless 18. Details 19. Impair 20. Peke 23.
Courtship 25. Gallivant 26. Lays 27. Proper 29. Snigger 32. Reputable 34. Scoundrel 35. Trumpet 36. Events 37. Step 38. Repre-
sent 39. Therefore.
DOWN: 1. Disposed 2. Well and truly 3. Careless 4. Steady 5. Sidestep 6. Stock-still 7. Breaker 8. Persistent 11. Ensue 16. Exists
19. Imp 21. Exaggeration 22. Minion 23. Coloratura 24. Hard-bitten 25. Gar 28. Presents 29. Smoothed 30. Relapsed 31. Stopper
33. Plump 34. Sheath.

gulfnews.com/tabloid MAKE YOUR DAY 9
Monday, August 8, 2022

STAR World-renowned HOTLINE
GAZING astrologer
Shelley von 24 hour emergency numbers
Strunckel writes For more information visit gulfnews.com
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