BUSINESS | P7 Will builders in Dubai tell buyers to defer payments? THE VIEWS | P9 India’s democratic spirit: Trials and triumphs NATION | P3 Cancel residence visa if leaving UAE for good gulfnews.com Scan for our social media ENTERTAINMENT | P16 DEV PATEL TURNS DIRECTOR WITH HOLLYWOOD THRILLER Subscribe In print and online www.store.gulfnews.com www.gulfnews.com/subscriptions Tel : 600 587 234 E mail : [email protected] Bahrain: BD 0.500 Oman: RO 0.500 India: Rs 40.00 S.Arabia: SR 5.00 Pakistan: Rs 100.00 PRICE UAE: Dh 5.00 THURSDAY APRIL 25, 2024 SHAWWAL 16, 1445 NATION UAE rains: Huge relief as blocked roads reopen in Sharjah | P4 WORLD Extreme heat scorches Southeast Asia, schools closed | P 11 SPORT Al Ain proud of their victory in AFC Champions League against Al Hilal | P 12 JERUSALEM I srael’s military is poised to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah and assault Hamas hold-outs in the southern Gaza Strip city, a senior Israeli defence official said yesterday, despite international warnings of humanitarian catastrophe. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government said Israel was “moving ahead” with a ground operation, but gave no timeline. The defence official said Israel’s Defence Ministry had bought 40,000 tents, each with the capacity for 10 to 12 people, to house Palestinians relocated from Rafah in advance of an assault. Video circulating online appeared to show rows of square white tents going up in Khan Younis, a city some 5km from Rafah. An Israeli government source said Netanyahu’s war cabinet planned to meet in the coming two weeks to authorise civilian evacuations, expected to take around a month. The defence official, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that the military could go into action immediately but was awaiting a green light from Netanyahu. —Reuters SEE ALSO P10 Israel readies evacuees’ tent city ahead of Rafah assault UAE approves Dh2 billion to repair rain-damaged homes COMMITTEE FORMED TO DISBURSE COMPENSATIONS TO AFFECTED FAMILIES ABU DHABI T he UAE Cabinet yesterday approved Dh2 billion to address the damage caused to citizens’ homes by the recent rains, and assigned a ministerial committee to disburse compensations to affected families. The Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, which was chaired by HisHighness ShaikhMohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also discussed the impact of the unprecedented weather conditions experienced by the country. “The situation was unprecedented in its severity, yet as a nation, we always strive to learn and evolve,” Shaikh Mohammad wrote on his X account. Exceptional situation “The central operations rooms managed to handle over 200,000 reports, engaging over 17,000 members from security, emergency, and interior agencies, alongside 15,000 personnel from local authorities. Additionally, thousands of volunteers contributed to dealing with the aftermath of the exceptional weather situation.” The Cabinet approved the formation of a committee to inventory the damage of floods and rains on infrastructure and propose solutions and procedures at the state level. The committee is headed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and will comprise members from Ministries of Defence and Interior, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and other federal entities, in addition to representatives from all local emirates. Shaikh Mohammad said the exceptional weather situation brought benefits to the country, with dams being filled, valleys flowing with abundant rains, and underground water reserves replenished. “We have learned valuable lessons from dealing with heavy rains in our developed cities, identifying areas for improvement, and enhancing our preparedness for such conditions, making us more resilient for the future,” he emphasised. SEE ALSO P5 BY KHITAM AL AMIR Chief News Editor WAM ■ The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also reviewed the recent progress of the UAE Tourism Strategy and highlighted the sector’s key achievements. 31339032_1.1 31337628_34.1
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PRAYER NATION 3 TIMINGS Abu Dhabi: +4 mins, Ras Al Khaimah: -4 mins, For other countries, go to gulfnews.com/guides/prayer-times Fujairah: -6 mins FAJR 04:26 DHUHUR 12:20 ASR 15:47 MAGHRIB 18:50 ISHA 20:08 GULFNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 SHARJAH T he Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah has announced the birth of elephant Tarthooth, named after a wild plant that emerges with the rainfall. It has become the second African savannah elephant to be welcomed by the Sharjah Safari project, the largest of its kind, outside of Africa. The newborn joins Samra, the African savanna elephant who was born last year, and becomes part of the project’s African elephant group. “The calf was born early morning on April 7. He is big and unusually hairy for a baby African elephant,” a spokesperson of Sharjah Safari told Gulf News. Preserving rare species Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, said that the EPAA continues to enhance its leading position locally, regionally, and internationally in its efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect and increase rare and endangered African species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. The African savanna elephant is the largest land animal in the world, Al Suwaidi pointed out, whose numbers are continuously decreasing. Second African savanna elephant born in Sharjah Tarthooth named after plant linked to rains Gulf News Report African savannah elephants are 4-5 metres tall and weigh 4-7 tonnes. They have outward-curving tusks and are predominantly found in the southern plains of the Sahara Desert in Africa. They live in savannah regions, have a lifespan of up to 50 years, and consume up to 150kg of food daily. African forest elephants are smaller, have almost straight tusks, and inhabit the forests of central and west Africa. HUGE ELEPHANTS ABU DHABI Y ou must ensure your UAE residence visa is cancelled when you decide to leave the country permanently. Failure to update residency status may result in complications in case you want to return in the future. Expats relocating to another country must also cancel the UAE visa of residents whom they have sponsored, such as family members. The advisory has been shared on the website of the UAE Digital Government (u.ae). The UAE Digital Government, through its website, states: “If you have a [UAE] residence visa sponsored either by a family member or by your employer, and you decide to leave the country permanently, your residence visa must be cancelled officially.” The website points out: “Normally, only the sponsor can cancel your residence visa. You cannot process the application on your own.” What companies must do If a company decides to cancel the employment visa of its staff member, it must first approach the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) with an application to cancel the employee’s labour contract and labour card. The employee must sign this application. The employer can then apply to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) for visa cancellation. The company must also cancel the work permit. For this, it must submit a letter to MoHRE, signed by the employee stating that he or she has already received all the dues, wages and BY ABDULLA RASHEED Abu Dhabi Editor ABU DHABI T adweer Group has signed an agreement with Tomra, a manufacturer of reverse vending machines (RVMs), to set up a nationwide voluntary bottle return programme for beverage PET bottles, cans and glass bottles. The announcement was made during the 10th edition of the EcoWaste Exhibition and Conference. Ali Al Dhaheri, managing director and CEO of Tadweer Group, said: “With Tomra’s vast expertise in bottle return programmes and its solid history of deploying reverse vending solutions, we are well-positioned to enhance the recycling infrastructure in the UAE. With every partnership, we are showcasing the value of materials, reinforcing our role in tackling challenges and seeking feasible solutions for our sector, today and into the future.” Bottle return programmes and RVMs play a key role in encouraging the public to return beverage containers by incentivising the community to separate their waste at source. By implementing theRVMs on a wider scale, Tadweer Group and Tomra are bringing advanced mechanisms to the world of waste, reinforcing their shared commitment to reducing litter and keeping valuable resources in a continuous loop of use and reuse. Tadweer Group ready to take your used bottles Gulf News Report Leaving UAE permanently? Ensure your residence visa is cancelled FAILURE TO UPDATE RESIDENCY STATUS MAY RESULT IN COMPLICATIONS IN CASE YOU WANT TO RETURN IN FUTURE end of services benefits from the employer. What about individuals who are sponsors? Individuals sponsoring their spouse, children and other dependents must cancel their dependents’ visas before they cancel their own visa. It normally costs around Dh110 to cancel the visa. The UAE Digital Government explained in its advisory that according to the procedures, only the sponsor or someone they delegate on their behalf (such as a PRO, for example, in the case of companies) can proceed with cancelling the residence visa of someone they have sponsored. The sponsored person cannot implement the request without the permission and signature of the sponsor. What happens if I relocate without cancelling? An ICP official told Gulf News that the residence visa is automatically cancelled by default if more than six months have passed since the expat exited the country. In case the former expat (who had not officially cancelled the residence visa) wants to return to the UAE after this time, he or she must seek permission from the ICP through its website or app. The ICP will decide if and when the former expat can return to the UAE and what paperwork and payments may be required. A request to cancel residency can be submitted through ICP-approved typing centres, or electronically. A sponsor can also submit a cancellation request through the ICP’s electronic channels, https://icp.gov.ae and smart app (UAEICP). HOW IT WORKS 6months residence visa is automatically cancelled if an expat stays out of the UAE for this period Dh110 normal cost of cancelling a residence visa 31339212_1.1
4 NATION Scan for our social media THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 | GULFNEWS.COM AS FLOODED ROADS REOPEN, RESIDENTS THANK VOLUNTEERS AND OFFICIALS FOR THEIR DEDICATION SHARJAH “ You are a bunch of warriors! You guys have stayed strong amid all these problems.” This is an excerpt from a touching tribute to flood heroes and civilians in Sharjah, written by a little girl in the UAE. As flooded streets cleared, Sharjah residents have been profusely thanking selfless volunteers and the authorities who worked tirelessly for rescue and relief operations after the record rainfall. Residents have also expressed gratitude to the government authorities for announcing various measures to support those affected, including opening of channels of donation to aid them, waving traffic fines, clearing up the flooded streets and arranging a free medical camp along with volunteers and hospital groups. Meanwhile, the handwritten letter from the anonymous girl has been one of the most cherished appreciations, said Deepu AS, general-secretary of AKCAF Association and an active member of the Rain Support UAE group that mobilised selfless residents to save their fellow human beings. Applause and salute Amal Gireesh, a volunteer, said he was moved when residents of Al Majaz in Sharjah clapped and whistled as the volunteers waded through floodwaters to deliver food and water in the wee hours. Faizal Bin Mohammad experienced an unforgettable moment. “Sharjah Police have been very supportive in facilitating rescue and relief operations. Once, when we were on a flooded street, we were so thrilled to see policemen offering us a salute as they allowed us to cross,” he said. Yazir Hameed, another active volunteer, said Sharjah Police welcomed him and his team to a flooded area with a round of applause. ‘You guys are angels’ A video showed an expat woman thanking volunteers for evacuating her friend’s elderly mother to hospital. “There were other people like you who helped their family with food and water. But right now, your team got them out. May Allah bless you. You guys are angels, Allah’s soldiers,” she said in the video. Arab expat Mustafa Al Hashimi, who broke his ribs and disBY SAJILA SASEENDRAN Senior Reporter ■ Volunteers of several community organisations such as Indian Cultural Foundation, Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre, Indian Association Sharjah, Pravasi India Team and United PRO Association have been appreciated for their on-ground service in the flooded streets. located his shoulder after a fall, thanked the volunteers of AKCAF Association through a video in Arabic for rescuing him and helping him get treated. Teacher Prathija Ramesh thanked volunteers for rushing her to hospital. “I was down with the flu. I managed to do a phone consultation with Dr Sajitha Prasad through the Rain Support UAE group. She suggested I needed to be hospitalised. Our area was under more than knee-deep water. From the same group, volunteer Abilash and his friend took me to the hospital. Had I not got admitted that day, I would have collapsed,” said the teacher. Daring volunteers Naseef Achampat was thanked for being one of the first to reach out to the flood-hit Al Majaz area. AKCAF volunteer Shaji Mohammad, also the coordinator of the ME4X4 Off-roader club in rescue and relief operations, was particularly thanked for evacuating Shakira Sabil, a ninemonth pregnant Indian woman. Meanwhile, another volunteer, Junaid Amjad Qureshi, was applauded for continuing the relief operations even after being wounded by a glass piece. Volunteer Mufadal Fakhruddin Hararwala, was appreciated for being the “Google map of Sharjah” as he helped volunteers navigate the flooded streets. Silent women warriors The efforts of women warriors have also been appreciated. The Muweilah Ladies Group, World Malayali CouncilWomen’s Forum and Youth Forum in Sharjah, and volunteers like Shabana Hassan, a teacher, who helped distribute food and hygiene products. Nihla Anas worked on ground with husband Mohammad Anas even on their wedding anniversary. Najeefullah, a resident of Al Khan, appreciated the volunteers, saying: “May every second, energy and penny they have spent be recognised by the Almighty.” Doctors appreciated Residents also thanked several doctors and health care groups who came forward to provide voluntary services. Deepu thanked several unknown Sharjah residents: an Indianwomanworking in a salon in Al Majaz, who helped the volunteers to stock up, a Filipina who visited every night to feed the cats, an Emirati who gave blanket permission to use the kayaks from his shop, Akbar and family, who offered support even after their shops were under water, and Dewa employee Romit who always arranged tea for them. Watch:Heartfelt tributes pour in for Sharjah’s bravehearts Sharjah Police have been very supportive in facilitating rescue and relief operations. Once, when we were on a flooded street, we were so thrilled to see the policemen offering us a salute as they allowed us to cross.” Faizal Bin Mohammad | Member of the Rain Support UAE group Touching tributes pour in for Sharjah’s flood heroes 31339215_1.1 DUBAI D ubai Police yesterday said they will waive all traffic fines incurred by motorists during the unprecedented rainfall in the UAE on April 16. The rain led to waterlogging on several roads, forcing motorists to abandon their stranded vehicles in the interest of safety. Lt Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Dubai Police Chief, said that the decision to waive the traffic violations reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to the community and to ensuring their safety, especially during exceptional circumstances. On Monday, Sharjah Police cancelled all traffic violations that occurred during the period in an effort to ease the burder on motorists. Police in all the Emirates also eased procedures for motorists to obtain vehicle damage certificates. Dubai Police waive traffic fines incurred on April 16 Gulf News Report SHARJAH T he local Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team in Sharjah confirmed yesterday the reopening of all roads, which were blocked after heavy rains in the city of Sharjah last week. The relief tent next to King Faisal Mosque has also been removed. However, all official donation channels remain open through the outlets announced by government agencies to help people hit by the deluge. Aid for homeowners Meanwhile, homeowners affected by the rain will receive aid in accordance with Sharjah Executive Council Resolution No 8 of 2024. Those affected can apply for aid through the Sharjah Digital Platform (http://e. shj.ae/inquiry). The link systematises gathering of reports that prove the extent of the damage and help organise aid. The council also allowed commercial establishments to delay the payment of fees related to renewal and violations for a month. Waterlogged roads reopen in Sharjah Gulf News Report Volunteers urged to join efforts to revive rural areas DUBAI O ver the next three weeks, all community mobilisation activities, organised as part of Emirates NatureWWF’s flagship ‘Leaders of Change’ programme, will be dedicated to reviving rural areas impacted by the record rain. Volunteers will join conservation experts in clearing debris and repairing falaj irrigation channels to ensure the flow of fresh water. Farmlands and nature trails affected by flooding will also be restored. Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, said: “By channelling our Leaders of Change and community volunteering efforts towards recovery, we aim to strengthen the resilience of rural communities whom we work with on conservation projects.” Emirates Nature-WWF to mobilise community services Gulf News Report Reviving resilience at Wadi Shees, Sharjah on April 27 from 7.30am to 11am and at Al Bithnah, Fujairah, on April 28 from 7am to 11am. Both events are open to individuals aged seven and above. Register on the website of Leaders of Change. TWO EVENTS
NATION 5 GULFNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 WAM ■ President His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday discussed regional developments with Bahrain’s KIng Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa during the latter’s visit to Abu Dhabi. They called upon the international community to assume its responsibilities towards implementing an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They stressed on effective international action to ensure justice for the Palestinian people based on a two-state solution. PRESIDENT, BAHRAIN KING DISCUSS SITUATION IN GAZA Cabinet hails success of tourism strategy CONTRIBUTION TO UAE’S GDP CLOSE TO DH180B IN 2023 ABU DHABI T he UAE Cabinet yesterday reviewed the progress of the UAE Tourism Strategy and highlighted key achievements within the sector. The Cabinet meeting in Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi was chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktroum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, was present along with other ministers In 2023, the total number of hotel guests reached 28 million, marking an 11 percent increase compared to the previous year. International tourism expenditure in the UAE totaled Dh118 billion, whereas domestic tourism expenditure amounted to Dh47 billion. The tourism sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP nearly reached Dh180 billion in 2023. Economic strides The Cabinet took stock of the UAE’s economic strides, underscoring its prowess in international trade and partnership agreements. Over 13 comprehensive economic partnership agreements were inked, poised to bolster the country’s exports by Dh366 billion annually by 2031. The national agenda for re-export development reported impressive figures, with total service exports soaring to Dh606 billion, including Dh170 billion in digital services. Notably, the UAE’s foreign trade of goods and services in 2023 surged to a record Dh4 trillion (Dh445 billion). Highlighting the UAE’s global economic footprint, Shaikh Mohammed noted its 15th position in foreign direct investment abroad in 2023, with investments exceeding Dh880 billion. Reflecting on these achievements, Shaikh Mohammad expressed confidence in the nation’s continued economic growth, praying for enduring prosperity, stability, security, and safety. BY KHITAM AL AMIR Chief News Editor Courtesy: Dubai Media Office ■ Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Mansour during the Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, yesterday. 70144211_1.1 31339206_1.1 Performance codes for senior Dubai officials DUBAI S haikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, yesterday attended the signing of a host of performance agreements by directors-general of Dubai Government departments. Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, was also present, “The agreements represent a code of performance for Dubai’s senior leaderships, underscoring their commitment to the highest standards of transparency and ensuring the optimal utilisation of resources for public good,” Shaikh Hamdan said. Clear objectives, criteria Performance agreements for Dubai Government’s directors-general identify key objectives and timeframes for strategic projects. They include a commitment to adhere to the highest levels of integrity, transparency and neutrality in decision-making, to ensure optimal use of resources in the best interests of the public. They also pledge to maintain Dubai’s leadership and competitiveness by collaborating with all government entities as a single team with a shared vision, while committing to train, mentor and empower future leaders. Directors-general also pledge to use public money and government resources efficiently, to adopt practices that help cut costs without compromising quality, to be open to change and proactive in seizing opportunities and making informed decisions, and to continue to adopt best practices that solidify Dubai’s global leadership. Hamdan: Aim is to enhance transparency and raise standards BY KHITAM AL AMIR Chief News Editor 28million hotel guests in the UAE last year, an increase of 11% compared to 2022 Dh118b international tourism expenditure in the UAE last year. Domestic tourism expenditure amounted to Dh47b
BUSINESS 6 Scan for our social media THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 | GULFNEWS.COM How to buy Spinneys’ shares ahead of listing ON GULFNEWS.COM You can be one of thefirst investors to apply for the grocery retailer Spinneys’ initial public offering (IPO) in Dubai.Here’swhat you need to know about buying and owning the shares ahead ofits public listing on May 9, and howyou can go about it.AfterSpinneys revealed itwill sell 900million shares,or a 25 per cent stake,new investors can start subscribing to the IPO at a price range of between Dh1.42 and Dh1.53 pershare. —Justin Varghese, Your Money Editor May 9 IPO: Here is how to get a slice of the ‘grocery pie’ ABU DHABI HEAVYWEIGHT BUYS 49% IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPER PLENARY DUBAI A bu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) is buying a 49 per cent stake in Australian infrastructure focused developer Plenary Group. The stake purchase includes those currently held by the Canadian pension fund Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. The Canadian firm will, however, continue to be “heavily invested” in a range of Plenary’s Australian assets and remains a major shareholder in Plenary’s separate Americas business. Deal to spur expansion According to Hamad Al Hammadi, deputy group CEO of ADQ, “This collaboration, marking our inaugural venture in Australia, underscores ADQ’s commitment to developing partnerships that complement our investment strategy, which aims to create long-term value and generate sustainable financial returns.” ■ Plenary Group is part of the Evolution Rail consortium contracted to deliver and maintain the trains over the next 35 years. UAE’s ADQ makes first investment in Australia Once the deal is effected, ADQ and Plenary will speed up the expansion of public and social infrastructure through strategic investments. “The primary capital contribution by ADQ will be used to accelerate Plenary’s growth ambitions across its key markets in Australia, the Middle East, Asia, the UK and Europe,” said a statement. More Middle East activities They will also establish a co-investment platform to focus on public and social infrastructure opportunities, including in the GCC, the Middle East and Central Asia. “The partnership will allow ADQ to further bolster its track record in investing infrastructure assets to accelerate economic development in the UAE and abroad,” the statement added. ADQ has through recent years invested across verticals and geographies to future-proof its operating model. This week, it also confirmed launching a $180 million tech fund targeted at Omani entities. Plenary has a portfolio of 21 assets under management valued at over $25 billion across Australia and the Middle East. “We are confident that our partnership in Plenary will unlock significant opportunities to contribute to the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure assets, boosting economic growth and social welfare in the target geographies,” said Al Hammadi. Public-private partnership “ADQ’s existing portfolio of infrastructure assets, many of which are emerging as national champions, will serve as a catalyst to leverage the significant potential of public-private partnership projects together with Plenary, a leader in its field with a proven track record of delivering successful infrastructure projects globally.” Plenary, which launched its Middle East presence in 2022, had secured the UAE’s first schools public-private partnership. It covered the financing, design, procurement, construction, commissioning and 20- year operations and maintenance of three school campuses at Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration, marking our inaugural venture in Australia, underscores ADQ’s commitment to developing partnerships that complement our investment strategy, which aims to create long-term value and generate sustainable financial returns.” Hamad Al Hammadi | Deputy group CEO of ADQ BY MANOJ NAIR Business Editor 70143899_5.2
BUSINESS 7 GULFNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 DUBAI L eading developers in Dubai are considering proposals to defer some of the immediate payments due from their offplan property buyers as a result of the devastating rains that swept the country last week. If these plans are approved, property owners could benefit from not having to make any instalments in the next 1-3 months. These internal discussions have gained fresh urgency after the UAE Central Bank directed local banks and insurers to stay payment instalments due from their consumers for up to 6 months. “We are aware that some of our customers have more immediate needs of their funds, and that could cause problems in meeting their payments to us,” said a top official at a leading developer with multiple projects in development. On many of these projects, their sales are based on a 1 per cent monthly payment from buyers. “We are talking to our property buyers and will soon come up with a solution that benefits us all.” Developers’ concerns Developers also have immediate concerns of their own, with many of their construction sites having been affected by waterlogging and other damages. Along with their contractors, they are still in the process of taking stock of the extent of the restorative works needed at sites and how to access funds from insurers to cover this. Now, getting those claims processed and for those funds to come in will take time. Developer sources are emphatic on one point — whatever the scale of the damages to BY MANOJ NAIR Business Editor We are likely to be announcing deferment plans in the coming days.” Farhad Azizi | CEO of Azizi Developments Recent incidents and challenging weather conditions have led to [a spike in] reported and anticipated [insurance] claims, further driving up costs. This anticipated rise won’t be limited to motor and medical insurance — other lines like property and engineering will likely see increases as well.” Anas Mistareehi | eSanad Insurance their sites, the costs will not be passed on to investors. According to Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments, “We bear the costs of this unprecedented natural disaster rather than our valued investors having to — be it the downtime of manpower or any rectification works that have to be done following the impact of the rains. “For our buyers to be unaffected, we have taken it upon ourselves to cover any price necessary to deliver our homes in adherence not only to their set construction timelines, but also to the quality standards that those who invest with us know us for. “For those who have bought properties already handed over, and who still have dues payable to us, we are indeed considering implementing more leniency in collecting these from them. “We are likely to be announcing deferment plans in the coming days exclusively for those who are affected by the record-breaking rainfall.” Deferred mortgages Those with imminent mortgage payments will already have got their relief. As per Central Bank instructions, banks are expected to inform their customers of the deferment relief in the coming days, if they haven’t done so already, with deferments of up to 6 months. “It will be interesting to see how many instalment deferments developers will allow,” said a source. Back and forth There will likely be quite a bit of communication between developers and property owners regarding the fallout from the rains. Some developers have already informed buyers that completions and handovers will be delayed. This could significantly reduce the number of handovers expected in the second half of 2024, impacting developer cash flows. As per rules, developers can delay handovers up to 12 months from the promised completion date due to unforeseen circumstances. Last week’s rains would surely count as one. Developer sources are emphatic on one point — whatever the scale of the damages to their sites, the costs will not be passed on to investors. Miahona makes a splash: Saudi Arabian water firm set to go public on Tadawul DUBAI A nother Saudi Arabian company is going public. Water and water infrastructure company Miahona has just confirmed plans to list on the Tadawul. A book-building exercise will start on April 28 and run until May 2, when the final offer price will be set. On March 20, the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority had approved the company’s application to offer 48.27 million shares, which make up 30 per cent of the issued share capital. This will be done by the current shareholder, Vision Invest. Vision Invest is a Saudi Arabian investment holding company with a focus on public and private sector partnerships. Bringing in private players “In the event that there is sufficient demand by individual investors, the number of shares initially allocated to participating parties will be reduced to 38.62 million shares, representing 80 per cent of the total offer,” said a statement. “Private sector participation in the water and wastewater sector is one of the main pillars of economic transformation in Saudi Arabia,” said Awaadh Al Otaibi, CEO of Miahona. “Over the past few years, Miahona has succeeded in achieving reCompany will offer 48.27 million shares, making up 30% of issued share capital Gulf News Report 31339128_1.2 Reuters ■ A trader monitors screens displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in Riyadh. Miahona has confirmed plans to list on Tadawul. Book-building will start on April 28. Private sector participation in the water and wastewater sector is one of the main pillars of economic transformation in Saudi Arabia.” Awaadh Al Otaibi | CEO of Miahona Miahona was established in 2008. The company and its subsidiaries are among the first developers of water and wastewater infrastructure under the public-private partnership (PPP) model in the Kingdom. A PIONEERING WATER COMPANY 1-3payments expected relief against monthly offplan payments if developers agree on the deferment 92% of Miahona’s 2023 revenues come from developing and rehabilitating water treatment plants markable growth, enhancing its ability to benefit from the tremendous growth and development process witnessed by the Kingdom. Based on our leading position in the sector, we are confident in our ability to contribute to the development of new projects in the water and wastewater sector as part of this transformation and continued growth.” The Saudi Arabian company operates two main business segments — concessions and operation and maintenance. The first involves long-term contracts for the development and rehabilitation of water and wastewater treatment plants. Here, the company is responsible for designing, constructing and operating the plant. This category made up 92 per cent of its revenues in 2023. The operation and maintenance involves short- to medium-term contracts forMiahona’s own and third-party projects. Next payment due on Dubai home? How about a rain check LEADING DEVELOPERS ARE WEIGHING A PAYMENT PAUSE AS A SHORT-TERM RELIEF FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING DELUGE
8 BUSINESS THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 | GULFNEWS.COM AS IT REVISES TOURISM GROWTH NUMBERS, KINGDOM NEEDS ALL THE HOTEL ROOMS IT CAN BUILD DUBAI A ll those massive tourism focused projects require Saudi Arabia to amp up its hotel capacity. The Kingdom is doing just that with an estimated 320,000 new hotel rooms to be added by 2030, according to latest forecasts by the consultancy Knight Frank. The Saudi Arabian market will need it as 150 million domestic and international tourists are expected by the end of the decade. Of the new hotel room supply, 66 per cent will be in the luxury, upper upscale and upscale categories. By 2030, this segment will “expand further to 72 per cent of the market, equating to 251,500 hotel rooms”, Knight Frank report notes. Inflow potential By end 2023, Saudi Arabia had seen nearly 100 million domestic and international tourists, with the tourism and hospitality sector contributing to nearly 6 per cent of the GDP. This puts the sector on track to hit the government’s 10 per cent target by the end of the decade. Around 30 million religious tourists are expected to visit the Holy Cities by 2025 and the government projects that this figure will rise to 50 million by 2030. Tourism-related spending in the first-half of 2023 rose to 87 billion Saudi riyals, a 132 per Gulf News Report cent rise on 2022. International visitor numbers gained 142 per cent, totalling 14.6 million arrivals. The biggest source markets were Bahrain (2.2 million), Kuwait (1.9 million) and Egypt (1.5 million). “With a target of welcoming 150 million visitors by 2030 — a 50 per cent increase from its previous goal — the government is actively exploring various strategies to attract to international travellers,” said Turab Saleem, partner and head of hospitality, tourism and leisure advisory for Mena at Knight Frank. “This includes the development of cultural and entertainment offerings nationwide, which complement existing attractions like the Jeddah F1 Grand Prix and numerous “entertainment seasons”. Added to this are new theme parks such as Boulevard World in Riyadh, alongside the licensing of 24 additional theme parks by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority over the past year. Riyadh winning the bid to host the 2030 World Expo is expected to inject $94.6 billion into the nation’s capital, with an estimated 40 million visitors expected during the six-month event. Worker accommodation According to Faisal Durrani, Knight Frank’s partner - head of research, Mena, “Notwithstanding that worker-to-room ratios in Saudi can sometimes be lower than global averages, the provision of key worker accommodation for the hospitality sector will be essential ensure its future success. “Not only does accommodation of this type help to mitigate against staff attraction and retention issues, but it also creates investment grade assets. Indeed, elsewhere in the GCC, key worker accommodation can trade for yields of as much as 10 per cent.” IPO dates set for Alkhabeer Income Traded Fund DUBAI S audi Arabia-headquartered Alkhabeer Capital announced yesterday the IPO dates for its Diversified Income Traded Fund 2030 units on the Saudi Exchange, which will start on April 28, last 15 business days, and end May 16. Alkhabeer Capital, a prominent asset manager specialisingspecialising in Sharia-compliant investments, financial services and brokerage services, is targeting a total offering of 100 million units at an initial offering price of SR10 for the income traded fund. Returns distribution Alkhabeer Diversified Income Traded Fund 2030 is a Sharia-compliant closedended traded fund established under the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia and regulated by the Capital Market Authority. “The Fund aims to distribute returns semi-annually for investors by investing in various income-generating assets across local and global markets, with a fixed maturity date set for 2030,” the company said. It explained that the fund also leverages the expertise of international asset management companies. Ahmed Saud Ghouth, CEO of Alkhabeer Capital, said, “We are delighted to launch Alkhabeer Diversified Income Traded Fund 2030 with a target capital of SR1 billion.” Company is planning to offer 100 million units of the fund Gulf News Report 150m tourists expected to visit the Kingdom by the end of the decade 66% of the new hotel room supply will be in the luxury, upper upscale, and upscale categories 30m religious tourists expected to visit the Holy Cities by 2025 6% tourism and hospitality sector contribution to Saudi Arabian GDP, on track to hit government target of 10% by 2030 ■ Saudi Arabian women rest in the lobby of the Luthan Hotel in Riyadh. Reuters Saudi Arabia to add 320,000 hotel rooms 70143836_53.1
9 Scan for our social media THE VIEWS GULFNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF INDIAN DEMOCRACY From pluralism of first election to polarisation in 2024, India’s hope for a better tomorrow remains unshaken A n Indian citizen, freshly off the colonial bandwagon, learnt how priceless his vote was in 1951-52 when the first general elections took place in a newly independent nation. The elective process — selective and without adequate representation of the common man — however, dates back to 1901. Still bathed in the afterglow of freedom and patriotism, the country spurred by Jawahar Lal Nehru’s slogan ‘Naya Hindustan Zindabad,’ (Long live new India) embraced democratic credentials. What made it easier was the line-up and the bench strength of stalwarts who were in equal parts leaders and statesmen standing under the umbrella of India’s new constitution that replaced the Nehru-led Constituent Assembly. The words of B.R. Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution, are as relevant today, “However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.” Gandhi, Nehru, and Sardar Patel along with their peers hand-held India’s citizens into a new era where an estimated 14 million displaced refugees needed new beginnings. Other prominent names like Lal Bahadur Shastri, Abul Kalam Azad, and Syama Prasad Mookerjee headlined an assembly of renowned leaders who got down to nationbuilding through the election process. They led a cast of 14 national parties into the fray. Pluralistic vision There was no prototype to follow and these stately leaders kept their dignity as close to their being as they did the idea of a pluralistic India. “The spectacle of what is called religion, or at any rate organised religion, in India and elsewhere, has filled me with horror and I have frequently condemned it and wished to make a clean sweep of it. Almost always it seemed to stand for blind belief and reaction, dogma and bigotry, superstition, exploitation and the preservation of vested interests,” Nehru summed up a new nation that clung to a diverse ethos. The challenges were unprecedented, elections were in 68 phases, and India moved to the unchartered territory of universal adult suffrage. Crippled by high illiteracy, voters struggled to even identify their candidate of choice on the ballot paper. The cost of the maiden elections was just over 100 million rupees — a fraction of what is probably spent on political IT cells today and India’s first Chief Election Commissioner Sukumar Sen termed it the biggest experiment in democracy in human history. Fast forward 77 years and as the world’s largest election unfolds, this vital post and the Commission itself face criticism for turning a blind eye to frequent violations of the model code of conduct. Misinformation is also rife; India’s ruling BJP candidate, actor Kangana Ranaut, says — because she can — that Bose and not Nehru was India’s first prime minister, this intellectual fall is ubiquitous and tough to arrest. Erosion of truth, historical perspective Is history existential when facts are disposable? “Where words come out from the depth of truth,” Rabindranath Tagore’s memorable lines lay lost as lies are peddled, especially through the prism of religion. Ten years later, the past is the present, the future has no promises. After the 1962 defeat to China, Nehru — much maligned by the right-wing — sat in Parliament facing a no-confidence motion and an angry opposition for four straight days. “Personally, I have welcomed this motion and this debate. I have felt that it would be a good thing if we were to have periodical tests of this kind,” was his reply. There are lessons to be drawn here. India has faced crises along the way, the march of democracy, however, does have a habit of returning to its starting point. In 1975, Indira’s Emergency first queered the pitch by suspending civil liberties even though barely four years earlier she had done it right winning a landslide victory on the back of her garibi hatao (eradicate poverty) slogan. Can development and welfare ever let a nation down? The personality cult has a limited shelf life as Indira’s hammering at the hustings less than two years later showed. India — the world’s largest democracy — needs a forward looking vision, not fear mongering. Where is the flame of hope that promises jobs, health care, education, and safety, and not politics of faith and food? From the pluralism of the first election to the hate speeches of 2024, there is a tear in the fabric. Will it be repaired, only time will tell. ■ Jyotsna Mohan is the author of the investigative book Stoned, Shamed, Depressed. She was also a journalist with NDTV for 15 years. BY JYOTSNA MOHAN | Special to Gulf News _____•_____ Record rain: UAE displays resilience Response to crisis showcased cohesion, social responsibility and a commitment to ensuring the safety of every individual T he UAE boasts a rich history and an authentic Arab environment, underscored by the unwavering loyalty of its people to their leadership and their deep-rooted sense of belonging to the homeland. From the era of the founding fathers to the present day, the commitment to preserving the nation’s reputation has remained steadfast. The recent display of concerted efforts and community solidarity amid the extreme weather conditions experienced by our beloved country reflects the pinnacle of national cohesion, social responsibility, and a collective commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every individual, wherever and whenever needed. Despite facing the most severe and heavy weather conditions in recorded history since 1949, the UAE, by the grace of Allah, has demonstrated exceptional resilience under the guidance of its wise leadership, dedicated work teams, and the efficiency of its government entities. The crisis was met with a professional response aimed at minimising damage and losses through timely awareness and warning messages disseminated across traditional and modern media platforms in multiple languages to reach all segments of society. The transition to remote study and work was facilitated to prioritise the safety of lives, placing human well-being at the forefront of the UAE’s priorities. As the extreme weather conditions subside, messages of reassurance from President His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, instil a sense of strength and confidence. Transforming challenges into opportunities The UAE is poised to continue its journey of sustainable development, fostering integration and strategic partnerships between federal and local government decision-makers and work teams. Together, they aim to transform current challenges into opportunities for development, enhancing the country’s work system, advancing the welfare of its citizens, and contributing to the prosperity and sustainability of its future, leading up to the country’s centennial in 2071. We must not overlook the noble humanitarian gestures displayed by the people of the UAE, from providing moral support and assistance to stranded drivers and frightened animals to upholding the national flag as a symbol of unity, strength, and cooperation in times of adversity and prosperity alike. It is our duty to express gratitude to our wise government for its tireless efforts in fostering happiness and elevating our nation among the global community. We commend the national efforts exemplified through the principles of good citizenship, prompt adherence to government directives, active participation in volunteer initiatives, and the proud narration of the Emirates’ stories of prosperity and sustainability. ■ Alya Hassan Al Yassi is a media expert in the UAE government. X: @Alya_alyassi BY ALYA HASSAN AL YASSI | Special to Gulf News _____•_____ Readmore Views online With Kejriwal in jail, Aam Aadmi Party’s future is uncertain Rethinking Nato’s role in a changing world ON GULFNEWS.COM Exceptional dedication T he recent news about Dubai Airports bouncing back to normality after the heavy rainfall was a welcome relief. The dedication of thousands of employees who worked tirelessly to clear the runways and restore flight schedules is truly commendable. Their efforts ensured that the travel plans of countless passengers were not significantly impacted. ■ ADITI SHARMA Dubai Welcome development I am writing to commend Tadweer Group for taking a proactive approach to tackling plastic pollution in Abu Dhabi. The introduction of RVMs is a welcome development in the emirate. By working together, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations. ■ RICHA AGRWAL UAE Payment pause T he recent decision by the UAE Central Bank to allow banks to postpone personal and car loan payments for up to six months for those impacted by the weather is a welcome relief (“UAE Central Bank permits banks to postpone personal and car loans for six months”, Gulf News, April 23). This initiative demonstrates the Central Bank’s understanding of the financial strain that such unforeseen circumstances can cause for individuals and families. ■ AARON ADAM UAE Thank you, UAE I would like to thank the UAE Central Bank’s decision to enable banks to postpone loan payments for individuals affected by the recent weather. This thoughtful measure demonstrates the Central Bank’s responsiveness to the needs of the community and its commitment to financial stability. ■ NADA AHMED UAE Plastic bottle recycling I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the plastic bottle return programme (“Abu Dhabi to implement plastic bottle return programme”, Gulf News, April 24). The introduction of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) to collect plastic bottles, cans, and glass bottles is a significant step towards improving recycling in the UAE. I am confident that with the support of the community, this initiative can make a real difference in protecting our environment for future generations. ■ FRANCIS JACOB Abu Dhabi ■ Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on [email protected]. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @ GNReaders Congrats, Dubai Airports I was impressed to read about the swift and effective response of Dubai Airports to the recent heavy rainfall (“Dubai Airports back to normal operations after UAE’s heaviest rainfall”, Gulf News, April 23). The sheer volume of 1,400 flights per day highlights the crucial role Dubai plays in global aviation. It is commendable that thousands of employees worked tirelessly to clear roads and restore flight schedules. I have always had a wonderful experience at the Dubai International Airport. Dubai Airports truly deserves praise for its efficient recovery efforts. ■ CATHERINE D’SOUZA Dubai Letters to the Editor Printed and Published by Al Nisr Publishing LLC, P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE www.gulfnews.com DISCLAIMER. Opinions expressed by writers and readers don’t necessarily reflect the newspaper’s views, unless otherwise stated. LEGAL NOTICE. 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MIDDLE EAST 10 THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 | GULFNEWS.COM 31339208_1.1 Iranian rapper gets death sentence TEHRAN A n Iranian court has sentenced to death a popular rapper jailed for more than a year and a half for supporting nationwide protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death, local media reported yesterday. Toomaj Salehi, 33, was arrested in October 2022 after publicly backing the wave of demonstrations which erupted a month earlier, triggered by the death in custody of 22-year-old Amini. The Iranian Kurdish woman had been detained by the morality police in Tehran over an alleged breach of the Islamic republic’s strict dress rules for women. “Branch 1 of Isfahan Revolutionary Court... sentenced Salehi to death on the charge of corruption on Earth,” the singer’s lawyer Amir Raisian said, quoted by the Shargh newspaper. Legal conflict The court “in an unprecedented move, emphasised its independence and did not implement the Supreme Court’s ruling”, the lawyer said. “The Supreme Court, as an appellate authority, had reviewed the case and issued a ruling to the lower court to remove the flaws in the sentence,” he said. “The fact is that the verdict of the court has clear legal conflicts. The Revolutionary Court had accused Salehi of “assistance in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the system and calling for riots. — AFP 33-year-old arrested in 2022 after backing demonstrations ■ Toomaj Salehi ■ King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Caught in a loop, Gazans flee again ISRAELI BOMBING AS INTENSE AS AT BEGINNING OF WAR AS MILITARY PREPARES FOR RAFAH ASSAULT GAZA CITY S ome Palestinian civilians were fleeing their homes in northern Gaza yesterday just weeks after returning because of an Israeli bombardment which they said was as intense as those at the start of the war. Much of the shelling was focused for a second day on Beit Lahiya on the northern edge of Gaza, where the Israeli military gave evacuation orders to four neighbourhoods on Tuesday, warning they were in a “dangerous combat zone”. After weeks of relative calm, Israel intensified its attacks overnight on Monday, focusing on areas — particularly in the north — from where it had previously withdrawn troops, saying Hamas was no longer in control. “We don’t know why this is all happening. Is it because we returned home and we finally got some aid through after months of starvation and the Israelis didn’t like that?” said Mohammad Jamal, 29, a resident of Gaza City, near Zeitoun, one of Gaza’s oldest suburbs. Ready for Rafah Israel’s military said yesterday it was ready to launch a ground assault on the southern city of Rafah, which it regards as Hamas’ last bastion and which is the only part of Gaza not yet subjected to a ground offensive. The operation will proceed when the military receives government approval, a senior defence official told Reuters. Plans for an attack on the city, where more than 1 million people have been displaced, have caused widespread international concern. Aid agencies have warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe and US President Joe Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to invade Rafah. Israel has said it will eradicate Hamas following the militant group’s rampage in southern Israel on October 7 in which 1,200 people were killed and 253 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. The war, now in its seventh month, has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, and many more are feared buried in rubble. — Reuters Columbia extends Gaza protest deadline after students agree to dismantle tents NEW YORK C olumbia University students agreed to take down “a significant number” of the dozens of tents set up on the school’s main campus as part of a protest against Israel’s incursion into Gaza, the New York school said on yesterday. The concession by protesters was part of a deal under which Columbia agreed to extend by 48 hours a midnight deadline for the entire encampment to come down, it said in a statement, pointing to “significant progress” in the talks. A representative of the protesters, who have occupied a lawn at the centre of the upper Manhattan campus for days, could not be reached immediately for comment. The university on Tuesday threatened to invite law enforcement to dismantle the encampment if students had not done so by midnight. On Friday, New York police arrested more than 100 protesters at the behest of administrators. “The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and, at times, hostile environment for many members of our community,” Columbia President Minouche Shafik said late on Tuesday, before the agreement to extend the deadline. In addition to removing a significant number of tents, the university said student leaders had agreed to make sure that anyone unaffiliated with Columbia leaves the campus, that any activity complies with fire safety rules and that protesters refrain from any discriminatory or harassing language. On Tuesday, 25 US Senate Republicans urged the Biden administration to “restore order” on campuses where Jewish students feel threatened. — Reuters Concession by protesters points to ‘significant progress’ in the talks AFP ■ Columbia University students participate in a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. US President Joe Biden demanded yesterday that new humanitarian aid be allowed to immediately reach Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as key US ally Israel fights Hamas there. “We’re going to immediately secure that aid and surge it ... including food,medical supplies, clean water,” Biden said after signing a massive $26 billion military aid bill for Israel, and $1 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza. “Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay,” he said. US-Israel relations have been strained by Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to send troops into the southern Gazan city of Rafah, where 1.5 million people are sheltering, many in makeshift encampments. — AFP BIDEN SAYS ISRAEL MUST ALLOW AID TO PALESTINIANS ■ Pro-Palestinian protesters hold a small rally outside Columbia University, New York City, yesterday. AFP 1 million people displaced in Rafah, which Israel threatens to invade soon DUBAI S audi Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz has been admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Jeddah for routine medical check-ups, which the Royal Court yesterday said would “take a few hours”. The 88-year-old King Salman assumed power in 2015. The official Saudi Press Agency also reported the same, citing a statement from the Royal Court. “May Allah protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and grant him health and wellness,” the Royal Court said. State media on Tuesday showed footage of King Salman attending a weekly cabinet meeting. Previous hospital visit King Salman was last admitted to the same hospital in Jeddah nearly two years ago, in May 2022. He underwent a colonoscopy and remained there for just over a week for additional tests and “some time to rest”, SPA reported at the time. King Salman underwent surgery to remove his gall bladder in 2020. He was also admitted to a hospital in March 2022 to undergo what state media described as “successful medical tests” and to change the battery of his pacemaker. Saudi King in hospital for routine check-up BY KHITAM AL AMIR Chief News Editor State media on Tuesday showed footage of King Salman attending a weekly cabinet meeting.
WORLD 11 GULFNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 What happens now that US TikTok bill has been passed? ON GULFNEWS.COM The US Senate on Tuesday passed legislation giving TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, about nine months to divest the US assets of the short-video app, or face a nationwide ban. Beijing has previously furiously denounced the plans to ban TikTok, urgingWashington to “truly respect the principles ofmarket economy and fair competition”. — Bloomberg, Reuters TikTok’s US users facewave of uncertainty after TikTok bill passed ■ This photo shows the TikTok logo reflected in an image of the US flag, in Washington DC. AFP Extreme heat sears Southeast Asia, forces schools to shut PHILIPPINES, BANGKOK, INDIA ISSUE WARNINGS; BANGLADESH PRAYS FOR RAIN MANILA E xtreme heat scorched parts of South and Southeast Asia yesterday, prompting schools across the Philippines to suspend classes, heat warnings in the Thai capital and worshippers in Bangladesh to pray for rain. The high temperatures were recorded just a day after the United Nations said Asia was the region that suffered themost disasters from climate and weather hazards in 2023, with floods and storms the chief causes of casualties and economic losses. ‘So hot you can’t breathe’ Extensive research has found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense. “It’s so hot you can’t breathe,” said Erlin Tumaron, 60, who works at a Philippine seaside resort in Cavite province, south of Manila, where the heat index reached 47 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. “It’s surprising our pools are still empty. You would expect people to come and take a swim, but it seems they’re reluctant to leave their homes because of the heat.” March, April and May are the hottest and driest months in the archipelago, but conditions this year have been exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon. AFP ■ Thousands of Muslims in Dhaka joined the rest of the country to offer special prayers for rains yesterday. GENEVA G lobal immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, the World Health Organisation said yesterday, adding that most of them were infants. That is the equivalent of six lives saved every minute of every year of the half century, the UN health agency said. In a study published in the Lancet,WHO gave a comprehensive analysis of the impact of 14 vaccines used under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), which celebrates its 50th anniversary next month. ‘Powerful inventions’ “Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making oncefeared diseases preventable,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Thanks to vaccines, smallpox has been eradicated, polio is on the brink, and with the more recent development of vaccines against diseases like malaria and cervical cancer, we are pushing back the frontiers of disease,” he said. The study said infants accounted for 101 million of the lives saved through immunisation over the five decades. “Immunisation was the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthdays, but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood”, WHO said. The vaccine against measles had the most significant impact. That jab accounted for 60 per cent of the lives saved due to immunisation, according to the study. The polio vaccine means that more than 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralysed. The study also showed that when a vaccine saves a child’s life, they go on to live an average of 66 years of full health on average. — AFP WHO says vaccines saved 154m in 50 years —Agencies Short takes UN climate fund to shield refugees 3 injured in Wales school stabbing Taliban joins climate talks The United Nations said yesterday it was launching a new Climate Resilience Fund aimed at boosting protections for “refugees and displaced communities” threatened by climate change. The UN refugee agency said it aimed to raise $100 million by the end of next year. Three people were injured in an apparent stabbing at a secondary school inWales yesterday, police said. The attack occurred at the Amman Valley School about 100km northwest of Cardiff. “Three people have been injured and are receiving treatment,” a police spokeswoman said, adding that one person has been arrested. The Taliban government has entered its first talks with the United Nations, donors and non-governmental organisations over the impact of climate change in Afghanistan, organisers said yesterday. Afghanistan ranks as one of the countries least prepared to face the effects of climate change. LONDON 4 injured as army horses break loose in London F our people were taken to hospital after spooked army horses broke loose during morning exercises in central London and galloped through the streets at rush hour, the army and emergency services said. Photos and video posted on social media by British news outlets showed two horses running along busy roads, dodging buses, taxis and other traffic. Both were wearing saddles and bridles, with one apparently covered in blood on its chest and forelegs. London Ambulance Service said it was called at 8:25 am (0725 GMT) to reports of a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road. One horse also reportedly crashed into a parked double-decker tour bus, smashing the windscreen. 4 injured as The heat index was expected to reach the “danger” level of 42C or higher in at least 30 cities and municipalities yesterday, the state weather forecaster said. The heat index measures what a temperature feels like, taking into account humidity. The Philippine Department of Education, which oversees more than 47,600 schools, said nearly 6,700 schools suspended in-person classes yesterday. There was also a 50 per cent chance of the heat intensifying, Ana Solis, chief climatologist at the state weather forecaster, said. Asia warming faster The WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report found Asia was warming faster than the global average, with temperatures last year nearly two degrees Celsius above the 1961 to 1990 average. “Many countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023, along with a barrage of extreme conditions, from droughts and heatwaves to floods and storms,” said WMO chief Celeste Saulo, who described the report as “sobering”. WMO Deputy SecretaryGeneral Ko Barrett said: “Extreme heat is increasingly becoming the big silent killer”. Hotting up In Bangladesh, thousands gathered in Dhaka to pray for rain as an extreme heatwave forced authorities to shut schools around the country. Bangladesh’s weather bureau said average maximum temperatures in the capital over the past week have been 4-5C higher than the 30-year average for the same period. The Indian Meteorological Department said that severe heatwave conditions were likely in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim and Karnataka over the next five days. Thai authorities in Bangkok issued an extreme heat warning. Temperatures were forecast to hit 39C in the sprawling Thai capital, while the heat index rose above 52C. — AFP 52c was the heat index — or what the temperature felt like — in Thailand 6,700 schools suspended in-person classes in the Philippines yesterday ■ A pedestrian cools himself with a folding hand fan as he waits for a ride along a road in Manila yesterday, as high temperatures affected the country. AFP In a study published in the Lancet, WHO gave a comprehensive analysis of the impact of 14 vaccines used under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next month.
SPORT 12 Scan for our social media THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 | GULFNEWS.COM DUBAI A l Ain goalkeeper and captain Khalid Eisa has thanked the coach and the management for pursuing with him despite a poor run. Eisa was one of the star performers on the crucial evening when Al Ain reached the Asian Champions League final for the first time since 2016 with an aggregate 5-4 victory over four-time winners Al Hilal, despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat in Riyadh on Tuesday. The 34-year-old made six saves including from Brazilian Michael and Mohamed Kanno late on. Al Ain clung on desperately through nine minutes of added time, with Eisa keeping out a Michael header in the 98th minute. “I am glad to be playing well again, especially as we are now at the important stage of the season and I thank the confidence of the coach and the club management in me,” Eisa told the AFC website after the final. “To be honest, I rediscovered my form in the AFC Asian Cup. I had a bad period before that but I am back at my best now,” Eisa added. The result means Al Ain will return to the final for the first time since 2016, when they lost out over two legs to South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors. “The pressure was higher — mentally and physically — and I am so proud that we hung on. We played against a world class team and this match was even more difficult than the first game. So I’m proud of our team. We really deserve it,” Eisa said. Blistering start Leading 4-2 from the first leg in Al-Ain last Wednesday, the visitors were rocked inside the opening two minutes as Al Hilal made a blistering start. The Saudi Pro League side looked dominating with goals from Ruben Neves and Salem Al Dawsari. The four-time winners reduced the deficit in the fourth minute, but Al Ain remained resolute, with Kaku heading over the bar before the 2003 champions restored their twogoal aggregate advantage in the 12th minute. Six minutes into the second half the home side struck again, Al Dawsari slotting his low shot into the bottom corner after Barman’s header from Yasser Al Shahrani’s long throw had landed at the Al Hilal winger’s feet. Eisa kept Michael’s deflected effort out at the near post with five minutes remaining while Sergej MilinkovicSavic headed over moments later as Al Hilal sought in vain to score the goal that would take the game into extra-time. ‘Very proud’ Al Ain, who will bid for a second triumph in the competition and first since 2003, will meet Yokohama F Marinos for the title next month after the Japanese club defeated South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai in the other semi-final. The first leg of the final will be held in Japan on May 11 before the return match in Al Ain two weeks later. Head coach Hernan Crespo said he is very happy with the team performed. “I am very proud of my players for performing their best in a packed away stadium. “I thank everyone in Al Ain Club, and I’m happy to be the coach of this great team. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents who are the leading club in Saudi Arabia and in this tournament.” Al Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus admitted his side had come up short over both legs. “What we did in both legs was not enough to reach the final. Although we played a great second half today and we created several chances, we didn’t use them.” — With inputs from agencies BY JAI PRASAD V RAI Assistant Editor Grenville-Wood seeking first pro win ON GULFNEWS.COM The UAE’s No. 1 professional golfer, Joshua Grenville-Wood, is looking to capitalise on home advantage when the second edition of the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club takes place from April 25- 28. The 26-year-old is no stranger to the challenge the Gary Playerdesigned masterpiece poses, having made the UAE his home five years ago. — ThomasWragg, Golf Editor Find out how Grenville-Wood is looking forward to the tournament Al Ain will face off with Marinos for title next month WEAREPROUD OF OUR PERFORMANCE: EISA I am glad to be playingwell again, especially aswe are now at the important stage of the season and I thank the confidence of the coach and the clubmanagement inme.” Khalid Eisa » Al Ain goalkeeper and captain ■ Al Ain players celebrate after winning the match against Al Hilal at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Reuters 5-4 was the aggregate score Al Ain defeated Al Hilal in semi-finals 2003 the year Al Ain were champions of the AFC Champions League — Agencies Short takes City’s Haaland to miss Brighton game Nadal unsure of playing French Open Manchester City will be without top scorer Erling Haaland when they play at Brighton & Hove Albion today, manager Pep Guardiola said, as his team continues their push toward capturing a fourth consecutive Premier League title. “Erling Haaland is not ready for tomorrow, (it’s) not a big issue but not allowed for this game,” Guardiola told reporters on Wednesday. City will have Phil Foden and John Stones back on Thursday, when they can climb to within a point of leaders Arsenal but still with a game in hand. Spain’s Rafael Nadal said yesterday that he is not sure if he will be able to play at French Open after pushing through the pain barrier in his comeback from injury. The 37-year-old said he is far from being in top form and that he is only playing against American Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open today as a personal sacrifice. “If I was in Paris today, I wouldn’t go out to play,” Nadal said. “I don’t think I’ll be able to play at 100 per cent but it’s important to be able to play for last time in Madrid, it means a lot to me to play on this court where I’ve had some great moments.” AFP ■ Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant celebrates his half century during an IPL match against Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi yesterday. NEW DELHI R ishabh Pant smashed an unbeaten 88 as he led Delhi Capitals to a tense IPL 4-wicket win over Gujarat Titans yesterday, boosting his chances of playing for India at the T20 World Cup. Delhi posted 224-4 courtesy of a 113-run stand between Pant and fellow left-hander Axar Patel, who hit 66, after they slipped to 44-3 inside six overs at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The hosts kept Gujarat down to 220-8 to win by four runs after David Miller’s 23- ball 55 and an unbeaten 21 off 11 deliveries by Rashid Khan. Mukesh Kumar kept his nerve in the final over for Delhi’s fourth win in nine matches as they kept their playoff hopes alive in the T20 tournament. Pant, 26, struck his third half-century of this season after 14 months away from top level cricket following a frightening car accident when his Mercedes rammed into a barrier, flipped and caught fire in December 2022. Pant suffered multiple injuries and was rushed to hospital before being airlifted to Mumbai for further treatment and surgery. He has not only fired with the bat in the IPL but his sharp work behind the stumps prompted Delhi’s director of cricket Sourav Ganguly and coach Ricky Ponting to back the India star for making the national team for the World Cup in June. Gujarat’s impact substitute Sai Sudarshan smashed 65 off 39 balls but they lost regular wickets. Rashid kept up the fight as Gujarat needed 19 off the final over andfive on the last ball. — AFP Pant boosts T20 World Cup hopes Delhi skipper smashes unbeaten 88 to lead his side to win against Gujarat by four runs Delhi Capitals 224-4 in 20 overs (Axar Patel 66,Rishabh Pant 88 n.o,Tristan Stubbs 26 n.o; Sandeep Warrier 3/15) bt Gujarat Titans 220-8 in 20 overs (Wriddhiman Saha 39, Sai Sudarsan 65,David Miller 55; Rasikh Salam 3/44, Kuldeep Yadav 2/29) by 4 runs. CATCH THEMATCH Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bengaluru,Hyderabad, 6pm (UAE time) BRIEF SCORES Marcus Stoinis’s desire to keep playing international cricket beyond the T20 World Cup in June has not been diminished by Cricket Australia’s decision to drop him from the central contracts list, the all-rounder said. “Me not getting a contract, I knew that a while ago,” Stoinis said. “On the playing front, I still obviously want to make sure that I’m there, and that’s also why it’s so lucky for us and for me particularly to have this competition (the IPL) ... “I started my career pretty much here and who knows I finish it here.” — Reuters ‘Keen to playWC’
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ENTERTAINMENT 16 THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 | GULFNEWS.COM Oscar-nominated actor looked to his childhood tales to bring alive his action-packed revenge saga B ritish actor of Indian origin, Dev Patel, will make his feature film directorial debut with the action thriller Monkey Man, which is out in UAE cinemas now. The movie sees the Oscarnominated actor play Kid, using his fighting skills to take down the town’s powerful and corrupt leaders who destroyed his family. In an interview with Reuters, Patel said the script took over 12 years to perfect. He has written, directed, and produced the feature. Shot mostly in Indonesia, his directorial debut saw a series of challenges, including changing filming locations from India after it was shut down by the Covid pandemic. He described the filming as a rewarding, but chaotic process. The movie also demanded that Patel amp up his stunt skills. “I broke my foot, broke my hand, tore my shoulder, a few other things. But it’s all part and parcel of it,” said Patel, adding that his crew made T-shirts with a picture of the screw that was used to fix his broken hand during filming. Here are eight things to know about the movie before you head into the cinemas to watch Monkey Man: DIRECTORIAL DEBUT IS AN ANTHEM FOR THE UNDERDOGS Dev Patel, the breakout star of Slumdog Millionaire, will make his directorial debut with this action thriller. It’s a tale of a single man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother. “I wanted to make an anthem for the underdogs,” said Patel in the production notes. He wanted to create a movie about a leading man who hasn’t got it all figured out. “A hero who doesn’t have all the tools, can’t provide the perfect quip at every moment — the guy who tries and fails, and tries again — only to fail once more. A young man accustomed to being underestimated, with equal amounts of pain and rage, grappling with real trauma … that is, until he finds other outsiders, underdogs, like himself, to help build him up and give him the courage to fight for what is good and true,” he added. INSPIRED BY THE LEGEND OF HANUMAN Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, a mythical figure embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meagre living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him. “As a child,my grandfather introduced me to the story of Hanuman, the Monkey God. I was stunned at howmanymodern comic books have drawn inspiration from Eastern philosophy and iconographies,” said Patel. INTERNATIONAL CAST The movie boasts an international cast including Bollywood actors Shobita Dhulipala of Made In Heaven fame, Sikander Kher of Aarya fame, and Sharlto Copley of District 9 fame. CHANNELLING HIS LOVE FOR ACTION-FILLED STORIES Ever since Patel was a kid, he has always been “obsessed with action cinema”. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he channelled all that fascination towards action-filled stories towards his directorial debut. “From sneaking downstairs at midnight and watching Bruce Lee leap from the screen and into my imagination in Enter the Dragon, to watching Shah Rukh Khan fighting off hundreds of bad guys to save the love of his life, to then being introduced to Korean cinema — which took the revenge genre to a whole new level in my mind — I knew one day I’d fuse my love of all these cultures, styles and storytelling to make something for people like me,” said Patel. He also took inspiration from action movies that he grew up admiring. “Some of my favourite movies are Man from Nowhere and Oldboy, also a wonderful film from Indonesia, The Raid. We had a number of The Raid team working on this. As well as the John Wick team, who happen to be producers with Thunder Road. We put all of these in a blender, and added some masala from India,” said Patel. MORE THAN JUST A TOKEN TALE OF A BROWN GUY But he was clear that his directorial debut wouldn’t be that token tale of a brown guy born in London facing an identity crisis. “The action genre can easily be abused by the system, churning out content that lacks substance for a quick profit. But as a true fan of the genre, I know it can handle more. The audience wants more. I’m adding a heavy dose of culture to the mix,” added Patel. CELEBRATION OF HIS ROOTS Monkey Man is also Patel’s attempt at not being stereotyped as an actor. “There was a time when I was constantly pigeonholed as an actor. Then I realised that instead of running away from my heritage, I was going to double-down on it and showcase what makes me proud of who I am. While the film celebrates my culture, I’m as equally committed to calling out the systemic and institutional issues that continue to be perpetuated and imposed on the most disadvantaged and vulnerable communities,” he said. LOVE LETTER TO HIS FAMILY “At its core, Monkey Man is a love letter to my family,” said Patel. “It’s about blending the mythology that my father and my grandfather shared with me and also about honouring the power of all the incredible women in my life — foremost my mother. And how far someone would go to avenge a wrong inflicted on someone you love so dearly,” Patel added. 8 YEARS TO TWEAK THE SCRIPT, A DECADE TO MAKE THE FILM He spent over eight years of his life tweaking the script, culled from his childhood stories, and over a decade to make this film. “It’s very close to my heart. It’s taking one of the oldest Indian mythologies and giving it a modern spin, so hopefully, it’ll internationalise this story and create a brand new superhero epic, something wholly original. It vibrates with energy and soul and heart, and insane action.” THINGSTOKNOW ABOUT DEVPATEL AND HIS NEWFILM, ‘MONKEYMAN’ By Manjusha Radhakrishnan Entertainment Editor Several people were injured in an accident on the set of a new Eddie Murphy film, Amazon MGM Studios said Tuesday. The incident on the set of The Pickup, an upcoming comedy heist movie, occurred Saturday as an action sequence was being filmed. “Unfortunately, the sequence did not go as planned and several members of the crew were injured as a result,” said a spokesperson. The studio is “still in the process of gathering facts on what happened and why,” they added, without providing further details. The movie stars Murphy, Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer. But the incident affected the movie’s second unit — an industry term for filming that occurs away from the main production. Second units are often charged with shooting stunt and other dangerous scenes, and do not usually involve star actors. The action sequence had been rehearsed, and “all safety precautions were reviewed before and monitored during the shoot,” said the studio. “The well-being of the entire crew and cast is our first priority, and we will continue to insist on the highest industry standards of safety,” it said. The incident occurred at a set in Atlanta, Georgia. — AFP Several injured on Eddie Murphy film set Kim Kardashian wants an end to the long-standing feud with Taylor Swift, following the release of Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, which includes a track seemingly aimed at Kardashian. An insider close to Kardashian revealed to People magazine that the reality TV star is ready to move past the drama and hopes Swift will do the same. Swift’s surprise release of her album, particularly the song thanK you aIMee, reignited speculation about her feud with Kardashian. In the track, Swift addresses dealing with a bully who only made her stronger, with some fans noting the clever use of capital letters spelling out Kardashian’s name. Reportedly, the feud began in 2016 when KanyeWest, Kardashian’s former husband, referenced Swift in his song Famous, leading to a dispute between Swift and the Kardashian-West camp. — ANI Kim Kardashian wants Taylor Swift to move on Monkey Man is out in UAE cinemas Don’t 8 miss it! I broke my foot, broke my hand, tore my shoulder ... the crew made T-shirts with a picture of the screw that was used to fix my broken hand.” DEV PATEL ★ Actor-director Sharlto Copley in a still from the film. Photos: Supplied, Reuters
J ason Derulo, the singer behind hits including Want to Want Me and Savage Love, will headline the inaugural edition of the EarthSoul Festival at the Coca Cola Arena on May 4. Derulo, who burst into our collective pop consciousness with his song Whatcha Say in 2009, is also a megastar on TikTok with almost 60 million followers. Now, Derulo will be returning to Dubai with his Nu King Tour and fans can also experience an energetic firework of hits with phenomenal dance moves. DIVERSE LINE-UP The festival will include a diverse lineup of artists, each bringing their unique talents, commitment to sustainability and perspectives to the festival. From Pakistani sensation Shae Gill to Emirati Soul singer Arqam, and rising star Celinedee Matahari, the line-up is set to captivate audiences and drive home the festival’s message of environmental consciousness. Conceptualised and organised by Orbit Events, EarthSoul Festival goes beyond entertainment to address pressing environmental issues. The festival will also feature a panel discussion on planet conservation, as well as activations such as beach clean-up drives, providing attendees with opportunities to contribute to a sustainable future. “We are thrilled to announce that a portion of attendees’ ticket purchases will contribute to reforesting initiatives. By supporting Earth Soul Fest, attendees are not only immersing themselves in an unforgettable experience, but also joining hands in our collective efforts to restore and preserve our planet’s precious ecosystems. Together, let’s sow the seeds of change for a greener future.” said Pragna Vaya, MD Orbit Events. Tickets are available on coca-cola-arena.com, Platinumlist, and Virgin Tickets. The UAE’s inaugural Eco-Conscious Fest Series in May debuts with the ‘Want to Want Me’ singer’s gig ENTERTAINMENT 17 A previously lost 12-string acoustic guitar that belonged to the late John Lennon will go up for sale at an auction in May after it was recently found in the attic of a home in Britain. The auctioneers said Lennon played the guitar, which is expected to exceed its estimate of $600,000 to $800,000, on the Beatles’ 1965 album Help! The guitar was lying in an attic and was rediscovered by the current owners during a house move. The founders of US-based Julien’s Auctions said they travelled to Britain to verify the guitar and found the original case — a Maton Australian-made guitar case — in the trash. Martin Nolan, co-founder of Julien’s Auctions, said the guitar is believed to have ended up in their hands through British musician Gordon Waller. — Reuters John Lennon’s lost guitar up for auction Indian actor Aamir Khan, known for his selective public appearances, finally made his debut on The Great Indian Kapil Show. The much-awaited teaser of this upcoming episode, featuring Khan, has been circulating on social media platforms, generating significant buzz among fans. In the teaser, Kapil Sharma, the charismatic host, engages with Khan in his trademark banter, drawing out candid responses from the actor. The Dangal actor has shed light on his choice to skip film award ceremonies, emphasising the value of time. When questioned by Archana Puran Singh about his absence from award shows, Khan replied with characteristic wit, stating, “Time is precious, use it wisely.” —ANI Why Aamir avoids award ceremonies episode, featuring Khan, has GULFNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 Jason Derulo to headline EarthSoul Festival in Dubai Photos: Supplied, AP, Reuters By Manjusha Radhakrishnan Entertainment Editor 31339168_3.1
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