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Sheikh Abdullah blasts Iran over Bahrain threat

The UAE today condemned Iranian threats to Bahrain, calling them unIslamic and urging Iran to reconsider its approach to the Arabian Gulf region. Read Article Sheikh Abdullah blasts Iran over Bahrain threat

Headlines

Eviction threat
Ramadan
Dubai Metro

Eviction threat to Abu Dhabi villa tenants

Eviction notices have been served on properties in breach of an occupancy law implemented last year. Owners and tenants also face fines of up to Dh100,000. Silvia Razgova / The National

Government officials are now warning that thousands of residents face eviction and investors and tenants alike will face up to a Dh100,000 fine. Read Article

Ramadan in the UAE: Will science replace moon-spotting to start the Holy Month?

Spotting the Ramadan moon has been the traditional way to start the Holy Month, but should a more scientific method be used.

Dr Nidhal Guessoum, an astrophysicist at the American University of Sharjah, says computer models can predict when the new crescent moon will be visible from any given region. Charles Crowell / The National

Take our poll: The French Muslim Council has decided to depend on astronomical calculations instead of moon-sighting to determine the start of the Holy Month, and scientists say the UAE could soon follow suit. Read Article

More than 33 million ride Dubai's Metro in three months

More than 30 million people rode the Dubai Metro in the first three months of 2013. Randi Sokoloff / The National

Latest Metro usage figures show station near Deira City Centre is currently the most popular as Mall of Emirates station loses its crown as busiest. Read Article

UAE news

Free tickets to UAE President's Cup Final for loyal fans

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nov 29, 2012 - Al Ahli fans during a match against Al Nasr at Rashid Stadium. ( Jaime Puebla / The National Newspaper )

Al Ahli football club has said they will buy all the tickets allocated to their fans and give them away. Not to be outdone, the other finalists, Al Shabab, has promised to do the same. Read Article Free tickets to UAE President's Cup Final for loyal fans

New approach required to counter rise of cybercrime, Dubai forum hears

The rapid growth of computer technology used by individuals, businesses and the Government that is helping to power the economy is also attracting opportunistic criminals. Read Article New approach required to counter rise of cybercrime, Dubai forum hears

Shark trade curbed to save species

The UAE needs to review legislation to prepare for new worldwide rules governing shark protection, says conservationist. Read Article Shark trade curbed to save species

Wife beat husband with high heels, Dubai court told

A man was hit by his wife and stepdaughter when he tried to stop his wife from assaulting their maid, hears court. Read Article Wife beat husband with high heels, Dubai court told

Opinion

There can be no deal for Assad to keep power

For the majority of Syrians, any government led by Bashar Al Assad or his cronies would be illegitimate Read Article There can be no deal for Assad to keep power

New rules for UAE's currency exchange industry are welcome

The UAE Central Bank's decision to impose tighter rules on currency exchange firms is a move in the right direction. Read Article New rules for UAE's currency exchange industry are welcome

Battle for Eurovision title is better than a quarrel

It's not easy to imagine any other European league table, from GDP to murder rate, that would put Denmark, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Norway, Russia, and Greece in the top six spots, as happened on Saturday at the Grand Final in Sweden. Read Article Battle for Eurovision title is better than a quarrel

Business

Taqa weighs dual listing with entry into London

Construction work at Taqa's Bergermeer gas storage site in the Netherlands. Courtesy Taqa

The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company is exploring the possibility of a dual listing on the London Stock Exchange as a potential option to improve the liquidity of its shares and open up to foreign investors. Read Article Taqa weighs dual listing with entry into London

Volumes triple as Aldar and Sorouh shares peak

Aldar and Sorouh shares rose more than 14 per cent to touch their maximum price ceiling yesterday as volumes more than tripled amid investor speculation that shares post merger will trade at a premium. Read Article Volumes triple as Aldar and Sorouh shares peak

NY Times considers Arabic site

The New York Times is considering launching an Arabic version of its website in line with its expansion efforts in the digital age. Read Article NY Times considers Arabic site

Obstacles to Emiratisation remain

Barriers are still holding back Emiratis from joining the private sector despite 2013 being designated the year of emiratisation. Read Article Obstacles to Emiratisation remain

Energy

The alleged wrongdoing concerning price fixing in the oil industry primarily concerns traders making money off other traders.

Robin Mills

Topics

World

Constantine, the most beautiful city you've never heard of

Famous for its dramatic bridges, the eastern Algerian city of Constantine has been selected as the 'Arab Capital of Culture' for 2015. Photo: Lindsay Mackenzie for the National.

Most people don't know anything about the Algerian city selected by the Arab League's cultural arm to be the capital of Arab culture in 2015. Alice Fordham reports from Constantine Read Article Constantine, the most beautiful city you've never heard of

Imran Khan claims opposition responsible for MP's murder

PTI leader tweets that the head of the MQM publicly threatened supporters of his party before the assassination of the vice-president of his women's wing, Zahra Hussain. Taimur Khan reports from Islamabad Read Article Imran Khan claims opposition responsible for MP's murder

Iran tycoon may have to dump Mercedes for presidency

Hardline media critical of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani splice images of him ensconced in a gleaming Mercedes with shots of another heavyweight candidate, Saeed Jalili, driving a locally assembled Kia Pride with, well, pride. Michael Theodoulou reports Read Article Iran tycoon may have to dump Mercedes for presidency

After fleeing two wars, Iraqi refugee gets chance to study in peace

Iraqi woman is among the last to benefit from the Damascus-based Iraqi Student Project, which was shut down by civil war. Taimur Khan reports Read Article After fleeing two wars, Iraqi refugee gets chance to study in peace

Sport

European football round-up: Tearful David Beckham bids goodbye

Former England international touched to be given Paris Saint-Germain captaincy band for his final game. Read Article European football round-up: Tearful David Beckham bids goodbye

Asian Five Nations: A step backward may help UAE rugby move forward

Dropping out of the top tier could be more of a help than a hurt, comments Paul Radley. Read Article Asian Five Nations: A step backward may help UAE rugby move forward

Best team from the best of times: Sir Alex Ferguson's excellent XI

As the great manager prepares for his final Manchester United match on Sunday, Gary Meenaghan, chooses a best XI from 27 Old Trafford years. Read Article Best team from the best of times: Sir Alex Ferguson's excellent XI

Horse racing: Godolphin are getting back to their winning ways

Before he made trip to Singapore, jockey Silvestre De Sousa secured maiden Group 1 victory aboard Farhh while Willing Foe also triumphed in England, writes Geoffrey Riddle. Read Article Horse racing: Godolphin are getting back to their winning ways

In the blink of an eye, the Leafs went from being the toasts of Toronto to toast.

Gregg Patton

Topics

Sound & Vision

Video: Backstage with Michael Cinco Watch Video
Video: Two bombings at mosques in Northwestern Pakistan Watch Video
Video: At least eight dead in Afghan blasts Watch Video
Video: Human Rights Watch says they've found torture devices, documents in Syria Watch Video
Video: Talking Shehhi – a dialect from RAK's mountain tribes Watch Video
Video: Cyclone kills at least six in Bangladesh Watch Video
Video: Crews assess Texas tornado damage Watch Video
Video: Nigerian President Goodluck declares state of emergency Watch Video

Lifestyle

It's Dubai-based Michael Cinco's moment

DUBAI , UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - April 27 , 2013 : Michael Cinco , fashion designer ( right ) with model during the rehearsal before the start of his show at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. ( Pawan Singh / The National ) For Arts & Life. Story by James Gabrillo

Jaws dropped at Michael Cinco's recent show, where the Dubai-based designer displayed his technical virtuosity and immaculate couture. We witnessed all the action on and off Cinco's catwalk. Read Article It's Dubai-based Michael Cinco's moment

Social networking is serious business and your Klout counts

American Airlines wants to know your Klout score. And soon, your boss may want to know, too. Read Article Social networking is serious business and your Klout counts

Yoga instructor Tara Stiles launches Reebok apparel line

American yoga rebel Tara Stiles has paired up with Reebok for a sporting wear line. Read Article Yoga instructor Tara Stiles launches Reebok apparel line

Pearls are the national treasure of the UAE

One Ras Al Khaimah's man's vision is spearheading the revival of the UAE's pearling industry. Read Article Pearls are the national treasure of the UAE

I couldn't think of a single transferable skill I had acquired in my 17 years that could be imparted to my classmates - except dissecting a milkfish.

Lavanya Malhotra

Topics

Arts & Culture

Beyoncé rumoured to be pregnant

Beyoncé attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit, New York. AP

Plus: Scarlett Johansson to direct; The Voice brings back Aguilera and Green; Meyers to stay at SNL ahead of Late Night gig; Kanye West premieres track around the world. Read Article Beyoncé rumoured to be pregnant

Cannes diary: stars from the world of music add to the glamour quotient

We have the behind the scenes take on the film festival, with all the celebrity gossip your heart desires. Read on. Read Article Cannes diary: stars from the world of music add to the glamour quotient

Downton Abbey's Rob James-Collier returns to screens in Love Life

In the BBC series Love Life, a heart-twisting entanglement ensues as two couples spar over a surprise pregnancy. Read Article Downton Abbey's Rob James-Collier returns to screens in Love Life

Sonam Kapoor on red carpet high in Cannes

Plus: Rishi Kapoor announces seven new films; Anurag Kashyap gets French honour; Freida Pinto wears Indian designer at Cannes; Dhawan father and son work on movie. Read Article Sonam Kapoor on red carpet high in Cannes