TWITTER SPORTS @newsofbahrain BUSINESS 11 Brazil fines Facebook $1.6 million for improper sharing of user data INSTAGRAM Bahrain men /nobmedia 31 close in on title LINKEDIN TUESDAY newsofbahrain DECEMBER 2019 Bahrain moved into 210 FILS WHATSAPP prime position to clinch 38444692 ISSUE NO. 8342 the men’s teams’ title in the 2019 GCC Golf FACEBOOK /nobmedia Championships yesterday after taking a two-shot MAIL [email protected] lead heading into today’s final round of play at Ghala WEBSITE newsofbahrain.com Golf Club in Muscat. P16

Flashback 2019 Julia Garner, Mark Foster get married 14 CELEBS inside pages 6-10 NEWS OF BAHRAIN 4 2020 ‘Bahrain For All’ festival announced

Fiat to EWA Manama

is Royal Highness HPrince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Su- preme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minis- ter, yesterday instructed the Electricity and Water Au- thority (EWA) to desist from completing an agreement to join the Bahrain Credit Reference Bureau, which manages clients’ credit in- formation, until further studies are completed to ensure citizens’ interests are protected. HRH the Crown Prince Zero-fee emphasised that all poli- cymaking must prioritise citizens’ needs whilst main- taining service excellence and governmental efficien- cy. services Following His Royal Highness’s intervention, further work will be under- taken to ensure citizens’ in- terests are protected as part of any agreement. directive Iran seizes vessel Tehran HRH the Crown Prince

ran’s Islamic Revolution- issues directive to exempt Iary Guard Corps on Mon- fees of 200 govt services day seized a ship near Abu HRH the Crown Prince chairs the Cabinet. Musa Island in the Arabi- an Gulf, near the entrance services have now been exempted has been chosen as Capital of Arab to the Strait of Hormuz, The Cabinet from fees during 2019. Visa charge reduced Tourism. on suspicion of smuggling • The Cabinet instructed the The Cabinet then praised the fuel, state news agency IRNA commended the Minister of Finance and Nation- ased on the recommendation of the Government Executive successful prevention of a terrorist said. advancement of al Economy, to co-ordinate with BCommittee, the Cabinet approved a draft resolution to operation in the city of Dammam The ship was carrying the Kingdom in all government agencies, to under- amend the fees relating to the services of the General Directo- and expressed its continuing sup- nearly 1,312,000 litres of fields during 2019. take the necessary technical and rate for Nationality, Passports, and Residency Affairs, which was port of all the measures taken by fuel. The report did not say legal procedures. submitted by the Minister of Interior. In this regard, the charge the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in what nation’s flag the vessel The decision is in line with of a one-year visit visa were reduced from BD85 to BD40 and order to preserve its security and was flying, but there were 16 It praised the the royal directives of HM King those of a five-year visit visa from BD170 to BD60. In addition, stability. Malaysian crew members successful• prevention Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to take the length of student visas was expanded from one to five years The Cabinet welcomed the on board. of a terrorist operation into account the needs of citizens and the duration of diplomatic visas from three to five years. The signing of the agreement to set in the city of Dammam. when setting government fees. changes in prices will take effect from January 2020. the unified military headquarters It is also based on the recom- of the Gulf Cooperation Council in mendations of the Government Among other things, the Cabi- further development for the King- Riyadh, as it reflects the determi- Manama Executive Committee, chaired by net extended its congratulations dom of Bahrain and its people nation of member states to further HRH the Crown Prince. to His Majesty King Hamad bin as well as world peace and pros- increase joint security and defence he Cabinet chaired by His HRH the Crown Prince then Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal High- perity. co-operation and co-ordination. Royal Highness Prince Sal- directed that mechanisms be es- ness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al The Cabinet welcomed the The Cabinet condemned the DON’T MISS IT Tman bin Hamad Al Khal- tablished to facilitate the provision Khalifa, the Prime Minister, HRH choice of Manama as the Capi- terrorist bombing attack in Moga- ifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy of direct government subsidies to the Crown Prince and the people tal of Arab Tourism 2020, noting dishu, Somalia which caused doz- Supreme Commander and First citizens in accordance with the of Bahrain, on the celebration of that this clearly demonstrates the ens of deaths and injuries. The Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday, approved regulations while main- the new calendar year of 2020. historical and cultural importance Cabinet reiterated Bahrain’s re- ‘Collective decided to exempt the fees of 200 taining the criteria currently in The Cabinet commended the of the city and confirms the King- jection of all forms of terrorism government services from 11 gov- place, in order to ease the process advancement of the Kingdom in dom’s importance as a destination and conveyed its condolences efforts vital ernment agencies. for citizens benefiting from the all fields during the year of 2019 for regional and global tourism. to the government and people 02 for Kingdom’s As a result, 400 government cash subsidy programme. and wished 2020 to bring even This is the second time Manama of Somalia. development’ PROTESTER KILLING Manama Souq revamp work to 03 be completed by mid-2020 Sudan sentences 27 security forces to death Cairo Bashir. Monday’s convictions eign Council that has commit- Survey stresses court in Sudan yesterday and sentences, which can be ap- ted to rebuilding the country tourism sentenced 27 members pealed, were the first connected and promises elections in three segment’s Aof the country’s securi- to the killings of protesters in years. ty forces to death for torturing the revolt. The anniversary of that protest 04 ‘contributions and killing a detained protester Last December, the first rally this month drew teeming crowds to national during the uprising against Su- was held in Sudan to protest the to the streets in several cities economy’ dan’s longtime autocrat Omar Al soaring cost of bread, marking and towns across the country, Bashir earlier this year. the beginning of a pro-democra- with people singing, dancing and 210 fils (includes VAT) The death of protester Ahmed cy movement that convulsed the carrying flags. A train packed Al Khair, a school teacher, while large African country. with exuberant demonstrators, in detention in February was That led, in April, to the top- clapping and chanting, arrived a key point — and a symbol — pling by the military of Al Bashir, in the northern city of Atbara, in the uprising that eventually and ultimately to the creation of Protesters with a picture of the teacher Ahmed Al Kheir outside a court in the birthplace of the uprising, led to the military’s ouster of Al a joint military-civilian Sover- Omdurman, Sudan. from the capital, Khartoum. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 02

Manama

is Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown HPrince, Deputy Supreme Com- ‘Collective mander, and First Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday received Faw- zia Zainal, Council of Represent- atives Speaker, and Ali Al Saleh, Shura Council Chairman, Sameer Abdulla Nass, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce efforts vital and Industry, at HRH’s majlis in Gudaiybia Palace. During the meeting, HRH the Crown Prince issued directives reactivating the joint committee between the Council of Repre- for Kingdom’s sentatives, the Shura Council and the Government in order to promote greater cohesion that will help secure further tangible results. On this note, HRH the Crown Prince noted that the collective ef- development’ forts of Team Bahrain are pivotal to achieving HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s development as- HRH the Crown Prince highlights measures pirations. HRH the Crown Prince added that Bahrain will continue to boost citizens’ welfare HRH the Crown Prince. to implement initiatives that de- Representatives Speaker, the liver on the aspirations of Bahraini Shura Council Chairman and the citizens and create opportunities, Chairman of the BCCI expressed which will contribute to the King- their gratitude to HRH the Crown dom’s sustainable development. Prince for supporting enhanced In this regard, HRH the Crown co-operation between the Exec- Prince noted that the contribution utive and Legislative branches. made by young people towards The meeting was also attend- enhancing Bahrain’s vital eco- ed by Jawad Alarrayedh, Deputy nomic sectors is prominent in pro- Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid moting the Kingdom’s economic bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy development. Prime Minister, and a number of For their part, the Council of HRH the Crown Prince receives dignitaries including Ms Zainal, Mr Al Saleh and Mr Nass. senior officials.

Youth, sporting Special directive to beautify streets, intersections strides hailed Manama tify them, according to standard been interested in green surfac- Essam Khalaf, and Works Minis- He instructed the Ministry to Manama criteria. es, noting that the beautification try’s officials accompanied Shai- take advantage of experts, and to eputy Prime Minister and He stressed that taking care and afforestation works should kh Khalid bin Abdulla during his develop national competencies Chairman of the Ministe- of green surfaces has become go hand in hand with all projects field tour. in the field of agricultural engi- nformation Minister Ali Al Drial Committee for Devel- an essential requirement for to give them a special splendour The Deputy Prime Minister neering and design. IRomaihi praised the unprece- opment and Infrastructure Pro- preserving the balance of the and beauty, being an integral part gave directives to the Works Min- He also gave directives to the dented national youth and sport jects, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla environment, adding that land- of the Kingdom’s civilisational istry to put forward a guide book same Ministry to grow local or achievements in regional and Al Khalifa, has instructed the scaping contributes to reducing image. The Deputy Premier was including the necessary regula- imported sustainable plants that international competitions in Ministry of Works, Municipali- road accidents and gives a posi- speaking while touring a number tions and criteria to co-ordinate are capable of adapting to the the golden era of His Majesty ties Affairs and Urban Planning tive impression to the Kingdom’s of streets and main intersections, the aesthetic aspects at the main local weather conditions, in ad- King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. to intensify its efforts and devel- visitors. where he was informed about streets and junctions, according dition to carrying on planting He was speaking as he re- op a work programme to grow He asserted that since the es- their aesthetic aspects. to their location, to ensure a uni- palm trees, as they reflect the ceived yesterday national plants along the main streets and tablishment of the modern state Works, Municipalities Affairs fied format for green areas in the depth of national identity of the handball team goalkeeper and at intersections, as well as to beau- in Bahrain, the government has and Urban Planning Minister, kingdom. Kingdom. ministry employee Moham- med Abdul Hussain. He congratulated him and the Bahraini handball community The 15th Annual Kindergarten on the outstanding and well-de- Sports Prize Distribution served title in the Asian Handball Ceremony was held at Al Noor Nations Championship and the International School, where kindergarten students from team’s historical qualification for nursery and reception classes 2020 Olympics, in Tokyo. were awarded gold, silver, He also wished them every and bronze medals for their success in continental and in- achievements. In attendance ternational competitions. were School Director Dr Handball goalkeeper Moham- Muhammad Mashood, Principal med Abdul Hussain expressed Mr Ameen Mohammed thanks and respect to the Min- Hulaiwah as well as other ister of Information Affairs for school officials and staff. his support to the sport activities The kindergarten students and athletes at the ministry and enthusiastically cheered their presented him with a commem- team mates with their band orative gift marking qualifica- performance, viewed by more tion of the National Handball than 400 spectators. Team for Tokyo Olympiad.

Heroes honoured

Al Hawaj executives and dignitaries honoured the national football team for winning the Gulf Cup earlier this month at an event held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The team, which won the Gulf Cup final against Saudi Arabia on December 9, has received more than BD 4 million in gifts from individuals and organisations across the Kingdom. Al Hawaj recognised the team’s contribution to the national spirit with gift hampers for each player. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 03

10 years jail for drug lord TDT | Manama

Manama Souq revamp work drug lord deposited mon- Aey into his family mem- bers’ bank accounts and pur- chased luxury cars in order to launder the profits he made from his illicit trade, the High to be completed by mid-2020 Criminal Court heard. The man is said to have been caught selling drugs and 300 stores will be revamped at the souq, according to officials was sentenced to 10 years be- hind bars. He was also found in pos- Manama Souq session of BD10,000 cash. • However, further investiga- Development tions into the case unearthed Committee held a that the man was involved in meeting chaired by money laundering too. BTEA CEO Nader The defendant had earlier denied he was implicated in Al Moayyed. selling drugs, affirming that he was only consuming them. They also visited But it was established that the• souq to inspect the man wasn’t not only ped- and view the progress dling drugs, but also attempt- ing to launder the money he of the project. earned from selling drugs.

TDT | Manama Traffic plans he revamp of Manama Manama Souq is all set to get a major facelift. Souq will be completed for New Year Tby mid-2020, it emerged. the Bahrain Tourism and Exhi- tial to develop its infrastructure project, which aims to further Manama The revamp work is edging bitions Authority (BTEA), Nader with an aim to attract Bahraini develop the tourism sector in to a close as officials confirmed Al Moayyed, was held at Bab Al visitors and tourists from the the Kingdom and increase its he General Directorate that the market would be com- Bahrain Mall. We strive to work GCC countries and beyond,” said contribution to the national Tof Traffic yesterday an- pleted in another seven months. During the meeting, members closely with all parties Mr Al Moayyed. economy. nounced the plans for the New According to concerned offi- of the committee discussed the involved in the Manama “The revitalisation of the The committee comprises Year holiday to ensure traffic cials, 300 stores at the souq will latest developments of the Ma- Souq development Manama Souq, and the quest representatives from the Min- safety. These include deploy- be revamped. nama Souq project. to develop and preserve it aims istry of Works, Municipalities ment in all governorates, es- Officials said that the project They also visited the souq to project to ensure its to re-energise the tourism sec- Affairs and Urban Planning, pecially at main junctions and has been divided into five stages. inspect and view the progress timely completion. tor and shift it to be one of the Bahrain Authority for Culture roads with heavy traffic. “So far, Phase One has been of the project including the im- MR AL MOAYYED main contributors to the nation- and Antiquities, Urban Plan- It highlighted that if re- completed and four stages re- proved storefronts and signage al economy,” he added. ning and Development Author- quired there will be some main to be completed.” as well as the renovation of the ensure its timely completion. The Manama Souq Develop- ity, Economic Development traffic diversions on some Meanwhile, the seventh meet- old buildings facade. “Manama Souq is a well- ment Committee meetings are Board, Capital Municipality, roads, while several sub- ing of the Manama Souq Devel- “We strive to work closely with known touristic site and an at- held regularly among all con- Capital Secretariat Council as roads would be closed to en- opment Committee, chaired by all parties involved in the Mana- tractive destination for many cerned parties to discuss the well as a number of Manama sure smooth traffic flow on the Chief Executive Officer of ma Souq development project to shoppers therefore it is essen- latest developments of this vital Souq traders. main roads and vital areas. New identity for Manama ‘Capital of Arab Tourism 2020’ TDT | Manama

he Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced that it We are delighted to T launch Manama’s new will be launching the new identity and logo following the announce- identity during the New ment of Manama as the “Capital Year’s celebrations to of Arab Tourism for 2020” by dis- mark this milestone playing it on the side façade of the and look forward Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay to celebrating this during the New Year’s Eve cele- joyous occasion with brations that will be held today. The launch coincides with the an exciting line-up of selection of Manama as the “Capi- activities that appeal to tal of Arab Tourism for 2020” dur- citizens and visitors. ing the 22nd Session of the Arab MR AL MOAYYED Ministerial Council for Tourism, which was held in Al Ahsa, King- success in implementing its long- peal to citizens and visitors from dom of Saudi Arabia. term strategy, where one of the neighbouring GCC countries,” said Commenting on the occasion, main pillars include enhancing the Chief Executive Officer of the Minister of Industry, Com- its economic contribution to the BTEA, Mr Nader Al Moayyed. merce and Tourism and Chair- National Economy,” he added. The celebration will kick off man of BTEA, Zayed Al Zayani, “I would like to express our with a live performance by the said, “The selection of Manama deep-rooted pride in light of the fusion folk music of Majaz Mu- as the Capital of Arab Tourism for announcement of Manama as the sical Band, the entertainment 2020 is a result of a collaborative Capital of Arab Tourism for 2020, follows with the ballet dancer effort between the public and pri- which is a living testament to the performance on stilts ‘A Dance of vate sectors. Kingdom’s efforts in strength- Colour’ performance, in addition “We are proud of the continual ening bilateral tourism relations to live DJ and Drumming with efforts put forward by BTEA in- between GCC and Arab countries, Sonic Snares, which have trav- cluding the vital tourism projects as well as showcasing our local elled from the United Kingdom developed to further enhance the historical sites and historical an- for the special event, accompa- Kingdom of Bahrain’s tourism cient civilisations in the Kingdom. nied by mesmerising light shows. sector increasing its contribution “At BTEA, we remain commit- Spectators will also have the op- of non-oil sectors to the national ted to developing projects that portunity to enjoy the breath-tak- economy.” compete at regional levels in or- ing musical aerial performance “In the first nine months of der to help bolster intra-regional by the dancers and acrobats of 2019, total nights spent by tour- tourism and showcase Bahrain’s SONIC. Chiming in the New Year ists reached 10.7 million nights, an tourism potential. with style, the event will end with increase of 8.8 per cent compared “We are delighted to launch a giant projection of a countdown to the same period the previous Manama’s new identity during timer on the side facade of the year, while the average length of the New Year’s celebrations to Four Seasons Bahrain Bay hotel stay reached 3.4 nights per tourist, mark this milestone achievement ushering in the midnight hour. an increase of 20.5pc. and look forward to celebrating To mark the beginning of 2020, a “These statistics are a stand- this joyous occasion with an ex- dazzling fireworks show will also ing testament to the authority’s citing line-up of activities that ap- be displayed. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 04

Man pays Survey stresses tourism segment’s heavy price for ‘loyalty towards wife’ ‘contributions to national economy’ TDT | Manama Survey aims to help the Commerce Ministry and the BTEA create innovative tourism programmes Bahraini man had to pay Aa heavy price for his loy- strategies and policies aimed at alty towards his wife after he The survey improving the industry.” mortgaged his house to en- • Mr AlQaed, expressed his pride able her obtain a BD60,000 team presented the in the outputs of the tourism sur- loan. accomplishments of vey project, hoping that the next Within a few months, the the fourth survey, stage will bring further positive woman would divorce her including the addition results. husband following a disa- He said that the iGA is ready to greement between them. of sub-tabulations. support the BTEA’s programmes, Following divorce, the congratulating Mr Al Moayyed woman did not pay the Statistics are an Mr AlQaed, Mr Al Moayyed at the meeting. on the issuance the Royal Decree monthly instalments, forc- important• pillar of the appointing him to his current ing the bank to approach government’s strategy supply and demand of services. Forum’s (WEF) annual Tourism position, and wishing him every her ex-husband, who had He noted that the survey in- and Travel Competitiveness Index success in executing the responsi- no other option but to sell for the tourism sector. corporated concepts, standards, improved by 31 places in 2019 as bilities entrusted to him. the property to avoid being and methodologies adopted by The project’s success the Kingdom strengthen its data The meeting discussed a num- jailed. Manama the United Nations’ World Tour- is a testament to collection, unified its statistics ber of other items, including As a result, the man filed a ism Organisation (WTO) that are the strong working measurements system, and im- future activities by the survey’s complaint against his divor- he Information and eGov- aimed at meeting national, region- relationship between proved in providing this data to action force aimed at maintaining cee, demanding the court to ernment Authority (iGA) al, and international standards. our two organisations, policy makers and decision takers. the flow of up to date, high qual- take action. Tand Bahrain Tourism and Statistics are an important pil- which has resulted in a Mr AlQaed praised the results ity statistics; the importance of “The woman is said to Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) met lar of the government’s strategy comprehensive database of the survey, which aims to help being able to extract data on the have been obliged to settle yesterday to discuss the fourth for the tourism sector, one of the the Ministry and the BTEA create tourism sector’s contributions the loan in five years. How- Tourism Survey, an essential part most important contributors to of statistics that gives innovative tourism programmes to the Gross Domestic Product ever, she defaulted the pay- of the strategy to develop the tour- the national economy. a clear picture for able to compete against others in (GDP), including information on ment.” ism sector. The survey team presented the decision-makers. the region. consumer spending by visitors; “My client was very kind The event was attended by iGA accomplishments of the fourth MR AL MOAYYED Mr Al Moayyed said: “The pro- the value added by tourism in- to offer to mortgage his Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali survey, including the addition ject’s success is a testament to dicators in achieving the King- own house to receive the AlQaed, BTEA Chief Executive of sub-tabulations, which is in line (OECD), and the European Statis- the strong working relationship dom’s Sustainable Development loan. Officer, Nader Al Moayyed, and with the framework used to meas- tical Office (Eurostat). between our two organisations, Goals (SDGs); and the setting of “But she reciprocated by the tourism survey team. ure tourism’s contributions to na- To date 70 countries, including which has resulted in a com- a timeframe for the introduc- asking for divorce and lat- The meeting discussed the tional economy as recommended two from the GCC (the Kingdom prehensive database of statistics tion of tourism sub-tabulation er defaulting on payments,” importance of gathering tourism by the United Nations Statisti- of Saudi Arabia and Oman) have that gives a clear picture for de- requirements, an essential tool the man’s lawyer said in her statistics in order to present a de- cal Commission (StatCom), the applied the framework. cision-makers about the reality in measuring the contribution closing argument. tailed picture of the Kingdom’s World Trade Organisation (WTO), The meeting discussed the posi- of the Kingdom’s tourism sector, of tourism activities to GDP, And the court ruled in the various tourism projects and pro- the Organisation for Economic tive impact of the survey. Bahrain’s helping them to make appropri- the national economy, and the man’s favour, ordering the grammes, including data on the Co-operation and Development ranking on the World Economic ate decisions and develop plans, balance of trade. woman to pay BD53,000. Turkey ‘number 2020 ‘Bahrain For All’ festival announced TDT | Manama

one destination for ahrain Bay will be the new venue for the annual Bah- Brain For All festival, which Bahraini tourists’ will bring together more than TDT | Manama 50,000 people from over 40 local and expatriate communities to he number of inter - showcase their respective cul- national tourists trav- tures. elling to Turkey from Held under the theme Leaving TJanuary to November this 14.47 Nobody Behind, this year’s event year has climbed to 40,719,786 per cent is the increase in will take place on Thursday 6th tourists, representing a 14.47 the number of Bahraini and Friday, 7th February on the per cent increase when com- tourists to Turkey this 7,000 sqm site, which will house pared to the same period last year when compared to more than 250 market stalls and year. last year. a 128 sqm stage that will feature Contributing to this rise performances by the Indian, Pa- is a significant surge in the kistani, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Jor- A group of women in traditional attire during the last festival. Many cultural shows will be held as number of visitors travelling with 6,694,453 visitors, rep- danian, Thai, Bangladeshi, and part of the festival. in from neighbouring GCC resenting almost 16.5pc of the Egyptian communities, among phale said: “For the first time, have been extremely coopera- The event line-up also features nations, with the largest in- total number, and followed by others. this year’s Bahrain For All festi- tive.” live performances by several lo- flux from Kuwait, followed by tourists from Germany, the Bahrain For All will be sup- val will be held in Bahrain Bay, The event, now in its ninth cal DJs and emcees, with a line Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE. UK and Bulgaria. ported by the Capital Governo- a location that offers excellent year, gives Bahrain’s commu- up to be announced soon. Chil- According to the Turkish This number is expected rate and the office of the United access, ample parking, and gor- nities the opportunity to learn dren with special needs, wom- Cultural and Tourism Office to receive a boost from the Nations Resident Coordinator geous views of the sea. It pre- about each other’s’ customs and en’s groups, and senior citizens’ in Dubai, 74,530 Bahraini na- expected influx in December, and UNDP Resident Represent- sents a modern face of Bahrain, traditions, sample each other’s’ societies are invited every year tionals travelled into Turkey which signals the arrival of ative, Amin El Sharkawi, with which is in line with our mission cuisines, and watch performanc- to promote the festival’s message over this period, represent- the winter crowds. logistical support provided by the to showcase the multicultural, es highlighting what makes each of inclusion for all. The Ministry ing an 18.05pc increase when Turkey has recently ex - Office of His Royal Highness the cosmopolitan, and tolerant na- of them unique. It also supports of Interior, this year celebrating compared to the same period perienced a rise in holiday- Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa ture of Bahraini society. We are local entrepreneurs, with market 100 years of Bahrain Police, has last year. makers visiting in the winter bin Salman Al Khalifa. deeply grateful to the manage- stalls dedicated to Bahraini busi- offered its popular Police Band, “Shopping, medical tour- months to capitalise on the Organiser Nivedita Dhad- ment team of Bahrain Bay who nesses and productive families. as well as a horse parade. ism and gastronomy are some country’s range of ski resorts, of the biggest draws for tour- winter sports, hot springs and ists visiting Turkey from the popular thermal centres, in GCC countries,” noted Salih addition to its signature at- iGA celebrates GCC Statistics Day Ozer, Attaché of Culture and tractions and historical sites. Information, Turkey to the “We have seen a consid - TDT | Manama Chief Executive, Statistics and al leading statisticians for their UAE. erable rise in the number of Population Registry, Dr Nabeel efforts in developing the field, “Areas such as Istanbul, domestic and international ulf government statistics Mohammed bin Shams along among them was iGA Population Bursa, Yalova, Trabzon and visitors flocking to ski cen - organisations celebrat- with several members of i GA Census Advisor Huda Ebrahim Antalya are all popular with tres in the winter months Ged annual GCC Statistics Statistics team. Alshrooqi in recognition of her Middle Eastern travellers. over the last two years. Day, held under the patronage of The event included a symposi- excellence in her field on a na- Most tourists come to us in “Last year we received Gulf Cooperation Council Gen- um on ‘Statistics to Support De- tional level. the summer period of June about six million tourists, eral Secretary, Dr Abdullatif Al cision-Making and the Future of Dr Bin Shams congratu - to August and the winter including overnight visitors, Zayani, under the theme ‘Statis- Statistics’, aimed at addressing lated Alshrooqi on receiving months of December to Feb- to Turkey’s ski zones. This tics… A Partner in Innovation’. Dr Nabeel Mohammed bin Shams future developments in the field the award, adding that he was ruary.” year we’re expecting even The celebration at the coun- and the knowledge required for proud of the talented individ- Of the nearly 41 million for- his number to climb, based cil’s premises in Riyadh was at- the field from across the region. decision-making, policy-mak- uals working in this field, who eign visitors to Turkey so far on figures clocked in the tended by the heads of GCC sta- The Bahrain delegation was ing, and planning, monitoring are essential to advancing the this year, the largest faction previous years,” added the tistics organisations, as well as led by Information and eGov- and assessment. standards of statistics in the has travelled in from Russia, attaché. a number of leading experts in ernment Authority (iGA) Deputy Dr Al Zayani honoured sever- Kingdom. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 05 New hotel encapsulates Milan tourist renaissance train home. plan, the Italian company said Since then, the concept has it expects its annual turnover taken off around the world, first to grow to 10 million euros ($11 With no-fuss in airports, from Paris to Mos- million) in five years, compared cow and Bangkok, and then in to one million in 2019. convenience for cities like Singapore, Seoul or Mumbai. Nevertheless, in Eu- Claustrophobia? both the city rope, capsule hotels are rare out- Sabatini says that “the only side of airports. negative aspect of a capsule ho- and transport There is for example the City tel is the feeling of being closed Hub in Amsterdam and the in, of claustrophobia, that some links, digital Inside the capsule is people get.” Otherwise, it’s a win-win-win: connectivity a mattress with duvet “privacy, low cost, and all within and pillow, two charg- reach of the city,” said the writer and a social ing plugs for mobile of the “I’ll B right back” blog. phone or laptop, a “Small spaces aren’t a problem side among lockable cupboard for for young people,” she said. their chief luggage and a bedside “What they want is technol- table ogy, like automated check-in, sockets to charge their electron- selling points, ics,” but also communal areas the capsule to meet new people, she added. Milan has seen a tourist boom hotels target since the city’s Expo 2015, thanks to its fashion and design weeks, the Generation Milan now has a capsule hotel, as tourist numbers explode in the Italian city as well as its Duomo (cathedral), museums and vibrant nightlife. Y crowd. The city went from 4.2 million visitors in 2011, to 6.8 million in 2018, of which 65 percent were foreigners. Last September saw 700,000 visitors, up 18 percent year-on- year, many of them youngsters. “Four years ago there were just three youth hostels, now there are 26, there’s exception- Milan is the first Italian city to have a capsule hotel, but the company al growth,” said ZZZleepandGo behind it, ZZZleepandGo, is expanding chief operating officer Fabio Rocchetti. The hotel, which can also be booked via the Airbnb web- Gianmaria Leto, chief executive officer of ZZZleepandGo which opened Milan’s site, attracts a var- capsule hotel, says the company is expanding ied clientele, and not just visitors to Milan the city. points, the capsule hotels target capital, he’s ready for more. Some 25 percent heap and cheerful cap- the Generation Y crowd. “I really liked it. This kind of are workers or stu- sule hotels are forever Some people, though, just stay hotel should be developed, many dents like Monica Cexpanding from their out of sheer curiosity. people avoid youth hostels be- Vici, 22, who lives Japanese cradle, including now Croatian tourist Dragan cause of the privacy problem at the Ostelzzz cap- in Milan where the tiny, stacked Kupresanin, 31, said he want- (with bunk beds etc) but here sule hotel pending rooms are helping the Italian ed to try the room because “it you have it,” he said. finding an apart- city cope with exploding tourist looked like something new, fu- In the size of one standard ment. numbers. turistic style... those kind of box- hotel room, eight capsules -- After or before With no-fuss convenience for es that you sleep in”. each measuring 1.45 by 1.45 by The Ostelzzz capsule hotel also has a communal area and a 24-hour bar her classes, she sits both the city and transport links, After sleeping like a log at Os- two metres (4.5 x 4.5 x 6.5 feet) at her laptop in the digital connectivity and a social telzzz, down a quiet street in -- are stacked on top of each oth- sleek, stylised com- side among their chief selling the centre of Italy’s economic er, four above and four below, Lucerne capsule hotel which munal area, while, nearby, peo- with an enclosed toilet space in BETTER opened in Switzerland at the ple come and go to the hotel’s the room and showers down the end of 2018. 24-hour bar. corridor. Milan is the first Italian city “You have privacy in the bed- Inside the capsule is a mat- KNOW to have a capsule hotel, but the room, but there’s also a kitchen, tress with duvet and pillow, two company behind it, ZZZleepand- you meet lots of people,” she charging plugs for mobile phone Go, is expanding. said. The staff, all under 40, are or laptop, a lockable cupboard Capsule hotels will be open at “very attentive”, said the Rome for luggage and a bedside table. In the size of one six airports, including Milan and native. All this for between 19 euros a standard hotel room, Warsaw, by year’s end, with Vi- Not all guests fall into the mil- night ($21), including breakfast, eight capsules -- each enna and four in Brazil to swift- lennial category. and 150 euros during Milan’s measuring 1.45 by 1.45 ly follow, making it the biggest The hotel had an 86-year-old world-famous Design Week. by two metres (4.5 x 4.5 such company in the world, says guest, and boasts a family room chief executive officer Gianma- with four inter-connected cap- Japanese origin x 6.5 feet) -- are stacked ria Leto. sules. The first capsule hotels were on top of each other, four On top of adding five or six English language teacher Pa- born in Osaka, Japan in 1979, above and four below, airports a year, “our objective is tricia Ann Wells, 48, stays here travel blogger Agnese Sabatini with an enclosed toilet to create one or two (capsule) three nights a week and is equal- told AFP. space in the room and hotels a year over the next five ly smitten. The tiny rooms took off thanks showers down the corri- years in main European cities,” “I like it here because of the Young travellers want automated check-in, sockets to charge electronics and to commuters who had drunk dor. said Leto, 32. friendly environment. It’s like communal areas to meet new people, says travel blogger Agnese Sabatini too much or just missed the last With the ambitious expansion being at home,” she said. Tesla delivers first batch of China-made cars Shanghai The first cars to roll off the per week in China and hoped partners. esla delivered its first batch assembly line -- 15 of Tesla’s to double the figure next year, But Tesla’s China venture is Tof China-made cars on Mon- mid-price, mass-market Model manufacturing director Song wholly owned by the US compa- day, less than a year after the 3 design -- were given to em - Gang told Bloomberg News. ny, and Tesla’s decision to invest electric vehicle company broke ployees who had placed advance Chief executive Elon Musk in Shanghai has been rewarded ground on its first plant outside orders during a ceremony at the has said production could rise with preferential treatment. the United States. plant. to 3,000 vehicles per week in Authorities last week an - Work began on the firm’s Tesla plans to begin large- the future. nounced the waiver of a 10 per- multibillion-dollar Shanghai scale deliveries of China-made China typically requires for- cent purchase tax for locally “Gigafactory” in January, allow- Model 3 sedans next month, said eign automakers to forge joint made Model 3 vehicles, priced ing the company to skirt trade the firm’s China general manag- ventures with domestic firms at 355,800 yuan ($50,900). tensions between China and the er Wang Hao. when establishing manufactur- Earlier in December the gov- US and sell directly to the world’s The first 15 cars to roll off the assembly line were given to employees who had The company was now pro- ing plants, which means sharing ernment also approved a subsidy largest “green” vehicle market. placed advance orders at the Shanghai plant ducing more than 1,000 cars profits and technology with local of up to 25,000 yuan per car. 06 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019

Nov 21 Apr 11 Jan 10 worldMar 15

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Feb 20 Jul 18 Jul 12 Oct 25 Mar 21 Dec 10

Jul 2 Dec 8 Apr 15 Sep 17

Sep 25 Oct 26 Apr 10 The biggest stories of 2019

January a phenomenon they were ment of Russian-made S400 air ing a wedding next door. Malian Armed Forces has left fire, killing 43 workers. Over 1: NASA’s New Horizons convinced existed even if it had defence missile system. 23: Swedish activist Greta 53 soldiers and one civilian dead. 100 people were sleeping in the •spacecraft made history with never been seen before. 18: In Japan’s worst mass kill- Thunberg, 16, attends the UN 9: Kartarpur corridor allows factory when it caught fire. the flyby of Ultima Thule, a mys- 11: Julian Assange, the found- ing in 20 years, a man torched Climate Summit in New York Indian Sikhs visa-free access to a 9: Finland elected Sanna terious object 4.1 billion miles er of WikiLeaks, was arrested Kyoto Animation. The fire left at after crossing the Atlantic in a holy site just inside Pakistan for Marin as Prime Minister, mak- (6.6 billion kilometres) from in London. In Sudan, the mili- least 33 people dead and another zero-carbon racing yacht. the first time since 1947. ing her the world’s youngest. Earth in the Kuiper Belt, home tary ends Omar al-Bashir’s three 35 injured. A suspect is currently 25: China inaugurates Daxing 6: Three women and six chil- 11: India became one step clos- to frozen relics left over from the decades in power, a key demand in custody. International Airport -world’s dren from a Mormon communi- er to passing a bill that gives citi- birth of the solar system in four months of nationwide 19: A British-flagged oil tank- biggest single-building airport ty in Mexico were killed while zenship to immigrants from three 10: Nicolas Maduro was sworn protests. er went AWOL and was seen travelling in a three-car caravan. neighbouring countries in for his second term as Vene- 15: The famed Notre Dame heading towards Iran. Officials October 11: After nearly a month of 12: UK voters zuela’s president. Many coun- Cathedral caught fire in Paris. believe the vessel has been cap- 3: North Korea said it tested a protests, President Evo Morales head to the tries do not see Maduro’s victory 16: Egypt passed constitution- tured by Iranians. •new submarine ballistic missile resigned after his 14-year reign. polls in an as legitimate. al changes that could allow cur- 6: A man stabbed four people 21: Firefighters battle 200 fires election 23 : Venezuela’s opposition rent President Sisi to rule until August in Paris across Australia domi- chief Juan Guaido declares him- 2030. 2: The US officially quits 9: Turkey launched a ground 25: Thieves stole three jew- nated self interim president, escalating 21: Easter Sunday, about 290 •the Cold War-era Intermedi- offensive in Northern Syria. ellery sets from the Dresden by the a long-running political and eco- people died and hundreds more ate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty 22: Thirty-nine bodies were Green Vault in Germany. Brexit nomic crisis. were injured in an explosion at (INF) with Russia. found in a container truck in 19: A churches in Sri Lanka. 10: There was a shooting at a Essex, England. December gunman 30: In the first time in over Norweigan mosque, injuring at 24: The Democrats in Con- 1: Ursule von der Leyen of opened February 200 years, Japan Emperor Aki- least one person. A suspect has gress launch an impeachment •Germany takes office as the first fire in 9: A 100 car pile-up in China hito has announced he is step- been taken into custody, and enquiry into Trump after claims female president of the Europe- front •left 2 people dead and another ping down. multiple weapons have been he pressured Ukraine to inves- an Com- mission. of Mos- 50 injured. found throughout the mosque. tigate Joe Biden, a rival in his 8: A factory cow’s In- 12: A jury found drug lord May 11: A fuel tanker exploded in 2020 reelection bid. build- ing in telligence Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman 4: The first day of the ceremo- Tanzania, killing 60 people and 26: It was announced that ISIS Delhi caught HQ. At least guilty on all counts. •ny to crown King Vajiralongko- injuring another 70. leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi 1 person died 20: It appears that IS is near rn in Thailand began. was killed in a raid by US troops. and 5 were in- defeat in its last enclave in east- 8: Tehran announces its first September jured during ern Syria. step back from the 2015 nuclear 2: The protests in Hong Kong November the shoot- 28: Pakistan returned a cap- accord •continued, as students boycott- 2: Mali’s government said a ing. tured pilot to India. 21: President Joko Widedo, of ed the first day of classes. •terrorist at- Indonesia, was re-elected for 14: Iran is again blamed tack March his second term. when major Saudi oil facil- o n 10 : An Ethiopian Airline 31: After protesters lit ities are attacked by Yem- the •flight crashed shortly after fires in front of the US Em- en’s Huthi rebels, which takeoff, killing 157 people. The bassy in Honduras, the front it supports. crash leads to the global ground- entrance was left damaged. 17: There were two sepa- ing of Boeing 737 MAX planes. It rate suicide bomb attacks follows a Lion Air crash involv- June in Afghanistan, killing at ing the same model six months 10: More than 1 million pro- least 48 people. earlier, with 346 lives lost in the •testers took to the streets in 22: Afghan military two incidents. Hong Kong. The group is pro- forces attacked a Tali- 15: New Zealand, testing an extradition bill that ban hideout, acciden- Christchurch Mosque Shoot- allows China to extradite fu- tally killing ing: a gunman entered two gitives. 40 peo - mosques and began firing. He 17: Iran announced that in ple who killed 49 people and injured ten days, it’ll breach the Iran w e r e many more. Nuclear Deal and obtain more attend- 21: Easter Sunday, about 290 than the limit on uranium. people died and hundreds more 30: President Trump landed were injured in an explosion at in North Korea, marking the churches in Sri Lanka. first time a US sitting presi- April dent has done so. 10: New Zealand’s parliament July •led by PM Jacinda Ardern voted 2: Houthis launched a to ban military-style semi-auto- •drone attack on a Saudi matic weapons. Arabia airport, injuring Astronomers unveil the first nine people. Jun 30 Sep 23 Jun 30 Apr 10 photograph of a black hole, 12: Turkey received a ship- TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 07

January NASA: furthest flyby Scientific and technological The mission team called it a “stretch goal” – just before closest approach, precisely pointing the cameras on NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft to snap the sharpest possible pictures of the Kuiper Belt object nicknamed Ultima Thule, its New Year’s flyby target and the farthest object ever explored. The image was taken at 5:26 UT (12:26 a.m. EST) on Jan. 1, 2019, when the spacecraft was 4,109 miles (6,628 kilometers) from Ultima Thule and 4.1 developments of the year billion miles (6.6 billion kilometers) from Earth As the year 2019 come to a close, let us take a look back at the era rife with remarkable discoveries that made tremendous progress toward understanding humans and the world we live in. Below is a list of the developments that we think will set the stage for more amazing finds in the decade to come. Courtesy of NatGeo, Infoplease August 3: Researchers announced May July that the Milky Way galaxy may actually be warped and 24: SpaceX launched a rocket 2: researchers announced that twisted rather than flat like from Florida that was carrying 60 they had successfully eliminated once thought. The brightest internet satellites. SpaceX said it HIV from the DNA of infected stars do not align the way our took just an hour for the mission mice. This is a positive step textbooks portray them as. to be successful. towards curing HIV and changing the lives of the 37 million who are New fossil discovery affected. Archaeologists have discovered a 3.8-million-year-old hominin skull in September Ethiopia — a rare and remarkably complete specimen that could 17: astronomers got even closer change what we know about the to obtaining measurements of origins of one of humanity’s 31: A study suggests that a new a potential interstellar comet. most famous ancestors, Lucy. genetically modified fungus can These measurements will The researchers who rapidly kill mosquitoes carrying help scientists understand the discovered the skull say it belongs to a malaria. Trials showed that in just chemical makeup of the comet. species called 45 days, the fungus killed 99% of This is only the second interstellar Australopithecus 20: Stargazes Spot the Super Blood Wolf Moon: the super blood wolf moon is mosquitoes in the area. a rare lunar eclipse. Many people throughout the world enjoyed a beautiful, object discovered. anamnesis, and it gives full lunar eclipse. 30: a 315-billion tonne iceberg scientists their first good look at the face broke off the Amery Ice Shelf in of this hominin. The fossil known as MRD Antarctica. This is the biggest is the only complete skull of the long- February iceberg in 50 years. vanished member of the hominid group, which includes Homo sapiens and its close 2: Archaeologists in Minya uncovered tombs with 50 mummies in them. The extinct relatives. mummies are suspected to be from the Ptolemaic era. While the identities are unknown, experts believe they were people of importance. 9: three scientists were June October honoured as the lithium- Quantum supremacy ion battery won the 7: Microsoft deleted a database Google announced in a Nobel Chemistry Prize. full of 10 million images. The paper published Oct. 23 The lithium-ion battery images were used to train facial in the journal Nature that is defined as “enabling a recognition programmes. it had finally achieved mobile world.” quantum supremacy, 18: NASA astronauts beating out the likes of IBM, Christina Koch and Intel, and other countries. Jessica Meir made In under three minutes, its history by completing computer chip, Sycamore, the first all-woman was able to solve a spacewalk. The problem that would take a two spent seven supercomputer 10,000 years to unravel. 12: scientists found that various hours outside the Unlike computers which use bits to represent either International Space plants have become extinct zeros or ones, quantum bits, or qubits, can stand for over the last 250 years. Station to fix a power both at the same time. This will set the stage for future issue. Scientists predict this quantum advances and innovations. extinction is happening 13: It was announced that 500 times faster than it Mars Opportunity rover’s should be naturally. November December mission had officially ended after the rover died. 8: It was announced that a US trial was in 3: Scientists reached a Opportunity was meant to only the works that gives drug addicted patients breakthrough in the human brain be a 90-day mission, but it lasted 15 a brain implant. The implant is designed to after they created artificial nerve years. reduce cravings. cells. The tiny creations may later 13: The Ebola vaccine was approved after its be used to create diseases that second trial. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine deteriorate parts of the brain, will be used in conjunction with a Merick like Alzhemiers. March vaccine that has already been administered to 31: Google+ enjoyed the last few people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. days of operation, as it will be shut 25: Girl Scouts or America and the YMCA down beginning next month. The joined protests regarding the sale of the .org platform was launched in 2011, domain. Public Internet Registry (PIR) which but failed despite the company’s runs .org was sold to a private company a few efforts to push it. days prior. Many organizations worry about the future of the domain.

10: First Image of Injecting life into April Supermassive Black Hole dead brain 5: scientists discovered what they The Event Horizon Telescope Neuroscientists led believe could be evidence of the captured an image of a by Nenad Sestan of Yale supermassive black hole last asteroid suspected of killing all University developed a spring and revealed one of the dinosaurs. Scientists continue system called BrainEx to look through the site. the darkest and most elusive phenomena in the known to restore circulation universe. and molecular functions Event Horizon Telescope in pig brains four hours (EHT) is a consortium of after death. more than 200 international The top image shows scientists and dozens of untreated brain tissue. radio telescope dishes at 11 The lower image shows observatories around the the result of BrainEx world. Combination of these treatment green shows acts like a telescope the size functioning neurons, of the Earth. red indicates astrocytes, The black hole is 53 million which provide nutrients light-years away in the heart to neutrons, an blue of a giant galaxy called shows cell nuclei. Messier 87. 08 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 flashback JANUARY

he ID card received an upgrade to en - hance its technological features. T His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister un- veiled the new Identity Card, in presence of the Min- ister of Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and the CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed. During the unveiling, HRH the Crown Prince highlighted Bahrain’s commitment on further improving government services provided to its citizens and residents by incorporating the latest technological advancements and standards, in line with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s directives. He stressed the importance of continuing with the develop- ment and modernisation of all processes within government, as well as of increasing the use of technology in national initiatives and projects Various new features will be available in the new version of the ID card, Tribune has learnt.

FEBRUARY

is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received Jordanian Crown Prince His Royal HHighness Prince Al Hussain bin Abdullah II who conveyed to him the greetings and respect of King Abdullah II and his best wishes of further progress and prosperity to the Bahraini people. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khal- ifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, was present. HM the King welcomed the Jordanian Crown Prince and asked him to convey his greet- ings to King Abdullah II as well as his best wishes of more progress and prosperity to the Jordanian people. His Majesty stressed deep-rooted historic fraternal ties binding both countries and their perpetual growth at all levels. The King lauded the efforts of King Abdullah II to boost bilat- eral relations, praising the honourable stances of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan towards Bahrain. His Majesty also commended Jordan’s historical role in defending the interests of the Arab nation and supporting pan-Arab work. HM the King hailed the role and competence of the Jordanian Arab Army and its substantial contribution since the establishment of Bahrain Defence Force.

MARCH MAY

rab solidarity is the only solution to tackle is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al threats faced by the region, said Interior Khalifa and French President Emma- AMinister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Hnuel Macron affirmed appreciation of Al Khalifa, who led Bahrain’s delegation at the 36th growing strategic relations between Bahrain and session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council in Tunisia. France and common keenness on further bolster- The meeting was held under the patronage of Tunisian ing them. President Beji Caid Essebsi and was chaired by honorary They stressed that those relations are based on President of the council Saudi Interior Minister Prince mutual respect, trust, co-operation, common inter- Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif Al Saud. ests and a common history, politically, economically, General Shaikh Rashid said that Arab states should take commercially and culturally. joint stances against foreign inference in the internal security, This came during a meeting at the Élysée Palace between especially from the part of Iran. HM the King and the French President. “The disregard for the sovereignty and national identity of the HM the King voiced solidarity of the Kingdom with Arab states has prompted the Iranian leaders to talk about Iran’s France after the horrible fire, which engulfed the historical great Persian borders on various occasions. This is a violation of tower at Notre-Dame cathedral, in Paris. the sovereignty of its neighbouring countries, including the Arab His Majesty also expressed regret over losing the religious and Islamic states. We are facing many security challenges, includ- symbol and historical landmark, describing it as a major loss ing the misuse of the communication technology that becomes an for all humanity. HM the King thanked the French President issue in the security scenario and a security burden for all countries for the invitation, praising France’s glorious history and rich without exception. The technology is exploited effectively by terrorist human and civilisational heritage. The King also lauded strong groups and this has helped them to undertake terrorist operations in ties binding the two friendly countries and peoples, pointing out developed areas and cities.” their common characteristics and shared noble values.

APRIL JULY

ive times world champion Lewis Hamilton took special directive has been issued by His a lucky Bahrain Grand Prix win for Mercedes Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Fafter engine trouble in the dying stages denied AKhalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to exempt Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc a first Formula One victory. 220 additional government services from Val - HRH the Crown Prince presented the race trophies ue-Added Tax (VAT). to the winner, Lewis Hamilton from the Mercedes Pet- HRH the Premier’s directive now puts the total ronas team, runner-up Valtteri Bottas from the Mercedes number of VAT-exempt government services at 1,620. Petronas team, and third-placed Charles Leclerc from the In another development, In line with the directives Scuderia Ferrari team. of HM the King to review the mechanisms of applying The luckless Leclerc had looked like becoming Ferrari’s various fees over various services, and noting the im- youngest ever race winner, at 21, after starting on pole position portance of taking into account the needs of citizens, and leading comfortably. Instead, the Monegasque ended up HRH the Premier, directed the cancellation of fees for third. Hamilton and team mate Valtteri Bottas, lapping far faster 200 government services, across 10 government entities. than the stricken Ferrari, reeled him in and breezed past to secure The Cabinet strongly condemned the attack that oc- the team’s second one-two finish in as many races and against the curred at the Bahraini Embassy in Baghdad, describing it as odds. “That was extremely unfortunate for Charles,” said Hamilton a violation of the most basic diplomatic rules and norms, and after starting in third place and behind the Ferraris. a contravention of all international conventions and treaties. “He drove such a great race. We’ve got work to do to keep these The session expressed gratitude for the measures taken by the guys off our tails,” added the Briton, who embraced Leclerc after they government of the Republic of Iraq to provide the necessary protec- stepped out of their cars and offered commiserations. tion needed for embassy staff. It also noted the strong relationship The race finished with the field following the safety car, deployed as shared by Bahrain and Iraq, and the importance of further strength- marshals removed Daniel Ricciardo’s stranded Renault. ening these relations to support the interests of both countries. 08 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 09 flashback JANUARY SEPTEMBER he ID card received an upgrade to en - he world’s largest underwa- hance its technological features. ter theme park, Dive Bahrain, T His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Twas inaugurated, following the Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Bahrain completion of the initial phase of the Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister un- project, comprising the submerging of a veiled the new Identity Card, in presence of the Min- 70-meter long Boeing 747, 20-22 meters ister of Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al milestones of below the water North of Bahrain. Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, The dive park was inspected by a group Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and the CEO of the of diving professionals from registered dive Information and eGovernment Authority, Mohammed Ali centres, who were able to ensure all safety Al Qaed. requirements are fully met to guarantee a safe During the unveiling, HRH the Crown Prince highlighted diving experience and environment necessary for Bahrain’s commitment on further improving government the public. During the official opening ceremony, services provided to its citizens and residents by incorporating the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the latest technological advancements and standards, in line Zayed Al Zayani, the Chief Executive of the Supreme with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s directives. Council for Environment, Dr Mohammed Daina along He stressed the importance of continuing with the develop- 2019 with a number of professional divers carried out an ment and modernisation of all processes within government, as inaugural dive in the park to experience the magnifi- well as of increasing the use of technology in national initiatives cent underwater aircraft structure. In its next phase, the and projects dive park will include several structures in addition to Various new features will be available in the new version of the the aircraft, such as a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl ID card, Tribune has learnt. merchant’s house. The eco-friendly park will also provide researchers with rich information and data on marine ecology. FEBRUARY OCTOBER is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is Royal Highness Prince received Jordanian Crown Prince His Royal Khalifa bin Salman Al HHighness Prince Al Hussain bin Abdullah II HKhalifa, the Prime Minis- who conveyed to him the greetings and respect of King ter, and His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah II and his best wishes of further progress and Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the prosperity to the Bahraini people. Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Com- His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khal- mander and First Deputy Prime Minister ifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First attended the 2019 Government Forum Deputy Premier, was present. HM the King welcomed the held at the Isa Cultural Centre. Jordanian Crown Prince and asked him to convey his greet- During the forum, HRH the Prime Minister ings to King Abdullah II as well as his best wishes of more highlighted the government’s continued com- progress and prosperity to the Jordanian people. mitment to develop the quality and efficiency His Majesty stressed deep-rooted historic fraternal ties binding of its services in order to support sustainable both countries and their perpetual growth at all levels. development efforts. The King lauded the efforts of King Abdullah II to boost bilat- HRH the Prime Minister further highlighted eral relations, praising the honourable stances of the Hashemite that enhancing the efficiency of government ser- Kingdom of Jordan towards Bahrain. vices and simplifying government procedures is His Majesty also commended Jordan’s historical role in defending central to meeting the aspirations of citizens, and the interests of the Arab nation and supporting pan-Arab work. is a true indicator of the Kingdom’s progress and HM the King hailed the role and competence of the Jordanian Arab development. Army and its substantial contribution since the establishment of Bahrain HRH the Prime Minister noted that the Kingdom of Defence Force. Bahrain, under the leadership of HM the King, continues in achieving it’s desired goals and ambitions. MARCH MAY JUNE NOVEMBER rab solidarity is the only solution to tackle is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al S President Donald Trump’s son-in-law zamat Murzakanov main- threats faced by the region, said Interior Khalifa and French President Emma- and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, set tained his professional record AMinister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Hnuel Macron affirmed appreciation of Uout a plan that he said would offer the Aintact and made sure to get Al Khalifa, who led Bahrain’s delegation at the 36th growing strategic relations between Bahrain and Palestinians a “more prosperous future”. the most prestigious prize in sports session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council in Tunisia. France and common keenness on further bolster- He described the proposals, which envisions $50 under his provisional possession with The meeting was held under the patronage of Tunisian ing them. billion being invested in the region over 10 years, as two dominant performances on the same President Beji Caid Essebsi and was chaired by honorary They stressed that those relations are based on “the opportunity of the century”. night. President of the council Saudi Interior Minister Prince mutual respect, trust, co-operation, common inter- “We wouldn’t shy away from problems as there is a At a star-studded BRAVE CF 29, “The Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif Al Saud. ests and a common history, politically, economically, spring in the end. It is good to see investment coming Professional” beat Guto Inocente and Mo- General Shaikh Rashid said that Arab states should take commercially and culturally. from all over the world. hammad Fakhreddine in the same night to joint stances against foreign inference in the internal security, This came during a meeting at the Élysée Palace between “Let us focus on peace, security and prosperity. Pal- be crowned the new KHK World Champion, especially from the part of Iran. HM thethe KingKing andand thethe FrenchFrench President.President. estinians need freedom for worship and a better life. We making history as the first man to hold the KHK “The disregard for the sovereignty and national identity of the HM thethe KingKing voicedvoiced solidaritysolidarity ofof thethe KingdomKingdom withwith have reached to this point after numerous studies. This is belt, adorned with 6.2 kg, provisionally. Arab states has prompted the Iranian leaders to talk about Iran’s France after the horrible fire, which engulfed the historical a concrete plan for building tourism so that West Bank can Azamat started off with a cautious yet dom- great Persian borders on various occasions. This is a violation of tower at Notre-Dame cathedral, in Paris. become a blooming economy,” Mr Kushner said. inant performance against kickboxer Inocente. the sovereignty of its neighbouring countries, including the Arab His Majesty also expressed regret over losing the religious Highlighting that the aim of the Trump administration is to Utilising his wrestling, Murzakanov was able to and Islamic states. We are facing many security challenges, includ- symbol and historical landmark, describing it as a major loss keep people safe across the globe, he said: “Mr Trump’s vision stifle Guto’s striking and advance to the finals with ing the misuse of the communication technology that becomes an for all humanity. HM thethe KingKing thankedthanked thethe FrenchFrench PresidentPresident is to keep people safe in the US and throughout the world. We a unanimous decision after two rounds. issue in the security scenario and a security burden for all countries for the invitation, praising France’s glorious history and rich had the best economy ever during this period. Dignity, prosper- In the cage, Azamat’s strength and hands prevailed without exception. The technology is exploited effectively by terrorist human and civilisational heritage. The King also lauded strong ity and security and peace is the pathway to the people.” as he was able to knock out Fakhreddine in the first groups and this has helped them to undertake terrorist operations in ties binding the two friendly countries and peoples, pointing out Mr Kushner said that the new plan could help double Palestine’s round after the Lebanese phenom appeared to suffer developed areas and cities.” their common characteristics and shared noble values. GDP and create a million new jobs, cutting down poverty. a leg injury.

APRIL JULY AUGUST DECEMBER ive times world champion Lewis Hamilton took special directive has been issued by His is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa he Kingdom marked its 48th a lucky Bahrain Grand Prix win for Mercedes Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince received Indian Prime Minister Narendra anniversary of its full mem- Fafter engine trouble in the dying stages denied AKhalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to exempt HModi at Gudaibiya Palace, in the presence Tbership in the United Nations Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc a first Formula One victory. 220 additional government services from Val - of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa and the 20th anniversary of His Majesty HRH the Crown Prince presented the race trophies ue-Added Tax (VAT). bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince the King’s Accession to the Throne. to the winner, Lewis Hamilton from the Mercedes Pet- HRH thethe Premier’sPremier’s directivedirective nownow putsputs thethe totaltotal Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Dep- His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khal- ronas team, runner-up Valtteri Bottas from the Mercedes number of VAT-exempt government services at 1,620. uty Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. ifa received a telephone call from His Royal Petronas team, and third-placed Charles Leclerc from the In another development, In line with the directives They also highlighted aspects of joint co-operation Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Scuderia Ferrari team. of HM thethe KingKing toto reviewreview thethe mechanismsmechanisms ofof applyingapplying in the investment, economic, commercial, health, sci- Salman Al Khalifa. The luckless Leclerc had looked like becoming Ferrari’s various fees over various services, and noting the im- entific and technological sectors, in adding to the sector HRH the Premier expressed deepest congrat- youngest ever race winner, at 21, after starting on pole position portance of taking into account the needs of citizens, of energy. ulations to HM the King, marking the occasion. and leading comfortably. Instead, the Monegasque ended up HRH thethe Premier,Premier, directeddirected thethe cancellationcancellation ofof feesfees forfor The two sides hailed steadily-growing bilateral relations, He praised Bahrain’s steady march of de - third. Hamilton and team mate Valtteri Bottas, lapping far faster 200 government services, across 10 government entities. stressing resolve to pursue efforts to expand joint co-oper- velopment, progress and prosperity in all fields than the stricken Ferrari, reeled him in and breezed past to secure The Cabinet strongly condemned the attack that oc- ation in vital sectors, benefit from expertise and investment to achieve the aspirations of the loyal people of the team’s second one-two finish in as many races and against the curred at the Bahraini Embassy in Baghdad, describing it as opportunities and potential in both countries as part of their Bahrain, led by HM the King. odds. “That was extremely unfortunate for Charles,” said Hamilton a violation of the most basic diplomatic rules and norms, and common strategic interests. He commended Bahrain’s wide-ranging achieve- after starting in third place and behind the Ferraris. a contravention of all international conventions and treaties. HM the King hailed the memorandum of understanding ments in all fields, which bolstered the Kingdom’s “He drove such a great race. We’ve got work to do to keep these The session expressed gratitude for the measures taken by the on the programme of cultural exchange, to strengthen the standing among advanced nations. guys off our tails,” added the Briton, who embraced Leclerc after they government of the Republic of Iraq to provide the necessary protec- deep-rooted cultural relations, the declaration of intent in the He praised HM the King’s farsighted vision, praying stepped out of their cars and offered commiserations. tion needed for embassy staff. It also noted the strong relationship field of space technology on the application of a memorandum of to Allah the Almighty to bless HM the King with abun- The race finished with the field following the safety car, deployed as shared by Bahrain and Iraq, and the importance of further strength- understanding for co-operation in the field of exploration and use dant health, well being and long life and guide him on marshals removed Daniel Ricciardo’s stranded Renault. ening these relations to support the interests of both countries. of outer space for peaceful purposes. the path of success for the sake of the Kingdom and its loyal people. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 10 Upcoming big events of 2020

January May September

1. Britain, led by Boris Johnson is set to exit the EU on January 31 after 47 1. World Bee Day highlights the need to save the threatened pollinators. A 1. Hong Kong is scheduled to elect the years in the club. third of the world’s food production depends on bees. city’s Legislative Council, a 70-seat 2. Tsai Ing-wen, who takes a hard line against China, is bidding for a second 2. The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Rotterdam, the first time the mini-parliament dominated by pro- term as president of Taiwan. Netherlands has hosted the competition since 1975. Beijing political groups. 3. China marks the Year of the Rat. People born in rat years are said to be 3. The Cannes Film Festival opens at the Palais des Festivals, which has 2. The Mayflower set sail 400 years quick-witted and resourceful. undergone a major makeover. ago, carrying the Pilgrim Fathers to what would become the U.S. 3. Global Goal Live, a 10-hour February concert across five continents, aims to promote the UN’s Global Goals to end poverty by 1. Iran holds its 11th parliamentary 2030. election under the eye of the 12-member Guardian Council, which vets all candidates. 2. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards the Oscars in Los October Angeles. 3. 2020 is a leap year, ending the four-year wait 1. Guitarists and rock music fans mark the 50th anniversary of the death of for a birthday for people born on Feb 29. Jimi Hendrix. 2. Dubai hosts Expo 2020, with pavilions from 180 countries. 3. Leaders from Latin America, Spain and Portugal gather in Andorra for the XXVII Ibero-American Summit.

June

1. UEFA EURO 2020 is held across the continent for the first time, with 12 host cities in all. 2. U.S. President Donald Trump hosts G7 leaders with the March global economy as the most pressing concern. 1. The race for the White House heats up on Super Tuesday, with 14 states 3. Diplomats mark the 75th anniversary voting for their preferred nominee on Mar 3. of the signing of the UN Charter in 1945. November 2. Israel holds its third general election in a year after senior party leaders failed to form a majority coalition. 1. The U.S. holds presidential and 3. Nepal conducts a census of greater one-horned rhino. The previous congressional elections. count in 2015 identified 654 animals. 2. Saudi Arabia hosts G20 leaders as it seeks to bounce back after an uproar July over its human rights record. 3. New Zealand holds a referendum 19. Tokyo 2020 will be the biggest Olympic Games to date, featuring more on whether to legalise cannabis for than 11,000 athletes competing in a record 33 sports. recreational use. 20. ExoMars, a joint European-Russian mission, sends a rover to explore the red planet’s inner chemistry in unprecedented detail. 21. The Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, chooses its presidential candidate for November’s election.

April

10. South Korea, struggling with a flagging economy, holds parliamentary elections. August December 11. The latest James Bond movie, No Time to Die, is released. Daniel Craig stars as 1. Two atomic bombings over 1. A total solar eclipse is visible from parts of Chile and Argentina. 007 for the last time. Japan 75 years ago ended 2. Japan’s Hayabusa-2 craft is due to deliver precious asteroid samples 12. Artist Christo wraps the Arc de WWII but left the world back to Earth. Triomphe in Paris in 25,000 square aghast. 3. Concerts and celebrations around the world will metres of blue fabric. 2. Tokyo’s Paralympic games mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig begin. Von Beethoven. 3. The Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, will most likely crown incumbent President Donald Trump. 11 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 business

GFH holds ordinary General Meeting Banks hold back Saudi, Egypt rebounds on lender COMI

Eight of 11 Saudi banks• drop

Riyad Bank announces• a higher H2 dividend

Eshraq dips after• cancelling capital decrease

Officials during the General meeting • Ezz Steel falls on amounting of up to US$500 posting 9-month loss TDT | Manama million in one or more issu- ances. Reuters FH Financial Group (GFH) The Group also received Traders on the floor of Bahrain Bourse (file) Ghas announced the conclu- shareholder approval for ap- audi Arabia’s stock market sion of its Ordinary General pointing a market maker and fell yesterday, pulled down Closing bell lender Commercial Interna- plunging 9.9pc and Emirates Meeting (OGM), which was to utilise up to 3 per cent of by losses in banking shares, tional Bank and a 2.9pc rise in NBD Bank shedding 0.8pc. S SAUDI  0.8pc » 8,345 pts held on 29 December 2019 at GFH’s total issued shares for while Egypt rebounded on the Eastern Company. However, the index found the Group’s Bahrain Financial market making, for the finan- back of its top lender Commer- ABU DHABI  0.4pc » 5,092 pts By contrast, Ezz Steel de - some support from Dubai Is- Harbour headquarters. cial year 2019 and until the cial International Bank (COMI). DUBAI  0.2pc » 2,770 pts creased by 1.1pc after it reported lamic Bank and Emaar Devel- The meeting, which was at- upcoming AGM for the year In Saudi Arabia, the bench- stand-alone losses for the first opment, which were up 0.5pc QATAR  0.3pc » 10,450 pts tended by shareholders, GFH’s ending 31st December 2022. mark index lost 0.8 per cent, nine months of the year after and 1.8pc, respectively. Board, management and em- Shareholders approved and with Al Rajhi Bank shedding EGYPT  0.9pc » 13,937 pts posting a profit in the same pe- The Dubai government will ployees as well as members of authorised the board of di- 1.1pc and Riyad Bank sliding BAHRAIN  0.1pc » 1,608 pts riod of 2018. increase spending by 17pc, to the media, was presided over rectors to utilise 140,000,000 3.5pc. Earlier in the day, Riyad In Abu Dhabi, the index rose a record 66.4 billion dirhams OMAN  1.6pc » 3,954 pts the Group’s CEO Hisham Al- shares, representing 3.8 per Bank had risen after announc- 0.4pc, driven by a 0.7pc gain ($18.08 billion) in 2020, to stim- rayes. cent of total issued shares of ing a higher dividend for the KUWAIT  0.5pc » 6,967 pts in First Abu Dhabi Bank and ulate the economy and support The Group received approv- GFH, for a strategic share ac- second half. a 14.3pc surge in Commercial the Expo 2020 world fair, Reu- al from shareholders who ac- quisition in financial institu- Elsewhere, oil giant Saudi Ar- Bank International. ters reported on Sunday, citing cepted the recommendation tions, subject to Central Bank amco lost 0.7pc, after two days But Eshraq Investments de- state news agency WAM. of the Board to issue Sukuk of Bahrain approval. of gains. Last Tuesday, Aramco clined 0.9pc after announcing Qatar’s main index rebounded said Goldman Sachs may buy it would not reduce capital to 0.3pc after a fall in the previous more of its shares to support Egypt’s blue-chip index add- cover accumulated losses. two sessions. Qatar National the price. The so-called stabili- ed 0.9pc, buoyed by a 1.1pc in- The Dubai index slipped Bank rose 1.4pc and Commercial US-China trade deal sation period will end on Jan. 9. crease in the country’s biggest 0.2pc, with Mashreq Bank Bank ended 3pc higher. signing within week or so: Brazil fines Facebook $1.6 million for improper sharing of user data White House adviser Reuters | Brasilia The ministry said the world’s Reuters | Washington largest social network failed to razil’s Ministry of Justice provide users with adequate he United States and Bsaid yesterday it has fined information regarding default TChina will likely have a US tech giant Facebook Inc 6.6 privacy settings, particularly signing of Phase 1 of a new million reais ($1.6m) for im - related to data of “friends” and trade deal early in the new properly sharing user data. “friends of friends.” year, White House trade The ministry’s department of The ministry said it launched adviser Peter Navarro said consumer protection said it had the investigation following yesterday. found that data from 443,000 media reports of the misuse of “We’ll probably have a sign- Facebook users was made im- data by political consultancy ing on that within the next properly available to developers firm Cambridge Analytica in week or so - we’re just waiting of an App called ‘thisisyourdig- Mark Zuckerberg, facebook CEO 2018. for the translation,” Navarro itallife.’ Facebook has 10 days to appeal said in an interview with Fox White House trade adviser Peter The data was being shared the ministry said in a statement. respond to a request for com- the decision. The fine should be News. Navarro for “questionable” purposes, Facebook did not immediately ment. paid within 30 days.

Russian watchdog opens investigation into Booking.com Reuters | Moscow

ussia’s Federal Anti-mo- Rnopoly Service (FAS) has opened an investigation into hotel reservation website Booking.com, the regulator said yesterday. The FAS said that the compa- ny had asked hotels and hos- Sunglasses with the logo of Booking. tels to offer the same prices com at the new Booking.com on rival reservation websites customer site in Tourcoing, France as on Booking.com. Booking.com did not imme- generated in Russia. diately respond to a request The Russian investigation Fadi Fares, Coupon No.1658787, won a Ford Expedition SUV Car, in Ansar Gallery’s “WIN 10 Nissan Patrol & Ford Expedition SUV Cars Raffle Draw” held in Tubli. for comment. If found to be in follows a case against the com- Thirty valuable Gifts and surprise Gifts are being given out as part of the raffle draw held from 7 May 2019 to 15 April 2020. Four SUVs are now up for grabs. breach of Russian anti-monop- pany in the European Union, Purchase for BD5 to get a raffle coupon and enjoy discounts as part of the ongoing “Year-End Big Sale up to 70% Off, valid until 22 Jan 2020.” Next raffle draw will oly laws the company could where it last week committed be for 15 valuable gifts on 9 January, and Mega Car Raffle Draw on 30 January 2020 for a Nissan Patrol SUV. Winners list are available on www.ansargallery.com. face a fine of between 1 per to bring its practices in line bh, www.instagram.com/ansargallerybahrain and www.facebook.com/ansargallerybahrain cent and 15pc of its revenue with EU consumer law. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 12

Gold inches up on growth Oil hits three-month high concerns as dollar dips Reuters Reuters | London old prices gained yester- il prices rose to three- Gday as global economic month highs yesterday, growth concerns kept pric- Ounderpinned by opti- es propped above $1,500 an mism over an expected Chi - ounce and expectations of a na-US trade deal and upbeat US-China trade deal reduced industrial data, while traders safe-haven buying of the weak- A one kilo gold bar is displayed in a kept a close watch on the Mid- ening dollar. shop in Dubai’s gold souk dle East following US air strikes Spot gold rose 0.3 per cent to in Iraq and Syria. $1,515.42 per ounce as of 10:25 Brent crude futures LCOc1 am ET (1526 GMT). were up 40 cents, or 0.6 per Prices added 2.2pc in the cent, at $68.56 a barrel. The previous week, marking their international benchmark has best week since early August. risen around 27pc in 2019. US gold futures were un - West Texas Intermediate changed at $1,518.40 per $1,515 was the price of spot gold (WTI) crude futures CLc1 rose 10 ounce. per ounce by 1526 GMT cents, or 0.2pc, to $61.82 a barrel “The major driver behind by 1500 GMT. The US bench- gold’s appreciation is the dol- mark is up about 36pc this year. lar weakness,” said FXTM an- “Oil prices continue to re - alyst Lukman Otunuga, add- main supported near frothy ing that bullion could extend central banks. levels as tensions in the Mid- gains into 2020 if trade de - “As long as gold is able to dle East could see key disrup- velopments between the two keep above this psychologi- tions in the region, shrinking US Traders work after the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on July 29, 2019 located at Wall Street in New nations turned south. cal level of $1,500, we will see stockpiles alleviate oversupply York City. “We haven’t heard the de- gold challenging $1,535 and concerns and the US and Chi- tails (of the deal) yet and at $1,550 during the first quar- nese look to wrap up the phase- cember on stronger external farm products and other goods. the same time it has not been ter of 2020,” FXTM’s Otunuga one trade deal,” said Edward demand and an infrastructure Some analysts, however, cited signed on paper.” said. Moya, senior market analyst at push at home although the pace abundant global crude stocks Thin end-of-year volumes Indicative of investor OANDA. of growth is set to ease as mar- as a major obstacle in 2020 to exacerbated the broad weak- sentiment, holdings of the The Middle East is on edge kets await more certainty on a efforts to rein in output by the ness in the dollar .DXY, which world’s largest gold-backed after the United States carried US-China trade truce, a Reuters Organization of the Petroleum dipped for three straight ses- exchange-traded fund, SPDR out air strikes on Sunday against $68.56 poll showed. Exporting Countries and its al- sions, and on Friday suffered Gold Trust, rose 0.1pc to 893.25 the Kataib Hezbollah militia was the price of Brent crude lies such as Russia. its biggest one-day fall since tonnes on Friday, their highest group, while protesters in Iraq futures Trade deal “Even as OPEC and its non- March. since Nov. 29. on Saturday briefly forced the China’s Commerce Ministry OPEC partners endeavor to make Although the finer details “Gold has punched through closure of its southern Nassiriya said it is in close touch with the additional supply cuts in Q1 of the agreement have not the $1,500 level over the past oilfield. United States on the signing of 2020, we are not convinced this yet been disclosed, the South week and is approaching a Also, Libyan state oil firm NOC a long-awaited trade deal. will be sufficient to avert large China Morning Post report- two-month high following a said it is considering the closure which fell by 5.5 million barrels The two countries on Dec. 13 global inventory,” said Harry ed on Monday that Chinese technical breakout, supple- of its western Zawiya port and in the week to Dec. 20, far ex- announced a Phase 1 agreement Tchilinguirian, global oil strat- Vice Premier Liu He will visit mented by a weakening dol- evacuating staff from the refin- ceeding a Reuters poll forecast that reduces some US tariffs in egist at BNP Paribas. Washington this week to sign lar...” said INTL FCStone analyst ery due to clashes nearby. for a 1.7-million-barrel drop. exchange for what US officials “We remain of the opinion the pact. Rhona O’Connell in a note. Oil prices were also supported In China, factory activity said would be a big jump in that oil fundamentals continue Gold has gained about 18pc Amongst other precious by declining US crude stocks, likely expanded again in De - Chinese purchases of American to present downside risk.” in 2019 alone on the back of metals, silver added 1pc to global recessionary fears trig- $17.93 an ounce and platinum gered by the long-drawn out jumped 1.4pc to $958.13. Pal- trade spat between the world’s ladium was slightly muted at US pending home two largest economies, and $1,903.41, struggling to hold Duterte tells troubled media sales rise in quantitative easing by major ground above $1,900. conglomerate owners to sell out November Reuters | Manila in March 2020. Trump, Putin discussed Russia “If I were you, just sell it,” hilippines President Rod- Duterte said of the network, attack, arms control, relations Prigo Duterte yesterday which he had accused of not told owners of a media con - airing his paid advertisement glomerate that has drawn his during the presidential race in ire to sell the company ahead 2016. of the network’s franchise A bill to extend its licence is expiry. pending in congress, which is The mercurial leader has a dominated by Duterte’s allies. rocky relationship with the ABS-CBN did not immediately A worker walks on the roof of a media, especially with those respond to request for com - new home under construction in critical of his bloody anti-nar- ment on a public holiday. Carlsbad, California cotics campaign, and he has Duterte, in numerous public Reuters | Washington threatened numerous times to speeches, has lashed out at the block the franchise extension President of the Philippines media, while his office has at of ABS-CBN Corp. Rodrigo Duterte attends an ASEAN times accused media compa- ontracts to buy previ- “This ABS, your contract will leaders summit with United nies of bias or distorting his Cously owned US homes expire, and you try to renew. I Nations Secretary-General Antonio statements. rose in November, driven don’t know what will happen to Guterres, in Bangkok, Thailand The Philippine leader enjoys by a surge in new contracts Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump shake you,” Duterte said in a speech a high approval rating and is being signed in the coun- hands during a bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan before earthquake victims in est media conglomerate with wildly popular on social media. try’s West, the National As- the southern province of North dozens of local and national His supporters, including blog- sociation of Realtors said ton. Cotabato. radio and television stations gers, fiercely defend him and yesterday. Reuters | Palm Beach, Fla. Gidley said both presidents The broadcast franchise of covering news, entertainment his policies, and have targeted The NAR’s pending home committed to continuing ABS-CBN, the country’s larg- and public affairs, will expire journalists. sales index, based on con- S President Donald Trump counterterrorism cooperation tracts signed last month, Uand Russian President between the two countries. increased 1.2 per cent to a Vladimir Putin discussed the “The presidents also dis- reading of 108.5. The pre- state of relations between their cussed the state of relations vious month’s reading was two countries in a phone call between the United States and Uganda plans to borrow nearly $2 billion revised upward. instigated by Putin, the White Russia and future efforts to Reuters | Kampala Pending home contracts House said yesterday. support effective arms con- previous financial year. It also are seen as a forward-look- The official reason for the trol,” he said, an apparent did not indicate from whom ing indicator of the health of call, according to both sides, reference to Trump’s stated ganda said it plans to bor- the money would be borrowed, the housing market because was for Putin to thank Trump desire for a new nuclear arms Urow 6.9 trillion shillings but in recent years China has they become sales one to for what White House spokes- control deal. ($1.89 billion) from external become one of Uganda’s top two months later. man Hogan Gidley said was Trump, on a two-week lenders in the 2020/2021 (Ju- external lenders. Compared with one year “information the United States working vacation at his Mar- ly-June) fiscal year to partly Museveni, in power since ago, pending sales were up provided that helped foil a po- a-Lago club in Palm Beach, finance its budget, which could 1986, is widely expected to 7.4pc. tential holiday terrorist attack Florida, has longed for strong come under pressure as veteran Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni seek re-election early in 2021. Compared to the prior in Russia.” US relations with Russia and leader Yoweri Museveni seeks He is expected to face a for - month, contracts increased No details were provided, complained that a US probe re-election. in “form of concessional and midable challenge from pop 5.5pc in November in the but Russia said on Sunday it into whether his 2016 pres- A finance ministry budget non-concessional” credit. star-turned-lawmaker Bobi West. They also increased in had thwarted attacks report- idential campaign collud - paper seen by Reuters on Mon- The paper did not indicate Wine, whose real name is Rob- the Midwest but were lower edly planned in St. Petersburg ed with Russia had stymied day showed the funds will be how much was borrowed in the ert Kyagulanyi. in the South and Northeast. thanks to a tip from Washing- him. 13 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019

AL FELOUS (THE MONEY) (PG-15) THE COURIER (15+ )(ACTION/THRILLER) MALEFICENT 2: MISTRESS OF EVIL (PG) OASIS JUFFAIR : 11.15 AM + 1.45 + 4.15 + 6.45 + 9.15 + 11.45 PM CITY CENTRE: 11.00 AM + 1.15 + 3.30 + 5.45 + 8.00 + 10.15 PM CITY CENTRE: 12.00 + 5.30 + 11.00 PM OASIS JUFFAIR (VIP): 12.00 + 5.30 + 11.00 PM SEEF (II): 10.30 AM + 12.45 + 3.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 + 9.45 PM + 12.00 MN ANGELINA JOLIE, TERESA MAHONEY, MICHELLE PFEIFFER CITY CENTRE: 10.30 AM + 11.30 AM + 1.00 + 2.00 + 3.30 + 4.30 + 6.00 + 7.00 + 8.30 + 9.30 + 11.00 PM + 12.00 MN + (12.30 MN + 1.00 AM THURS/FRI) OLGA KURYLENKO, GARY OLDMAN, AMIT SHAH CITY CENTRE (VIP I) : 11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM THAMBI (PG-13)(TAMIL) SEEF (I): 11.00 AM + 12.00 + 1.30 + 2.30 + 4.00 + 5.00 + 6.30 + 7.30 + 9.00 + TRAUMA CENTRE (PG-15)(THRILLER) OASIS JUFFAIR : 12.00 + 5.30 + 11.00 PM 10.00 +11.30 PM + (12.30 MN THURS/FRI) CITY CENTRE: 10.30 AM + 3.00 + 7.30 + 12.00 MN SEEF (I): 2.00 + 11.15 PM SEEF (II): (1.00 AM THURS/FRI) SEEF (II): 10.30 AM + 12.30 + 2.45 + 5.00 + 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM AL HAMRA: 6.00 PM WADI AL SAIL: 10.30 AM + 11.00 AM + 1.00 + 1.30 + 3.30 + 4.00 + 6.00 + 6.30 + 8.30 + 9.00 +11.00 + 11.30 PM BRUCE WILLIS, NICKY WHELAN, STEVE GUTTENBERG KARTHI, JYOTHIKA, SATHYARAJ TAMER HOSNY, ZEINA, KHALID EL-SAWI IP MAN 4 (PG-15)(ACTION/DRAMA/BIOGRAPHY) HERO (PG-15)(TAMIL) CITY CENTRE: 12.45 + 5.15 + 9.45 PM SEEF (I): 8.00 PM SEEF (II): 12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM SIVAKARTHIKEYAN, ARJUN, ABHAY DEOL, KALYANI PRIYADARSHAN DONNIE YEN, SCOTT ADKINS, KWOK-KWAN CHAN KETYOLANU ENTE MALAKHA (PG-15)(MALAYALAM) MIRACLE IN CELL NO.7 (PG-15)(FILIPINO/DRAMA) OASIS JUFFAIR : 2.45 + 8.15 PM OASIS JUFFAIR:3.15 + 9.00 PM ASIF ALI, VEENA NANDAKUMAR SEEF (II): 11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM AGA MUHLACH, JOEL TORRE, JC SANTOS PRATI ROJU PANDAAGE (PG) (TELUGU) SEEF (I): 11.00 AM + 5.00 PM JUMANJI THE NEXT LEVEL (PG-15) RAASHI KHANNA, SATHYARAJ, SAI DHARAM TEJ OASIS JUFFAIR: 2.45 + 8.30 PM CITY CENTRE: 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 + 12.00 MN + (12.30 MN THURS/FRI) DRIVING LICENCE (PG-15) CITY CENTRE (IMAX 2D) :11.30 AM + 5.15 + 11.00 PM OASIS JUFFAIR: 12.15 + 3.00 + 5.45 + 8.30 + 11.15 PM CITY CENTRE (VIP II) : 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM SEEF (I): 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 + 12.00 MN SEEF (II): 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM AL HAMRA: 3.00 + 6.00 + 9.00 PM WADI AL SAIL: 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + 9.00 + 11.45 PM PRITHVIRAJ SUKUMARAN, SURAJ VENJARANMOODU DWAYNE JOHNSON, JACK BLACK, KEVIN HART MY SANTA (PG-13)(MALAYALAM) STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (PG-13 OASIS JUFFAIR: 11.00 AM + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 + 11.00 PM OASIS JUFFAIR: 11.45 AM + 5.30 + 11.15 PM SEEF (I): 2.00 + 8.15 PM OASIS JUFFAIR (VIP): 2.30 + 8.00 PM AL HAMRA: 6.00 PM CITY CENTRE: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM DILEEP, SIDDIQUE, SUNNY WAYNE CITY CENTRE (IMAX 2D) : 2.15 + 8.00 PM SEEF (II) : 12.45 + 6.00 + 11.15 PM VALIYAPERUNNAL (MALAYALAM) DAISY RIDLEY, MARK HAMILL, ADAM DRIVER OASIS JUFFAIR: 12.00 + 5.45 + 11.30 PM SEEF (I): 10.45 AM + 5.00 + 11.15 PM (AL HAMRA: 11.45 AM + (12.00 MN THRUS/FRI د (FROZEN 2 (PG)(ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY CITY CENTRE: 11.00 AM + 1.15 + 3.30 + 5.45 + 8.00 + 10.15 PM SHANE NIGAM, HIMIKA BOSE, JOJU GEORGE SEEF (II):10.30 AM + 3.45 + 9.00 PM SPIES IN DISGUISE (PG) KRISTEN BELL, IDINA MENZEL, JOSH GAD OASIS JUFFAIR (KIDS CINEMA): 1.00 + 3.15 + 5.30 + 7.45 PM ددد OASIS JUFFAIR (KIDS CINEMA): (3D) 10.45 AM + 10.00 PM 21 BRIDGES (PG-15)(CRIME/ACTION/THRILLER) 21 CITY CENTRE: 11.30 AM + 1.45 + 4.00 + 6.15 + 8.30 + 10.45 PM CITY CENTRE: 12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM CITY CENTRE:DUBBED IN ARABIC: 12.00 + 2.15 + 4.30 + 6.45 + 9.00 + 11.15 PM CHADWICK BOSEMAN, SIENNA MILLER, STEPHAN JAMES CITY CENTRE (3D): 11.00 AM + 1.15 + 3.30 + 5.45 + 8.00 + 10.15 PM د (SEEF (II): 11.30 AM + 1.45 + 4.00 + 6.15 + 8.30 + 10.45 PM KNIVES OUT (PG-15)(CRIME/COMEDY/THRILLER SEEF (II):DUBBED IN ARABIC: 12.30 + 2.45 + 5.00 + 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM CITY CENTRE: 3.15 + 8.45 PM WADI AL SAIL: 11.15 AM + 1.30 + 3.45 + 6.00 + 8.15 + 10.30 PM DANIEL CRAIG, CHRIS EVANS, ANA DE ARMAS WILL SMITH, TOM HOLLAND, KAREN GILLAN دددددد (JOKER (15+)(THRILLER/CRIME/DRAMA CITY CENTRE: 12.30 + 6.00 + 11.30 PM د (GOOD NEWWZ (15+)(HINDI/COMEDY/DRAMA) DABANGG 3 (PG-15)(HINDI/ACTION/COMEDY From Friday 27th OASIS JUFFAIR : 11.00 AM + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 + 11.00 PM JOAQUIN PHOENIX, ZAZIE BEETZ, ROBERT DE NIRO OASIS JUFFAIR : 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM CITY CENTRE: 10.30 AM + 1.30 + 4.45 + 8.00 + 11.15 PM CITY CENTRE: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM SEEF (II): 10.30 AM + 1.45 + 5.00 + 8.15 + 11.30 PM LE MANS ‘66 (PG-13)(DRAMA/SPORT/BIOGRAPHY) SEEF (I): 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM WADI AL SAIL: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM CITY CENTRE: 2.30 + 8.00 PM WADI AL SAIL: 11.00 AM + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 + 11.00 PM MATT DAMON, CHRISTIAN BALE, JON BERNTHAL AKSHAY KUMAR, KAREENA KAPOOR, DILJIT DOSANJH SALMAN KHAN, SONAKSHI SINHA, WARINA HUSSAIN

MOVIE REVIEW The Last Tree: tender tale of an uprooted childhood His transition into a muscly, Superb acting misguided youth, his war with • YInka, and his involvement with enriches Shola an older criminal link The Last Amoo’s story of a Tree to Barry Jenkins’s Moon- British-Nigerian boy DON’T MISS IT light. Like the 2016 Best Pic - exiled in London ture Oscar-winner, it disobeys the rules of social realism with its stylistic flourishes – Spike utting a radical spin on The story of a British-Ni- Lee-like closeups of Femi when a fish-out-of-water story, gerian boy growing up he’s stoned, red-lit evocations PThe Last Tree explores in rural Lincolnshire of urban hellishness – its bursts troubling aspects of the African and inner-city London is of majestic orchestral music in diaspora experience in an Eng- told with compassion in the Lincolnshire scenes, and land riddled with xenophobia Shola Amoo’s profoundly its concentrated subjectivity. A and black-on-black racism. Sho- scene in which Femi fantasises la Amoo’s semi-autobiographical moving drama kissing Tope after he rescues second feature is distanced from her from her persecutors throbs Brexit by its early 2000s time first and second acts – and to truthfully of teen yearning. The frame, but its young protago - embrace his African-ness. He Lagos sequence, which captures nist’s identity issues speak to the visits Mary and elicits from her Adewunmi himself interacting current moment. an apology for promising him with Nigerians, is rewardingly Sam Adewunmi in ‘The Last Tree’ The film begins with a sunlit he could stay with her forever spontaneous. idyll in the Lincolnshire coun- and his friends to live with his weed-smoking troublemak- gangster and drug dealer, Mace and hears out Yinka when she The Last Tree is an advance tryside. An 11-year-old British strict Yoruban birth mother Yin- er perplexed by his two black (Demmy Ladipo), who buys his tells him she thought she was on Amoo’s gentrification film Nigerian, Femi (Tai Golding) ka (Gbemisola Ikumelo) in her mates’ harassing of his wary services with the gift of a Mobile doing her best for him when she A Moving Image (2016) and an- runs around outdoors and gets flat on a decaying inner-London school crush Tope (Ruthxjia phone. Femi seems oblivious to fostered him out. Amoo is a little nounces him as an important “all over mud” with his three estate. Mocked for his overtly Bellenea), whose skin is dark- the fact that Mace is exploit - harsh on these well-meaning British director – one whose schoolmates – but for the colour African first name on his first er than theirs. Resenting Yinka ing and controlling him, but the women, though Femi reconciles work demands a multicultur- of his skin they could be Richmal day at his new school, he gets for removing him from Mary viewer is unsurprised when the with both of them. When he and al audience. It can’t be over- Crompton’s William Brown and into a fight with the boy who and disaffected from his school, gangster turns nasty . Yinka, growing closer, travel to stressed how much he owes to his Outlaws reborn. insulted him and is threatened despite his academic abilities What is Femi looking for? Lagos, a revelation about her in- his actors, especially Adewunmi Without warning, Femi is with immediate expulsion. and the efforts of a concerned Coming of age requires him dependent spirit and adherence (potentially a major discovery), plucked from this rural par - By the age of 16, Femi teacher who empathises with his to make peace with both his to the traditional Yoruba religion Golding, Ikumelo, and Bellenea. adise, his loving white foster (now broodingly played by plight, Femi self-destructively mothers, to find his father – the has enormous emotional and The suspicion in Bellenea’s eyes mother Mary (Denise Black), Sam Adewunmi) is an angry, becomes muscle for a local black structuring absence of the film’s spiritual consequences for Femi. speaks volumes. 14 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019

Julia Meghan Garner Trainor and Mark and Daryl Foster Sabara

Meghan Trainor: Eminem inspires I’m super in love Varun Dhawan Los Angeles

inger Meghan Trainor says she feels “super in love” Swith her husband Daryl Eminem and Varun Sabara. Mumbai She got married to Sabara on December 22, 2018 – which was also her 25th birthday. ollywood actor Var- Julia Garner, Mark Foster get married “It’s so good. It’s very romantic Bun Dhawan says he Los Angeles right now, we’’re super in love,” was inspired by a lot of with family members and close dailymail.co.uk quoted Trainor hip-hop artistes including zark” actor Julia friends in attendance. as saying about her married life. Eminem, who is popular Garner and musi- Both the newlyweds shared Meghan has recently spent a lot for hits such as “The real “Ocian Mark Foster the same black-and-white pic- of time in the UK, where she has slim shady” and “Lose have tied the knot. ture on the photo-and-video joined the judging panel of “The yourself”. The couple got married on sharing site with a caption: Voice”. Trainor also revealed that “While growing up, I December 27 and took to In- “12/27/19”. her mother and brother had accom- was inspired by a lot of stagram on Monday to make Designer Zac Posen shared a panied Darryl on her trip to the UK. hip-hop artists like Em- things social media official. few behind-the-scenes photos She said: “My mum is here, my dad inem, and I think that’s Garner, 25, and Foster, 35, and videos at their reception. didn’t make this short trip because when my love for dance had an intimate wedding at “Congratulations @juliagar- it’s too hard on his body but he’s also kicked in. I’’ve been New York City Hall, ner94 and @mistersmims,” Po- waiting for us back at home. They’’re lucky enough to pursue sen captioned on Instagram, everything, I can’t do anything without it through my films with alongside an image of the cou- then. My older brother is my videogra- iconic dancers like Remo ple sharing a kiss. pher and my mum’s my assistant, and my D’souza Sir and Prabhu- The couple reportedly got husband’s my husband. They all take care dheva Sir. Since then, it’s engaged back in May. of me and it’s great.” been incredible to see the evolution and growing popularity of this fun and Huma taught Dave Bautista B’wood inspiring art form in the Shilpa country,” Varun said. moves on “Chammak challo’’ The “ABCD 2” actor Mumbai Shetty thanks 1 loves the way hip-hop is and I did. Dave also mentioned million TikTok followers being interpreted across that he loves Indian films and India in different languag- ctress Huma he wants to do a Hindi film. I with funny video es, forms and context. Qureshi has prom- promised him we will get him Mumbai “Artistic individuals Aised her “Army Of to India to do a film. I have are leveraging hip-hop to The Dead” co-star Dave even showed him some hilpa Shetty took to Instagram to thank one million fans who spread knowledge, emo- Bautista to get him to dancing videos and made have follow her on TikTok in just one day. tions and opinions and it’s India to do a film, him practice some Bolly- S The actress shared a video where she, along so great to see the “janta’’ and taught him wood moves on “Cham- with her husband Raj Kundra, can be seen enacting accept and encourage it. some Bolly- mak challo’’,” added the the “Maine Pyar Kiya” song “Dil deewana bin sajna wood moves actress on Netflix’s chat ke”, with a funny twist. on superstar show “The Brand New Her video is meant to be a double celebration Bloom gets into Shah Rukh Khan Show”. because the Salman Khan-Bhagyashree starrer screaming match and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s popular Scripted by Shay Hat- had released on December 29 in 1989, excatly song “Chammak challo”. ten and Zack, “Army of the 30 years ago. with Perry’s “My brother used to try these dead- Dead” is set amid a zombie Shilpa mentioned that “Maine Pyar Kiya” ly wrestling moves called chokeslams outbreak in Las Vegas, dur- is her alltime favourite movie. relatives and Batista bombs on me. I did this ing which a man assembles “Expectation VS Reality ! #Kalyug hai film for Netflix called “Army of The a group of mercenaries to take bhai!! What I didn’t expect is 1 mil- Dead’’ and my co-star is a gentleman the ultimate gamble: venturing lion followers on #TikTok in a day, called Dave Bautista,” Huma said. into the quarantined zone to pull OMG!! Heartfelt gratitude to “When Saqib got to know, he off the greatest heist ever attempted. all. Celebrating #30yrs of wanted me to ask Bautista about his Zack Snyder has directed the zom- #mainepyarkiya. finishing move – the Batista Bomb bie heist film. Orlando Bloom Los Angeles CLASSIFIEDS Vacation Diaries: Bollywood ctor Orlando Bloom Ais fitting in well NOTICE heads abroad for New Year with the family of his fi- This is to notify that Mr. Johnson Villigith Jathanna, Indian New Delhi that she is in Austria now. In be- ancee and singer Katy Per- National holder of Passport No. K8085624 and Bahraini CPR tween sips of her cuppa, she post- ry, and was spotted getting No. 800727169 is no longer employed with M/s Awal Plastics W.L.L., CR No. 1055. Mr. Jathanna is not authorised to t’s that time of the year when ed: “Hot chocolate with a view.” into a playful screaming represent Awal Plastics W.L.L., and / or any of its subsidiaries Bollywood stars fly out of India Her cousin and actress Pri- match with Perry’s rela- and / or group companies and / or aliates (hereinafter on vacation, to usher a brand yanka Chopra Jonas is living tives. collectively referred to as the "Company"). I new year. This year is no exception. “life as it should be”, with hub- Perry, 35, took to her Ins- This to inform everyone that the Company shall not be responsible or liable for any claims, costs, losses, expenses and / or damages of Anushka Sharma with cricketer by Nick Jonas. The destina- tagram on Sunday to share whatsoever nature to any one arising out of the acts or omissions of the said Mr. hubby Virat Kohli, Varun Dhawan tion of their vacation is yet to footage of her Bloom, 42, Johnson Jathanna with immediate eect. with girlfriend Natasha Dalal, and be revealed. Earlier, they were in enjoying a game of Taboo Parineeti Chopra are among celeb- Mammoth Lakes, California. with the family, reports rities who are out holidaying. Priyanka and Nick Jonas have dailymail.co.uk. Switzerland been giving a Bloom, who was wear- seems to be Bol- glimpse of their ing a skintight camou - lywood’s favourite vacation by flage-print ensemble, destination this posting pho- went nose-to-nose with year. Anushka and tos. The singer one relative as the pair Virat are in the Al- shared a loved- struggled to hold back pine country, and up photo of the their laughter. who should they couple without “First of all, you’re from bump into but Varun and Natasha! revealing the destination, and cap- a different country! Do you Varun also ran into sisters Ka- tioned it: “From the snow to the even have a visa to be here?,” risma and Kareena Kapoor while ocean. #lifeasitshouldbe.” she yelled at the actor. they were enjoying “snowy days” Actress Taapsee Pannu also hit Adding to the fun, an- in Switzerland. the beach during the holiday season. other person in the room Actress Parineeti Chopra is also “Not a destination but a jour- said in response to the visa “chilling” and braving the cold win- ney.... #Sisterhood #TravelBums joke: “Why do you think ter, but in different places. #TapcTravels #Puchi #Mauritius,” he’s marrying her?” Parineeti reveals she was in she captioned a photo in which she Perry shared the comedic Munich, following which she has and a friend are seen appreciating exchange on her Instagram moved “onto even colder climates”. the view. It’s almost like the sky account, writing: “Happy Her latest Instagram post suggests meets the beach. holidays with the fam.” 15 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2020 sports

Japan’s Nishikori out of Manama outclass Riffa Australian Open and ATP Cup

Manama remain unbeaten• in BBA Top Six League KNOW WHAT Al Ettihad rally past• Bahrain Club American professional TDT | Manama Christopher McKnight top scored for Manama anama outclassed Rif- with 22 points. He also fa 84-65 last night in had 10 rebounds and Mtheir Top Six Division four steals game in the Zain Bahrain Bas- to, when they closed things out AFP | Tokyo team, we have made this de- ketball League, being played at convincingly. cision as I am still not 100 per Zain Arena in Um Al Hassam. Manama went ahead by as apanese star Kei Nishikori cent ready or healthy to com- The victors were in control many as 21 points in the game. Jpulled out of the Australian pete at the highest level. for the virtually the entire con- In yesterday’s other fixture Open and the inaugural ATP “This decision was not taken test, extending their lead with a in the Silver Division for the Cup yesterday as he continues lightly as Australia is one of my strong fourth quarter en route to league’s bottom six squads, Al to struggle with an elbow inju- favourite places to compete,” securing the final result. Ettihad overcame Bahrain Club ry that has kept him out since he added. The win was the third for Ma- 87-79. the US Open. Nishikori’s elbow needed nama after three assignments Ettihad enjoyed a 23-11 final The former world number surgery in October and he has in this stage of the league. They quarter to finally take control of Manama guard Hussain looks to make a play as he is closely defended by Riffa’s four, who has slipped to 13, not played since. handed Riffa their second loss a tightly contested affair. Kuwayed said he was disappointed not Yoshihito Nishioka will re- to go with one win. The result earned them their to be able to begin his season place him as the top-ranked American professional Chris- fourth victory in a row as they as hoped for in January. player in Japan’s ATP Cup topher McKnight top scored for stayed atop the division stand- “Unfortunately I have to team in Perth. Yasutaka Uchi- Manama with 22 points. He also ings with an unbeaten record pull out of the ATP Cup and yama also withdrew from the had 10 rebounds and four steals. while Bahrain Club suffered the Aussie Open,” he said in event earlier this week, with Young guard Mustafa Hussain their first defeat in three out- statement. Toshihide Matsui called up came off the bench and chipped ings. “Today, together with my instead. in with 19 markers, which in- American William Byrd led cluded five three-pointers. Has- Ettihad with 24 points and 10 san Nowrooz also provided a rebounds while also registering spark as a substitute scoring 18 four blocked shots. Sayed Saleh Du Plessis criticises ‘big three’ move points, including four triples. Mahdi came off the bench to Skipper Mohammed Hussain contribute 20, while Hasan Fa- AFP | Centurion, South Africa see what’s going on in terms of was their fourth player in dou- had had 15 and Nasser Almosawi big three countries,” he said. ble-figures with 14 points. chipped in with 14 points and outh African cricket cap- “There’s a lot of movement Manama were red hot from nine rebounds. Stain Faf du Plessis believes going towards that, a lot more beyond the arc in the game, fir- For Bahrain Club, who squan- cricket needs more, not fewer, matches being played against ing in 14 three-point baskets in dered leads as big as 11 in the elite nations. the top three, or big three. It’s just 27 attempts. game, Serbian-Bosnian pro- Speaking after South Africa’s probably better if you include US import Joseph Jones was fessional Dragan Tubak had a 107-run win in the first Test more teams, the better to grow the leading man for Riffa. He monster effort of 24 points and against England on Sunday, the game as much as you can.” had 19 points to go with 10 re- 22 rebounds in the loss. Du Plessis was asked his opin- Du Plessis pointed out that bounds. Younes Kuwayed added Khalid Ali added 17 while ion about plans for an annu- there was inequality of fix- 15 while Ali Abbas had 13. Hussain Lulu contributed 12 as al ‘Super Series’ of one-day tures, especially in Test cricket, Manama had a slim 17-16 lead a substitute. games, involving the so-called with new Test nations such as at the end of the first quarter League action continues on ‘Big Three’ of India, Australia Ireland and Afghanistan strug- but they stretched it to 39-33 Friday with a titanic clash in the and England, with one other gling to get fixtures. “There’s a at the half. In the third, they Top Six between Manama and country to be invited on a re- lot of smaller nations not play- moved ahead even further at Al Ahli. The game is scheduled volving basis. ing a lot of Test cricket, they’re 57-47 heading into the final can- for a 7.30pm tip-off. Bahrain Club’s Ayoob Najaf battles in the paint with Ettihad’s Nasser Almosawi “The last year or so you can actually playing less,” he said.

Bahrain girls crush Kuwait to open Indian Lions lift CBA division B T-20 Cup under-18 WAFF tournament with win TDT | Manama

ahrain kicked off their Bcampaign in the second West Asian Football Federa- tion (WAFF) Girls’ U18 Cham- pionship with a resounding 4-1 victory over Kuwait on the tournament’s opening night on Sunday at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. Leleya Sabkar and Alanood Almannaei both scored two goals apiece for host Bahrainis. Players of Indian Lions and Strikers CC with CBA officials Leleya opened their account in Action from Bahrain’s match against Kuwait the 11th minute and then added semi-finals. Group A features tling Iraq at 5.30pm and then TDT | Manama player trophies and Team tro- claimed 2 wickets each. In re- their fourth in the 81st, while Jordan, the UAE, Lebanon and the UAE taking on Lebanon at phy. Satya from Indian Lions ply BDS chased target for the Alanood was on target in the Iraq while Group B features 8.30pm. On January 2, which is ndian Lions lifted the CBA di- was awarded the Man of the loss of 3 wickets. Junaid Aziz 46th and 75th minutes. Palestine, Kuwait and hosts the final day of the group stage, Ivision B T-20 Cup sponsored Match trophy with $50 cash top scored with 65 runs. For Kuwait, Muneerah Al- Bahrain. the UAE take on Jordan, Bahrain by Excellence Training Solu- prize. BCC defeated AbuSaad Cli- raqem fired in their lone conso- In other matches on open- lock horns with Palestine and tions by defeating Strikers CC Meanwhile, BDS Bassali de- max by 8 wickets in another lation in the 86th minute. ing night, the UAE beat Iraq 4-2 Lebanon play Iraq. in the final played at Buasiteen feated BCC A in the Division fixture. Batting first AbuSaad Seven teams are taking part while Lebanon ousted Jordan The final four will be held on ground last Friday. A 40 over league organized by Climax were all out for 82 runs in the championship. They have 3-0. January 4, and then the match The winning team bagged Cricket Bahrain Association. while Ali Dawood claimed 6 been divided into two groups The next play date is today, for fifth place will be held the $500 cash prize, individual Batting first BCC A posted 140 wickets for BCC. In reply BCC for the preliminary stage, at with Palestine and Kuwait fac- following evening. The gold and player trophies and team trophy runs as Fiaz top scored with chased the target for the loss the end of which the top two ing off in the opening game at bronze medal games will then while the runners-up bagged 48 runs. For BDS Bassali Imran of 2 wickets. Adnan Butt top will move on to the knockout 2.30pm, followed by Jordan bat- take place on January 6. $300 cash money, individual Javed, Tahir Darr and M. Saqi scored with 38 runs. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 16 Bahrain men close in on title Bahrain men’s team take two-shot lead into final round of GCC golf TDT | Manama

ahrain moved into prime BETTER position to clinch the Bmen’s teams’ title in the 2019 GCC Golf Championships yesterday after taking a two-shot KNOW lead heading into today’s final round of play at Ghala Golf Club in Muscat. The Bahrainis carded a third After starting the day as round score of six-over-par 222 joint-leaders with Saudi to bring their overall gross total Arabia, the Bahrain men to 18-over-par 666 with the last are now in solo first 18 holes remaining in the com- place petition. Sultan Mubarak, Mohamed rainis. Diab Alnoaimi and Al Mohamed In the ladies’ teams’ division, Al Kowari were all in action for the Bahraini team of Habiba Ma- the national team yesterday. her Yusuf, Haya Adel Alqawadhi Mubarak played a one-over-par and Maryam Raed Alansari fin- 73 score, Alnoaimi was two over ished fourth overall after three par and Al Kowari was three rounds of play. They had a com- over. bined 279-over-par total of 711. Khalifa Mohamed Almerisi The UAE were champions was also in action but his six- with an 85-over-par score of 517, over-par 78 total was not count- while Qatar (570, +138) were the ed. silver-medallists and Oman (636, After starting the day as +204) the bronze winners. joint-leaders with Saudi Arabia, In the under-15 teams’ catego- the Bahrain men are now in solo ry, Bahrain finished fourth from first place. five teams. The trio of Abdul- Saudi played a 224 gross to- Members of Bahrain’s men’s team with officials at Ghala Golf Club in Muscat rahman Ebrahim Saad, Yousuf tal in the third round to fall be- Ebrahim Habib and Abdulla hind. In action for their team cation were the UAE (684, +36), 220. Mubarak shares the same as Qatari Jaham Jassim Al Ku- teams with a 49-over-par total Rashid Saeed played a three- were Saud Abdullah Al Sharif, Oman (729, +81) and Kuwait mark with Saudi’s Al Sharif, and wari. of 337 heading into the third and round gross of 154-over-par 586. Ali Al Sakhi and Abdulrahman (743, +95). they both now trail new leader Meanwhile, Bahrain had three final round of play. The Bahrai- The UAE and Oman were tied- Al Mansoor. They were a com- Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Mubar- Al Sakhi by just a single stroke. other teams participating in the nis were composed of Eid Aeel first with 54-over-par scores of bined 20-over-par 668 over ak lost his lead on the individual Saleh Ali Al Kaabi of Qatar championship’s other catego- Meftah, Faris isa Alqetami and 486, while Saudi finished second three rounds. players’ standings after drop- was fourth a further shot behind, ries. Manaf Yusuf Ahmed. with an 83-over-par 515 total. In third place were Qatar with ping to tied-second place. His while in tied fifth with seven- In the under-18 teams’ stand- Qatar were in first place 14 Today’s final round will be fol- a 25-over-par score of 673, while third-round outing brought his over-par scores were Bahrainis ings, Bahrain were second shots ahead while the UAE were lowed by the closing ceremony rounding out the teams’ classifi- overall score to four-over-par Alnoaimi and Al Kowari as well amongst three participating third two shots behind the Bah- and prize giving.

Australia call up Lampard calls for Chelsea to show persistent fight Paul Pogba set to Short as Abbott replacement for return for Manchester India tour AFP | Melbourne United’s trip to Arsenal ustralia have added Reuters | London ers. “When you’ve been out for AD’Arcy Short to their such a while it’s always going one-day squad for next anchester United to take time until you’re 100%. month’s tour of India after midfielder Paul Pog- “He wasn’t ready (to face seam bowler Sean Abbott Mba is set to return for Burnley) because he’s not re- was ruled out of the trip their Premier League visit to ally done too many games and with a side strain, Cricket Arsenal on New Year’s Day he’s had two in a few days and Australia (CA) said. after sitting out Saturday’s 2-0 he just needed another day’s Abbott suffered the injury win over Burnley as a precau- recovery.” playing for Sydney Sixers tion, manager Ole Gunnar Sol- United midfielder Scott Mc- in Friday’s Big Bash League skjaer has said. Tominay damaged knee liga- match against Sydney Thun- The France international ments in the win over New- der and will be sidelined for returned from a long castle and Solskjaer said the up to four weeks. layoff injury in Unit- 23-year-old could be out of “It is extremely unfortu- ed’s 2-0 defeat by action for about a month. nate for Sean, who is very Watford on Dec. 22 “I wouldn’t expect him much a part of our white Tammy Abraham celebrates after scoring an 87th minute winner against Arsenal and played 45 min- to be back within a few ball squad plans leading into utes in their 4-1 weeks,” the Norwegian the ICC T20 World Cup and Reuters | London Hotspur, then were beaten by “I don’t want 11 quiet players win over New- added. “I don’t the World Cup,” national struggling Southampton before who get on with it and trot out castle United know if it’s selector Trevor Hohns said he fighting spirit Chelsea their stunning late comeback again,” he added. “I said my on Boxing three or four in a statement. Tshowed in Sunday’s victory against Arsenal. piece and it was pretty firm ... Day. weeks ... We’ve “D’Arcy offers the squad over Arsenal is exactly what “It was everything I wanted,” Then the lads started talking. Pogba just got to find another spinning all-round- manager Frank Lampard wants Lampard told reporters. “We’ve It was aggressive, which was a felt pain a way through er option along with Ashton from his young side, but the been rightly questioned recent- good thing.” in his it.” Agar, which along with the Englishman says the team will ly. Everton away being a good The 41-year-old stopped ankle United’s four world class fast bowlers only push on if they can consist- one... we were quiet after that short of describing the perfor- after win over and Adam Zampa balances ently replicate that aggression. game in the dressing room. I mance as a turning point and the Burnley lift- the squad out nicely. Chelsea’s 2-1 come-from-be- didn’t like it.” said marrying character with Newcastle game ed them “His proven record and hind win at their London rivals Chelsea’s players were in- style was the next step in Chel- but Solskjaer to fifth in ability to bat anywhere in kept them fourth in the table volved in heated discussions sea’s development. said the 26-year- the table, the order will also be a great despite their struggles against in the tunnel at the Emirates “Last week we won at Tot- old would be while Arse- asset to the squad.” the Premier League’s lesser Stadium after going a goal tenham by playing really good ready for United’s nal dropped Australia will play three lights in recent weeks. down before halftime and football from beginning to end,” next match. to 12th after one-day internationals in Lampard’s men lost to West Lampard said a frank dress - he added. “(At Arsenal) we won “He’s been out losing to India, beginning with Mum- Ham United, Everton and ing room exchange during the by showing some fighting spirit. for a long while and Chelsea on bai on Jan. 14 before match- Bournemouth before outclass- break was the catalyst for their If we can put them together he didn’t feel right,” Sunday. es in Rajkot and Bengaluru. ing Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham comeback. we’ll have a chance.” Solskjaer told report- Paul Pogba

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