Dubai kenya

NAIROBI: For Kenyan-based safari operator Safarilink, June is the busiest time of year, as the company's small planes ferry tourists to national parks in Kenya and Tanzania to witness the majestic annual migration of 2 million animals. This year, the coronavirus outbreak has brought those adventures in Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti to a halt. Like other African airlines, Safarilink Aviation grounded its planes in March after Kenya closed its borders and stopped air travel, part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease. "During this period, we carry, just going to the Mara, about 10,000 passengers per month," said Alex Avedi, Safarilink Aviation's CEO. "As you can see all the aircraft are parked, there is no one going to see this magnificent spectacle." Safari lovers typically flock to the region hoping to witness hundreds of thousands of wildebeest that run the gauntlet of hungry crocodiles as they cross the Mara river in search of greener pastures on the … [Read more...] about With no tourists to watch migration, Kenyan operator’s planes are grounded

DUBAI: Citigroup is planning to hire more bankers in Saudi Arabia for its direct custody business after adding more than 20 for onshore capital markets in the last two years, its Europe, Middle East and Africa head said. The bank, which following a 13-year hiatus returned to Saudi Arabia in 2018 after being granted a capital markets licence, said last year it would also expand its direct custody and clearing services to the oil-rich kingdom. David Livingstone told a conference on Thursday that while there was no set time-table for the lender to obtain a full banking licence in Saudi Arabia, the outlook for financial sector activity is positive. "That is something we want to participate very strongly in," he said. "Recently we secured our direct custody and services licence and we will be growing that business." The division provides services from trading execution to clearing to institutional investor clients. Citigroup was among the banks that advised Saudi Aramco on the … [Read more...] about Citi targets more growth in Saudi Arabia after adding over 20 bankers in two years

NAIROBI: Vanessa Wanjera packs a punch. The 14-year-old Kenyan took up boxing two years ago but she already has big dreams. "I want to be a champion, instead of staying in the slums," Wanjera told Reuters. Wanjera is one of a group of children who train at the Mathare North Boxing Club in Nairobi, where head coach Bernard Muiruri hopes the programme will help keep kids out of trouble. While government restrictions are in place on public gatherings and people's movement, the gym has measures in place to conform to social distancing and hygiene guidelines. It limits the number of visitors allowed on the premises at any one time, is cleaned three times a day and gives out hand sanitiser to people who do not bring it. "We have adhered to all COVID-19 regulations set by the government," Muiruri said. "The training keeps the children busy, ensuring they don't engage in evils found in the slums. Also staying fit is a way of fighting the virus." Since the club opened its doors … [Read more...] about Punching through the pandemic: Kenyan boxing club gives kids a break

REUTERS: Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien's Love has been listed as an 11/8 favourite with Unibet for the Investec Oaks, which will take place at Epsom Downs on July 4. Love, who won the 1000 Guineas in June, is bidding to become the first filly since the O'Brien-trained Minding in 2016 to complete the 1000 Guineas-Oaks double. O'Brien, the most successful current trainer at the Oaks with seven victories, has three other fillies in the mix - Irish 1,000 Guineas champion Peaceful, and Ennistymon and Passion who placed second and third respectively at the Ribblesdale Stakes. Frankly Darling, trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, is the second favourite at 9/4, and will look to follow up an impressive victory at the Ribblesdale Stakes with a triumph at Epsom. Tiempo Vuela will be the second entry from the Gosden stable. Roger Varian will also field two entrants - Gold Wand, daughter of 2015 Investec Derby winner Golden Horn, and Queen Daenerys, runner-up at the … [Read more...] about Horseracing: O’Brien seeking eighth Oaks win with 11/8 favourite Love

SINGAPORE: Singaporeans overseas can vote at 10 polling centres, subject to approval from local authorities, while separate voting arrangements will be made for returning Singaporeans serving their stay-home notice. In a press release on Monday (Jun 29), the Elections Department (ELD) said that it had consulted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) on the COVID-19 situation at the overseas polling stations and is working to implement safety measures for voters and election officials. The 10 overseas polling stations are in Beijing, Canberra, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo and Washington. Details on the voting procedures will be sent to registered overseas voters after Nomination Day, said ELD. READ: What are the COVID-19 safety measures for Polling Day? Here’s what voters need to know READ: GE2020: Constituency political broadcasts to start from Jul 3; keep safe distance when campaigning, says ELD … [Read more...] about GE2020: Voting to proceed at overseas polling stations, subject to approval from local authorities: ELD