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Racing is saddled with Sheikh Mohammed – all we can do is stop cheering
A new podcast series raises serious questions about the Dubai ruler’s suitability as an owner but the sport is far too reliant on his investment to act.
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How Pegasus spyware ‘infected’ the phones of Jeff Bezos, El Chapo and No 10
It is the must-have eavesdropping system for the world’s autocrats — as well as many democratic governments. Last week it was reported that some officials at No 10 and the Foreign Office had had their smartphones “infected” with Pegasus, a powerful Israeli-developed cybertool. Not only does it give spies access to all data on the…
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UAE tried to ‘influence’ Tory ministers to ‘mislead’ the public, sacked embassy guard says in court papers
The claims have emerged days after the UAE was accused of being behind spyware infecting phones at Downing Street and the Foreign Office. The United Arab Emirates tried to “influence” Government ministers to “mislead” the British public about important international affairs, a sacked embassy bodyguard claims. Conservative politicians including Ben Wallace and Gavin Williamson, the…
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The Real Housewives comes to Dubai
The blingy TV franchise is coming to the emirate with a reputation for extreme luxury. It might be an awkward marriage. “Life is different in a gated community.” In the 15 years since The Real Housewives of Orange County first buttonholed its loyal, tinsel-hungry audience with this magnificently F Scott Fitzgeraldian opening line, the Real Housewives reality TV franchise…
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‘Latifa isn’t free — she’s just in a bigger prison than before’
The ex-wife of Dubai’s leader has reason to doubt the tale of his prodigal daughter — she too was held captive by him, she claims. Reclining by a window in her hilltop residence outside Beirut, Randa al-Banna took a puff of her slim cigarette and looked out over the Mediterranean. The former wife of Sheikh…