UAE

Fee rises for private schools approved

The Abu Dhabi Education Council will allow a rise of up to five per cent though it was not clear how many have applied for it.

Dubai father is first UAE resident to swim across English Channel

After fighting currents and veering off-course, the businessman arrived in France and said his goal was to inspire others to "experience the real world".

Stamp collection celebrates Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A stamp collection to celebrate "the majesty and architectural beauty” of the mosque has been issued by Emirates Post.

World

Scores arrested in clampdown on foreign beggars

Sixty-six beggars arrested during the first 21 days of Ramadan as Kuwaiti officials try to prevent foreigners from taking advantage of local generosity.

In bid for food security, Qatar sows seeds globally

GCC spending on imports is forecast to more than double by 2020, prompting Doha to seek overseas agro-production partnerships with countries like Sudan.

Used to crisis, bank customers shrug off firings

The Afghan government assures the public that the country’s largest private lender, Kabul Bank, is not in danger of collapse.

Business

$7bn missile purchase from Lockheed advances

Defensive system deal with US company could be concluded in the first half of next year.

Sudatel faces ban for unpaid dividends

The UAE’s markets regulator is threatening to suspend trading in shares of Sudan’s state-owned telecommunications operator over the company’s failure to pay dividends to investors on time.

Tourists flock back to region

Arrivals in the Middle East were up 20 per cent in the first half of the year compared with the first six months of last year.

Opinion

A thousand failures before one permanent peace deal

Alan Philips: Peacemakers have to be prepared for setbacks and bad faith with many factors in play like the personality of the leaders, the geopolitical background, timing and luck.

Wandering through cyberspace: alone among 100 friends

Maryam Amiri: I know I’m not the only one out there, but the internet is my virtual sanctuary. Even though it’s crowded, it’s the only place left where I can be left alone.

Who is calling? Doesn’t matter, I know what they want

Rob Long : As a little experiment, I recently counted the number of phone calls I placed or received in one day that were, essentially, about money. By 5pm I had my answer: all of them.

Sport

Jazira ready to take leading role

Al Jazira have long been the bridesmaids in the Pro League, but they are off to another promising start.

ICC take firm action against Pakistan trio

Butt, Asif and Aamer are suspended, but country’s high commissioner questions authenticity and timing of spot-fixing video

US teenager Capra wins again in her first Slam

The world No 371 beats the 18th seed while there is another easy victory for Caroline Wozniacki, who has lost only two games in two matches.