Sheikh Mohamed and Blinken hold talks on Israel-Gaza war

President Sheikh Mohamed and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have held talks as Israel prepares to launch a major offensive in Gaza.

The senior American official landed in Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening, only hours before Israel's military said a "land, air and sea operation" in the coastal strip was planned.

"During their meeting, they discussed the utmost priority of ensuring complete protection for civilian lives and emphasised the urgent need to open humanitarian corridors to facilitate the delivery of medical and relief aid to the Gaza Strip, in addition to an immediate cessation of hostilities," state news agency Wam reported.

"The meeting addressed the need to intensify regional and international diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, violence, and crises in the region in light of the impact of serious developments.

"The two sides discussed the importance of actively pursuing a clear political vision to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that strengthens regional security and stability. In this regard, they reiterated their joint commitment to enhancing stability and prosperity in the Middle East."

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President, were present.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, and Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, were also at the talks, alongside Mr Blinken's delegation.

Earlier, Mr Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, which celebrates the ties that bind Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

He arrived from Riyadh where he met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. He and Prince Faisal urged Israel and Hamas to protect civilians.

About 2,200 Palestinians have died in Gaza following retaliatory aerial bombardment from Israel. It came after Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack against Israel last Saturday, killing 1,300.

Most of the dead on both sides are civilians.

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

Red flags

Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

Yuki Means Happiness
Alison Jean Lester
John Murray

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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn

In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

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The past winners

2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

2010 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

2011 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)

2012 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)

2013 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2015 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)

2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2017 - Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

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