Besides serving as a hub of knowledge and research, the Zayed Centre for Herbal Research also provides information to visitors about the medicinal properties attributed to common spices, herbs and plants that grow in the UAE, as well as the ones that are toxic.
“One of the most common plants you find next to homes is known locally as Al Ashkhar (Calotropis Procera or Aiton), also [called] Apple of Sodom, where the whitish [sap] contains calotropin, which in some parts of the world is used to make arrow poison,” says Fatheya Abdullah Al Marzooqi, the awareness section head at the centre. She regularly guides visitors through a special garden of toxic and non-toxic plants.
Local hospitals often see cases of children who touched the plant and ended up with eye infections as the sap can cause corneal damage.
The common signs of toxicity from this plant include gastrointestinal-tract disturbances, including abdominal pain and vomiting, and cardiovascular symptoms, such as bradycardia (slow heart rate) and ventricular fibrillation (caused by disrupted electrical activity in the heart).
Other common toxic local plants include:
• Al Dafla (Nerium Oleander) or Royal Rosebay: popular as an ornament for its beautiful pinkish flowers and is highly toxic. In addition to gastrointestinal- tract disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, it can cause drowsiness, tremors and even coma.
• Iphiona Aucheri, known locally as the Hawa Al Ghazal: this plant has yellow flowers and there are records of camel deaths resulting from it. Symptoms of toxicity include acute liver and kidney impairment.
“We regularly publish brochures and have campaigns to educate the public on the toxic and non-toxic plants they find around their neighbourhoods or in the wild,” says Al Marzooqi.
“Whenever people go camping, they should read up on what plants are safe and which ones aren’t, for the sake of themselves and their children.”
• Lantana Camara, also known locally as Al Lantana: its tiny colourful flowers look nice, but its unripe berries can poison children who like to play with the flowers and berries because of the attractive colours and shapes.
Signs of toxicity include jaundice, constipation, sluggishness and, in chronic cases, weight loss, mouth and nostril lesions, as well as swellings in mucous membranes.
Here is a list of plants and herbs with some of their medicinal uses, as researched by the Zayed Center for Herbal Research.
Turmeric (Al Curcum) Anti-inflammatory used to relieve flatulence, abdominal colic, and in poultices, for pain and skin inflammation treatment.
Cardamom (Al Hail) Gastrointestinal stimulant for relieving flatulence; diuretic and expectorant for relieving bronchitis and asthma.
Olibanum, frankincense (Al Luban Al Dhaker) Gastrointestinal complaints, anti-inflammatory and is also a fumigant for pest control.
Lavender (al Khouzama) Calming, helps relieve bronchitis and laryngitis, and is used for aromatherapy.
Aniseed (Yansoon) Expectorant useful for coughs and colds, flatulence relief, soothes colic and helps reduce headaches.
Fennel (al Shammar) Relieves flatulence and is a mild laxative, an effective diuretic and soothes chronic coughs.
Senna (Al Hulool) Laxative, gastrointestinal stimulant and helps inhealing wounds.
Teucrium (Jaada) Helps in convalescence and loss of appetite, chronic indigestion, chronic bronchitis and colds; it is also a diuretic.
Sage (Al Marameyya) Used for colds, relieves flatulence and soothes duodenal ulcers.
Chebulic (Helilij) Laxative, antacid, soothes duodenal ulcers.
Ginger (Zanjabeel) Used to ease cough and cold symptoms, relieve flatulence, soothe colic, stimulate digestion and is refreshing.
Fenugreek (Al Helba)
Consumed in drinks and food to help breathing symptoms when suffering from coughs and colds; it is used to heal wounds.
Colocynth, desert squash (Al Hendel):
Diuretic, helps asthma, purgative, vermifuge (expels parasitic worms), antipyretic (reduces fever), relieves flatulence and can help with arthritis.
Costus, Kut Root (Al Qest) Used for laryngitis and pharyngitis and is a disinfectant and cleanser.
Cumin (Cammoon) Relieves flatulence, antacid, and soothes colic.
Hibiscus (Karkadeh) Diuretic, mild laxative, soothes the digestive system and is calming.
Black Seeds (A Habba Al Souda) Helps ease dysuria (pain when urinating) and is used to relieve symptoms of colds and asthma and relieve flatulence. Also used to ease dermatitis, arthritis and muscle spasm.
Christ’s thorn (Al Sidr) Used for chest ailments, wounds, skin diseases, headache and osteoarthritis; it is also a laxative.
Thyme (Zaatar) A disinfectant and vermifuge – relieves flatulence, soothes colic; useful for easing cough and cold symptoms. It is calming and helps with toothache.
Myrrh (Al Murr) Relieves flatulence, wound healing, skin ulcers and chest ailments.
Henna (Al Henna) An astringent with a cooling effect; it is antimicrobial and is used in hair dye; it is also used to treat skin diseases and burns.
WHY%20AAYAN%20IS%20'PERFECT%20EXAMPLE'
%3Cp%3EDavid%20White%20might%20be%20new%20to%20the%20country%2C%20but%20he%20has%20clearly%20already%20built%20up%20an%20affinity%20with%20the%20place.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EAfter%20the%20UAE%20shocked%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20semi-final%20of%20the%20Under%2019%20Asia%20Cup%20last%20month%2C%20White%20was%20hugged%20on%20the%20field%20by%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20captain.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EWhite%20suggests%20that%20was%20more%20a%20sign%20of%20Aayan%E2%80%99s%20amiability%20than%20anything%20else.%20But%20he%20believes%20the%20young%20all-rounder%2C%20who%20was%20part%20of%20the%20winning%20Gulf%20Giants%20team%20last%20year%2C%20is%20just%20the%20sort%20of%20player%20the%20country%20should%20be%20seeking%20to%20produce%20via%20the%20ILT20.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20is%20a%20delightful%20young%20man%2C%E2%80%9D%20White%20said.%20%E2%80%9CHe%20played%20in%20the%20competition%20last%20year%20at%2017%2C%20and%20look%20at%20his%20development%20from%20there%20till%20now%2C%20and%20where%20he%20is%20representing%20the%20UAE.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20influential%20in%20the%20U19%20team%20which%20beat%20Pakistan.%20He%20is%20the%20perfect%20example%20of%20what%20we%20are%20all%20trying%20to%20achieve%20here.%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20the%20development%20of%20players%20who%20are%20going%20to%20represent%20the%20UAE%20and%20go%20on%20to%20help%20make%20UAE%20a%20force%20in%20world%20cricket.%E2%80%9D%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
The biog
Place of birth: Kalba
Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren
Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken
Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah
Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”
Tips%20for%20holiday%20homeowners
%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20several%20factors%20for%20landlords%20to%20consider%20when%20preparing%20to%20establish%20a%20holiday%20home%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3ERevenue%20potential%20of%20the%20unit%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20location%2C%20view%20and%20size%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EDesign%3A%20furnished%20or%20unfurnished.%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Is%20the%20design%20up%20to%20standard%2C%20while%20being%20catchy%20at%20the%20same%20time%3F%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20model%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20will%20it%20be%20managed%20by%20a%20professional%20operator%20or%20directly%20by%20the%20owner%2C%20how%20often%20does%20the%20owner%20wants%20to%20use%20it%20for%20personal%20reasons%3F%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuality%20of%20the%20operator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20guest%20reviews%2C%20customer%20experience%20management%2C%20application%20of%20technology%2C%20average%20utilisation%2C%20scope%20of%20services%20rendered%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20Adam%20Nowak%2C%20managing%20director%20of%20Ultimate%20Stay%20Vacation%20Homes%20Rental%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
MATCH RESULT
Liverpool 4 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Liverpool: Salah (26'), Lovren (40'), Solanke (53'), Robertson (85')
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Alan%20Wake%20Remastered%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERemedy%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Microsoft%20Game%20Studios%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%204%20%26amp%3B%205%2C%20Xbox%3A%20360%20%26amp%3B%20One%20%26amp%3B%20Series%20X%2FS%20and%20Nintendo%20Switch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Company%20profile
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