A Syrian refugee man walks on the main market street in Al Zaatari refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, near the border with Syria on July 30, 2018. Muhammad Hamed / Reuters
A Syrian refugee man walks on the main market street in Al Zaatari refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, near the border with Syria on July 30, 2018. Muhammad Hamed / Reuters
Syrian refugees prepare to return to their homelands of Jarablus, Damascus, Aleppo, A'zaz, Al Bab and Afrin in Syria. Here they are seen loading their belongings onto buses and waiting to depart from Esenyurt Municipality garden in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 9, 2019. Emrah Gurel for The National
Syrian refugees prepare to return to their homelands of Jarablus, Damascus, Aleppo, A'zaz, Al Bab and Afrin in Syria. Here they are seen loading their belongings onto buses and waiting to depart from Esenyurt Municipality garden in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 9, 2019. Emrah Gurel for The National
Syrian refugee students take part in a washing hands activity during an awareness campaign about coronavirus on March 11, 2020. Reuters
Syrian refugee students take part in a washing hands activity during an awareness campaign about coronavirus on March 11, 2020. Reuters
The Zaatari camp in Marfaq, south of the Syrian border, became Jordan’s first official camp for Syrian refugees fleeing violence in their country. In the photo: Aya stands with her neighbours in Zaatari camp in Jordan. She is one of 60,000 children in Zaatari camp. WFP
The Zaatari camp in Marfaq, south of the Syrian border, became Jordan’s first official camp for Syrian refugees fleeing violence in their country. In the photo: Aya stands with her neighbours in Zaatari camp in Jordan. She is one of 60,000 children in Zaatari camp. WFP
Millions of Syrians have been forced to flee their country since the war began in 2011. AFP
Millions of Syrians have been forced to flee their country since the war began in 2011. AFP
Refugee children at a refugee camp in Lebanon watch a magic show in Syria. Courtesy Magic for Smiles
Refugee children at a refugee camp in Lebanon watch a magic show in Syria. Courtesy Magic for Smiles
A boy roller skates at Seven Hills Skate Park in Downtown Amman, Jordan, on September 22, 2020. The Seven Hills is a Jordanian non-profit organisation that uses skateboarding as a tool to encourage social cohesion, youth leadership and gender equality. Andre Pain / EPA
A boy roller skates at Seven Hills Skate Park in Downtown Amman, Jordan, on September 22, 2020. The Seven Hills is a Jordanian non-profit organisation that uses skateboarding as a tool to encourage social cohesion, youth leadership and gender equality. Andre Pain / EPA
Girls enjoy skateboarding at Seven Hills Skate Park in Downtown Amman, Jordan, on September 22, 2020. The Seven Hills is a Jordanian non-profit organisation that uses skateboarding as a tool to encourage social cohesion, youth leadership and gender equality.
Girls enjoy skateboarding at Seven Hills Skate Park in Downtown Amman, Jordan, on September 22, 2020. The Seven Hills is a Jordanian non-profit organisation that uses skateboarding as a tool to encourage social cohesion, youth leadership and gender equality.
The family of Ali Kinno pose for a photograph at a temporary apartment in the coastal town of Jiyeh, south of Beirut, Lebanon, on September 15, 2020. The Kinno family from Syria's Aleppo region was devastated in the wake of the August 4 explosion at the Beirut port, their tragic story reflects the particular pain of Syrian refugee families in Lebanon, which is now home to about a million Syrians. Hassan Ammar / AP
The family of Ali Kinno pose for a photograph at a temporary apartment in the coastal town of Jiyeh, south of Beirut, Lebanon, on September 15, 2020. The Kinno family from Syria's Aleppo region was devastated in the wake of the August 4 explosion at the Beirut port, their tragic story reflects the particular pain of Syrian refugee families in Lebanon, which is now home to about a million Syrians. Hassan Ammar / AP

News

MENA

Mental Health Day: war and Covid-19 strain leave many in Middle East suffering in silence

Charities face a daily challenge of rising demand

Nick Webster
Nick Webster

October 11, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Prolonged conflicts and the coronavirus pandemic have left mental-health services in the Middle East in crisis, with Lebanon and Syria worst hit.

Doctors Without Borders said twothirds of people seeking mental health support had symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Two months after a massive explosion ripped through Beirut port, demand has significantly increased.

“Although by now many people have had their physical wounds treated and have secured their basic needs for housing, electricity and water, many still cry at night or are startled by the slightest sound,” said MSF psychologist Sara Tannoury.

More than half those asking for help said the blast on August 4 was responsible for their condition.

What people are going through today is a normal reaction to abnormal events

Of those with existing mental illness, 82 per cent said their symptoms worsened after the blast and resulting political and social unrest.

Symptoms cited by MSF’s patients included panic attacks, insomnia, loss of appetite, forgetfulness, lack of focus, loss of interest and negative thoughts.

Data was taken from 98 patients, of which 17 were children, who required medical attention between August 14 and September 30.

As hospitals that escaped serious damage were rapidly overwhelmed, the wounded were forced to take long journeys to seek medical help, often passing devastating scenes of the blast’s aftermath.

That experience scarred many who are now struggling to come to terms with the aftermath.

A 70-year-old woman who lost sight in both eyes after she was hit by debris from the explosion told medics she wished she had not survived.

“She keeps saying that it should have been her dying in the blast, instead of the young men and women who lost their lives,” Ms Tannoury said.

Damaged cars are pictured in front of billowing smoke behind the grain silos at the port of Beirut. AFP
Damaged cars are pictured in front of billowing smoke behind the grain silos at the port of Beirut. AFP
A drone picture shows smoke from the scene of an explosion at the seaport of Beirut. AP Photo
A drone picture shows smoke from the scene of an explosion at the seaport of Beirut. AP Photo
Lebanon's President Michel Aoun wears a protective face mask as he visits the scene of Tuesday's explosion in Beirut. AFP
Lebanon's President Michel Aoun wears a protective face mask as he visits the scene of Tuesday's explosion in Beirut. AFP
An emergency command vehicle of the Lebanese Red Cross is pictured in the aftermath of yesterday's blast. AFP
An emergency command vehicle of the Lebanese Red Cross is pictured in the aftermath of yesterday's blast. AFP
A man inspects the damage of yesterday's blast. AFP
A man inspects the damage of yesterday's blast. AFP
A survivor is taken out of the rubble after a massive explosion in Beirut. AP Photo
A survivor is taken out of the rubble after a massive explosion in Beirut. AP Photo
A damaged hospital is seen after a massive explosion in Beirut. AP Photo
A damaged hospital is seen after a massive explosion in Beirut. AP Photo
Lebanese soldiers search for survivors after a massive explosion in Beirut.AP Photo
Lebanese soldiers search for survivors after a massive explosion in Beirut.AP Photo
An ambulance drives near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
An ambulance drives near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
Lebanese national flags fly at half-mast outside the presidential palace in Baabda, following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
Lebanese national flags fly at half-mast outside the presidential palace in Baabda, following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A woman is evacuated from the partially destroyed Beirut neighbourhood of Mar Mikhael. AFP
A woman is evacuated from the partially destroyed Beirut neighbourhood of Mar Mikhael. AFP
An injured man sits next to a restaurant in the trendy partially destroyed Beirut neighbourhood of Mar Mikhael. AFP
An injured man sits next to a restaurant in the trendy partially destroyed Beirut neighbourhood of Mar Mikhael. AFP
A man walks past damaged building and vehicles near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A man walks past damaged building and vehicles near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A man wearing a protective face mask walks past damaged buildings and vehicles near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A man wearing a protective face mask walks past damaged buildings and vehicles near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A woman sweeps at a damaged hospital following Tuesday's blast, in Beirut. Reuters
A woman sweeps at a damaged hospital following Tuesday's blast, in Beirut. Reuters
A man wearing a face mask moves a gurney at a damaged hospital following Tuesday's blast in Beirut. Reuters
A man wearing a face mask moves a gurney at a damaged hospital following Tuesday's blast in Beirut. Reuters
The wreckage of a ship is seen following yesterday's blast at the port of Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP
The wreckage of a ship is seen following yesterday's blast at the port of Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP
A view shows the aftermath at the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A view shows the aftermath at the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
Lebanese soldiers and people gather outside American University of Beirut medical centre following the explosion in Beirut. Reuters
Lebanese soldiers and people gather outside American University of Beirut medical centre following the explosion in Beirut. Reuters
An injured man sits outside American University of Beirut medical centre following an explosion in Beirut. Reuters
An injured man sits outside American University of Beirut medical centre following an explosion in Beirut. Reuters
The explosion caused damage to Lebanon's PM Hassan Diab's office
The explosion caused damage to Lebanon's PM Hassan Diab's office
The damage at Lebanon's PM Hassan Diab's office following the blast.
The damage at Lebanon's PM Hassan Diab's office following the blast.
Pictures of the damage at Lebanon's PM Hassan Diab's office
Pictures of the damage at Lebanon's PM Hassan Diab's office
People gather outside American University of Beirut medical centre following the explosion in Beirut. Reuters
People gather outside American University of Beirut medical centre following the explosion in Beirut. Reuters
Lebanese soldiers stand outside American University of Beirut medical centre following the explosion in Beirut. Reuters
Lebanese soldiers stand outside American University of Beirut medical centre following the explosion in Beirut. Reuters
Damaged vehicle and buildings near the scene of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
Damaged vehicle and buildings near the scene of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A man walks by an overturned car and destroyed buildings. Getty Images
A man walks by an overturned car and destroyed buildings. Getty Images
A view shows the damaged facade of a building following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A view shows the damaged facade of a building following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A view shows the aftermath of yesterday's blast at the port of Beirut. AFP
A view shows the aftermath of yesterday's blast at the port of Beirut. AFP
A man pushes a buggy with a child on Wednesday past a damaged vehicle near the scene of overnight blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A man pushes a buggy with a child on Wednesday past a damaged vehicle near the scene of overnight blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
In this drone picture, the destroyed silo sits in rubble and debris. AP Photo
In this drone picture, the destroyed silo sits in rubble and debris. AP Photo
People inspect the damage near the scene of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
People inspect the damage near the scene of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
People inspect the scene of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
People inspect the scene of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
Shattered glass lies in front of a building following a blast in the Lebanese capital Beirut. AFP
Shattered glass lies in front of a building following a blast in the Lebanese capital Beirut. AFP
Lebanese army troops carry a wounded man evacuated from a ship at Beirut's port. AFP
Lebanese army troops carry a wounded man evacuated from a ship at Beirut's port. AFP
This picture shows damage at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. Courtesy Lebanese Plane Spotters / Facebook
This picture shows damage at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. Courtesy Lebanese Plane Spotters / Facebook

“Some children are now bearing responsibilities beyond their age.

“One young boy had to call his father to come and rescue his mother who was trapped under a fallen wall.

“In the past in Beirut, society and communal networks – family, friends, neighbours – would have normally been the first point of informal support for a troubled person.

“Today, these networks are all equally impacted and people are turning to mental-health specialists.

“What people are going through today is a normal reaction to abnormal events.”

To help cover the gaps in mental-health services in Lebanon, MSF is in discussions with the Lebanon National Mental Health Programme – which is part of the Ministry of Public Health – with the aim of integrating its support within their national plan.

It aims to ensure a long-term strategy that meets the increase in needs.

“The blast in itself is a traumatic incident that generates its own short-term acute psychological consequences,” Ms Tannoury said.

Jordan, Zaatari Refugee Camp, June 2013 On 29 July, the Zaatari camp in Marfaq, south of the Syrian border, became Jordan’s first official camp for Syrian refugees fleeing violence in their country. As Jordan continues to receive tens of thousands of Syrians, opening this camp had become necessary to accommodate terrified families. On World Refugee Day, WFP PI Officer Dina El-Kassaby walked around the camp and spoke with refugees about their expectations and hopes for the future. In the photo: Aya stands with her neighbours in Zaatari camp in Jordan. She is one of 60,000 children in Zaatari camp who miss something from home. Aya tells a WFP staffer that her mother promised her she could return home to Syria as soon as possible to collect her teddy bears and bring them back to Jordan where they can sleep with her in her tent in Zaatari camp. Photo: WFP/Dina El-Kassaby
Jordan, Zaatari Refugee Camp, June 2013 On 29 July, the Zaatari camp in Marfaq, south of the Syrian border, became Jordan’s first official camp for Syrian refugees fleeing violence in their country. As Jordan continues to receive tens of thousands of Syrians, opening this camp had become necessary to accommodate terrified families. On World Refugee Day, WFP PI Officer Dina El-Kassaby walked around the camp and spoke with refugees about their expectations and hopes for the future. In the photo: Aya stands with her neighbours in Zaatari camp in Jordan. She is one of 60,000 children in Zaatari camp who miss something from home. Aya tells a WFP staffer that her mother promised her she could return home to Syria as soon as possible to collect her teddy bears and bring them back to Jordan where they can sleep with her in her tent in Zaatari camp. Photo: WFP/Dina El-Kassaby

“But if these are left untreated, these could erode people’s psychological well-being in the long term.

“We need to look at mental health as an integral part of a person’s well-being."

Meanwhile in Syria, years of conflict have severely weakened the health sector to the point of collapse in some regions.

Vital services are either completely unavailable or functioning at only 50 per cent.

A shortage of qualified mental-health professionals, impaired access because of safety and security reasons and the loss of many health services left the most vulnerable with nowhere to turn for support.

Before the civil war broke out in 2011, access to psychological and psychiatric help was already rare.

It is estimated there are only 50 psychiatrists in Syria to service the whole population, after 50 fled the country because of the conflict.

As a result, a significant number of Syrians suffering from mental health conditions remain undiagnosed and untreated, said the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Read More

Since 2018, the ICRC has tried to rebuild capacity in the country to treat a problem only worsening as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Until August, 120 patients benefited from a psychological and mental services programme for patients with physical disabilities in the ICRC Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Aleppo.

Isolation and travel restrictions brought on by the pandemic revived terrifying memories of war for some.

Nazha El Hallaq, a Syrian refugee who works in a hairdressing salon in Aarsal in Lebanon, is among those who suffer flashbacks of conflict.

"When self-isolation started, we found ourselves in the house not being able to move around," she told a Red Cross researcher before World Mental Health Day.

“It reminded me of a time when we were in Syria and we had to stay home because of the shelling and bombing.”

Last year, the ICRC provided specialised mental-health care and psychological and psychosocial support to 23,829 people, including 2,840 children.

It also supported 6,964 professionals or community members through training.

In the ICRC's latest survey, more than half (51 per cent) of respondents said the Covid-19 pandemic had harmed their mental well-being.

Nearly three in four (73 per cent) said front-line health workers and first responders have more need for mental-health support than the average person.

"The Covid-19 health crisis has exacerbated the psychological distress of millions of people already living through conflicts and disasters,” said Robert Mardini, the ICRC's director general.

“Lockdown restrictions, a loss of social interaction, and economic pressures are all impacting people's mental health and access to care.”

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH INFO

Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')

Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')

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

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

On Women's Day
War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

While you're here
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

RESULTS

6.30pm: Handicap (rated 100 ) US$175,000 1,200m
Winner: Baccarat, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap (78-94) $60,000 1,800m
Winner: Baroot, Christophe Soumillon, Mike de Kock

7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 $200,000 1,600m
Winner: Heavy Metal, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.15pm: Handicap (95-108) $125,000 1,200m
Winner: Yalta, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 $200,000 1,800m
Winner: Promising Run, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor

9.25pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

10pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,400m
Winner: Oh This Is Us, Tom Marquand, Richard Hannon

New schools in Dubai
Towering concerns
BRIEF SCORES:

Toss: Nepal, chose to field

UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23

Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17

Result: UAE won by 21 runs

Series: UAE lead 1-0

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.

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

I Feel Pretty
Dir: Abby Kohn/Mark Silverstein
Starring: Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, Rory Scovel
 

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
%3Cp%3ECreator%3A%20Tima%20Shomali%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0Tara%20Abboud%2C%C2%A0Kira%20Yaghnam%2C%20Tara%20Atalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh122,745

On sale: now

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Results

2pm: Al Sahel Contracting Company – Maiden (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: AF Mutakafel, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

2.30pm: Dubai Real Estate Centre – Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: El Baareq, Antonio Fresu, Rashed Bouresly

3pm: Shadwell – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,950m; Winner: Lost Eden, Andrea Atzeni, Doug Watson

3.30pm: Keeneland – Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,000m; Winner: Alkaraama, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi

4pm: Keeneland – Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,800m; Winner: Lady Snazz, Saif Al Balushi, Bhupat Seemar

4.30pm: Hive – Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

5pm: Dubai Real Estate Centre – (TB) Handicap Dh64,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Lahmoom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

While you're here
Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

More on G20 meeting
Panipat

Director Ashutosh Gowariker

Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment

Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman

Rating 3 /5 stars

'Dark Waters'

Directed by: Todd Haynes

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, William Jackson Harper 

Rating: ****

Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Baby Driver

Director: Edgar Wright

Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Lily James

Three and a half stars

Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Rainbow

Kesha

(Kemosabe)

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Spare

Profile

Company name: Spare

Started: March 2018

Co-founders: Dalal Alrayes and Saurabh Shah

Based: UAE

Sector: FinTech

Investment: Own savings. Going for first round of fund-raising in March 2019

Going grey? A stylist's advice

If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”

The team

Videographer: Jear Velasquez 

Photography: Romeo Perez 

Fashion director: Sarah Maisey 

Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory 

Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG 

Video assistant: Zanong Maget 

Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud  

Spec%20sheet
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7%22%20Retina%20HD%2C%201334%20x%20750%2C%20625%20nits%2C%201400%3A1%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EChip%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20A15%20Bionic%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%204-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%2C%20f%2F1.8%2C%205x%20digital%20zoom%2C%20Smart%20HDR%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%2B%40%2024%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full%20HD%2B%40%2030%2F60fps%2C%20HD%2B%40%2030%20fps%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFront%20camera%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7MP%2C%20f%2F2.2%2C%20Smart%20HDR%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%3B%20HD%20video%2B%40%2030fps%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%2015%20hours%20video%2C%2050%20hours%20audio%3B%2050%25%20fast%20charge%20in%2030%20minutes%20with%2020W%20charger%3B%20wireless%20charging%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Touch%20ID%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP67%2C%20dust%2C%20water%20resistant%20up%20to%201m%20for%2030%20minutes%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1%2C849%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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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

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

RACE CARD

6.30pm: Baniyas Group 2 (PA) Dh 97,500 (Dirt) 1,400m.

7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m

7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,400m

8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,400m

8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh 95,000 (D) 1,200m

10pm Handicap (TB) Dh 85,000 (D) 2,000m

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