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Palestinian farmers in the north of the Gaza Strip are risking their lives as they look to restore land destroyed in Israel's war on the besieged enclave.
The conflict forced Morab Al Mossalmani to leave his farm in Beit Lahia, near the border with Israel, for four months, but he has now returned to grow crops.
“I face challenges in replanting the farm, as most of the hose and water networks were damaged, and there is a shortage of fuel,” Mr Al Mossalmani told The National.
Since the start of the war, Beit Lahia has been the target of extensive Israeli shelling that has forced resident to flee, as well as destroying homes and farmland.
Mr Al Mossalmani is aware of he risks of returning to his farm, as Israel continues its assault on the enclave. “We will keep planting our lands as long as we are alive,” he said.
He is looking to grow crops including courgette, cucumber and molokhia. But that will not meet the needs of northern Gaza, where a border closure and a lack of aid have increased the threat of famine.
Before the war, Gaza was heavily reliant on fruit and vegetables imported from outside the enclave, and that need has only been exacerbated by the conflict.
Musab Ayad, a vegetable trader in northern Gaza, said the Israeli army has barred farmers from bringing vegetables and meat into the area for more than a month.
“This feels like another wave of famine," he told The National. "The difference this time is that people have flour and a few canned goods available."
He said some farmers sold their produce at the market, but it was not enough to fulfil the demand in the enclave. "The prices are very high as well, but having some fresh produce is better than having none," Mr Ayad said.
He estimates it will take at least three months for farmers to meet the needs of northern Gazans, while agricultural equipment, seedlings and fuel are needed to lower prices.
"We have been literally empty-handed after eight months of war. Many haven't received their salaries or any substantial aid," he said.
Aziz Hamadona, who lives in Gaza city, told The National that people could not afford to pay for vegetables. Many have only flour and canned food in their homes.
“Many types of vegetables are not available now, such as tomatoes and onions. We know farmers face a big challenge to provide the types of vegetables that are available now," he said.
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
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tottenham v Ajax, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
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- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
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.
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
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
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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