Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim arrived in Tehran on Wednesday and held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a visit to boost relations between the two countries and discuss regional developments.
The Emir’s visit coincides with heightened diplomatic activity in the Middle East to address issues such as the postwar administration and rebuilding of Gaza, the rehabilitation of Syria after the overthrow of the Assad regime, and ending the war in Ukraine.
At a press conference following talks with Mr Pezeshkian, Sheikh Tamim said they discussed “the difficult circumstances in the region and agreed that the best way to resolve conflicts is through constructive dialogue”.
“Dialogues and understandings support stability in the region and enhance the prosperity of its countries and peoples,” he said.
On Gaza, Sheikh Tamim stressed the need to adhere to the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that ended 15 months of fighting, and the necessity for aid to flow into the enclave.
Qatar, with Egypt and the US, helped to mediate a halt to the war in Gaza. Attention has turned to a permanent end to the conflict and Gaza’s future, since the ceasefire went into effect on January 19.
On Syria, Sheikh Tamim stressed the need for a “comprehensive political process” after the ousting of Bashar Al Assad. He also said he had discussed areas of co-operation and the importance of exploring opportunities with the Iranian President.
Mr Pezeshkian said countries in the region could “work and co-operate to achieve stability and security”. “We stressed the unity of Syrian territory and the right of the Syrian people to self-determination,” he said.
He thanked Qatar for its efforts in mediating the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners. He called on Islamic countries to act together to ease the suffering of the Palestinian people and stop the crimes against them.
Sheikh Tamim also met Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who described Qatar as a “friendly and brotherly country,” Iranian state media reported. Mr Khamenei also touched upon the $6 billion fund that was deposited in Qatari bank accounts as part of a prisoner exchange with the US in September, 2023. The money was frozen after the Hamas attack on Israel a month later.
Mr Khamenei said the main obstacle preventing Qatar’s government from returning the money to Tehran is the return of President Donald Trump to the White House, and his so-called maximum pressure policy against the country, IRNA said. Iran’s leader told Sheikh Tamim that Qatar shouldn’t pay attention to pressure from the US to withhold the revenue, it added.
Earlier, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that Tehran and Doha were “engaged in important and key consultations about economic affairs” that would be discussed during the Emir’s visit. He said the two countries were in touch over regional developments, “specifically the issue of Palestine”.
Representatives of the six Arab Gulf states, Egypt and Jordan are expected to meet in Cairo this week to discuss plans for Gaza. These took a controversial turn after Mr Trump proposed that the US take over and develop the Palestinian enclave while neighbouring countries took in Gaza’s population of more than two million people.
The war has reordered the region’s politics and power balance, with Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Syria and Iran itself weakening Tehran’s regional armed proxies and contributing to the overthrow of Mr Al Assad, an Iranian ally.
Iran also faces the prospect of increased US sanctions as Mr Trump seeks to return to his campaign of “maximum pressure” on Tehran after taking office for a second term in January.
Sheikh Tamim visited Tehran in March last year, while Mr Pezeshkian travelled to Doha in October, three months after his election.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile
Name: GiftBag.ae
Based: Dubai
Founded: 2011
Number of employees: 4
Sector: E-commerce
Funding: Self-funded to date
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Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
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Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
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
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
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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
Fresh faces in UAE side
Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.
Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.
Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
