Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has been extremely active on the regional diplomatic scene in recent weeks, with visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar marking a clear break from the past strained ties between Lebanon and Gulf countries, once its main backers.
Two Lebanese sources with knowledge of the matter told The National that Mr Aoun's visits focused on easing Israeli pressure on Lebanon; bolstering the cash-strapped Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which has been tasked with leading the disarmament of Hezbollah; and implementing much-needed reforms to revive the economy.
The diplomatic shift comes after Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy once described as a formidable militia with significant political influence in Lebanon, lost much of its leadership and arsenal in the recent war with Israel, which ended in November.
“The aim of these diplomatic efforts is to strengthen Lebanon's standing with Arab countries, stressing that Lebanon is an Arab state,” one of the two sources said.
“The response has been positive, with no preconditions. Discussions have focused on reforms, which Lebanon has already begun in the different sectors,” the source added.
Israeli violations
Mr Aoun, who was elected in January, has pledged to restore the state's monopoly over weapons, in line with the US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
But despite the shaky ceasefire – signed after 14 months of conflict, including two months of intense Israeli bombardment – and a new government and presidency that have received international praise for their commitment to reforms, Israel has continued to bomb Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, claiming to target Hezbollah positions.
Lebanese authorities have repeatedly condemned these Israeli violations which killed dozens of civilians. The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, Unifil, has reported 2,200 Israeli air space incursions since the ceasefire took effect in November.
This is where Arab diplomacy could step in to mediate between the US, Israel and Lebanon, the sources told The National.
“Regarding the situation with Israel, Lebanon is strengthening ties with Arab countries because they can talk with the Americans and influence their position more than the Lebanese, and some can speak directly to the Israelis,” another Lebanese source said.
If Israel is applying maximum pressure, having reportedly received US guarantees that its military could continue striking Hezbollah until the group is fully disarmed, Lebanon is asking for more time.
Mr Aoun has insisted that the transfer of Hezbollah’s arms – a deeply sensitive issue in a polarised country still scarred by its 15-year civil war – should be handled through “calm” dialogue with the group, not by force.
His regional visits also aimed to secure funding for the army to help restore Lebanon's sovereignty in the south. After his visit to Doha in April, Qatar said it was renewing a $60 million grant to support army salaries and would also provide 162 military vehicles.
Economic revival
Economic issues are also at the heart of the talks with Gulf and Arab countries. “Especially because stability is directly related to prosperity in Lebanon. If the Israelis continued to strike in Beirut, for example, it will be practically impossible to continue in the reforms,” the source said.
Lebanon has struggled with a severe economic crisis for the past five years, following decades of corruption and reckless spending. The new authorities hope to attract foreign investment to revive the economy.
Gulf countries have historically been key investors in the small Mediterranean nation, but ties deteriorated over the past decade as Hezbollah's influence increased.
“If Lebanon normalises its relations with the Gulf countries and implements the necessary reforms for investment, then the Lebanese themselves are capable of kicking off our economy,” the source said.
There have been several signs of progress. The UAE last week lifted its ban on citizens visiting Lebanon, and Kuwait announced plans to do the same. Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering removing obstacles to resuming imports from Lebanon and ending its ban on Saudi nationals visiting the country.
Speaking after his visit to Kuwait this week, Mr Aoun said he had seen during his meetings with regional leaders, “their affection for the Lebanese, their recognition for their contribution to the development of these countries, as well as their commitment to respecting laws and regulations, which reflects a brilliant image of Lebanon and the Lebanese in the Gulf Co-operation Council countries”.
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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
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
RESULTS
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: M'A Yaromoon, Jesus Rosales (jockey), Khalifa Al Neydai (trainer)
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: No Riesgo Al Maury, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Mahmouda, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AS Jezan, George Buckell, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Dolman, Antonio Fresu, Bhupath Seemar
MEYDAN CARD
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m
10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
The National selections:
6.30pm AF Alwajel
7.05pm Ekhtiyaar
7.40pm First View
8.15pm Benbatl
8.50pm Zakouski
9.25pm: Kimbear
10pm: Chasing Dreams
10.35pm: Good Fortune
Takreem Awards winners 2021
Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)
Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Women’s Programs Association (Lebanon)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)
Excellence in Education: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) (Qatar)
Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)
Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)
Young Entrepreneur: Omar Itani (Lebanon)
Lifetime Achievement: Suad Al Amiry (Palestine)
MATCH INFO
France 3
Umtiti (8'), Griezmann (29' pen), Dembele (63')
Italy 1
Bonucci (36')
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Kassem Eid, Bloomsbury
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Other workplace saving schemes
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ACC 2019: The winners in full
Best Actress Maha Alemi, Sofia
Best Actor Mohamed Dhrif, Weldi
Best Screenplay Meryem Benm’Barek, Sofia
Best Documentary Of Fathers and Sons by Talal Derki
Best Film Yomeddine by Abu Bakr Shawky
Best Director Nadine Labaki, Capernaum
How to donate
Text the following numbers:
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6025 - Dh 20
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*numbers work for both Etisalat and du
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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
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
HOSTS
T20 WORLD CUP
2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland
ODI WORLD CUP
2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh
CHAMPIONS TROPHY
2025: Pakistan; 2029: India
Moonfall
Director: Rolan Emmerich
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry
Rating: 3/5
PROFILE BOX
Company name: Overwrite.ai
Founder: Ayman Alashkar
Started: Established in 2020
Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
Sector: PropTech
Initial investment: Self-funded by founder
Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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