President Sheikh Mohamed announced the national initiative, which will be run under the slogan 'Hand in Hand'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
President Sheikh Mohamed announced the national initiative, which will be run under the slogan 'Hand in Hand'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
President Sheikh Mohamed announced the national initiative, which will be run under the slogan 'Hand in Hand'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
President Sheikh Mohamed announced the national initiative, which will be run under the slogan 'Hand in Hand'. Chris Whiteoak / The National

President Sheikh Mohamed declares 2025 as Year of Community


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President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday declared 2025 as the Year of Community, in support of a national drive to promote unity and inclusion across society.

In a post on X, Sheikh Mohamed urged "all those who call the UAE home" to help to contribute towards "improving your community and ensuring that our nation remains an inspiring model of progress and prosperity".

Under the slogan "Hand in Hand", the national initiative reflects the leadership’s vision to foster a united and empowered community.

"Hand in hand, we will work to strengthen social bonds, foster shared responsibility, and unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth," Sheikh Mohamed wrote.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also posted a message on X to mark the announcement. He said the move "highlights our priorities for the future: strengthening social bonds and fostering unity across society".

Sheikh Mohammed added that the "foundation of our nation’s strength lies in a united community, where individuals are connected, and care is extended to each other. A strong community thrives on fortified families, and lays the groundwork for a brighter future for generations to come".

The initiative is to be overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects.

Several events will be announced this year and citizens and residents will be encouraged to contribute to society through community service, volunteering and initiatives, state news agency Wam reported. The public will also be urged to share their ideas to build social bonds, foster community progress and celebrate the cultural diversity that defines the UAE.

Last November, Sheikh Mansour welcomed a new community initiative package worth Dh500 million ($136 million) aimed at "enhancing quality of life, promoting sustainable development, achieving social stability and empowering all community members". It organised community councils to provide social services across the UAE.

“Investing in our people is central to our comprehensive sustainable development strategy and to strengthening the community's role as a cornerstone of the UAE's progress," Sheikh Mansour had said at the launch. “These community initiatives reflect our leadership's vision for sustainable development and social well-being, underscoring our commitment to ensuring a high quality of life for all."

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US tops drug cost charts

The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.

Thailand, Kenya and Malaysia were rated as nations with the lowest costs, about 90 per cent cheaper.

In the case of insulin, diabetic patients in the US paid five and a half times the global average, while in the UAE the costs are about 50 per cent higher than the median price of branded and generic drugs.

Some of the costliest drugs worldwide include Lipitor for high cholesterol. 

The study’s price index placed the US at an exorbitant 2,170 per cent higher for Lipitor than the average global price and the UAE at the eighth spot globally with costs 252 per cent higher.

High blood pressure medication Zestril was also more than 2,680 per cent higher in the US and the UAE price was 187 per cent higher than the global price.

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The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

Updated: January 27, 2025, 11:23 AM`