Good morning from <i>The National</i> on April 4, 2025. Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates. Gulf Co-operation Council countries were largely spared from US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday, but the new levies' effects will be felt across the region. The White House announced 10 per cent reciprocal tariffs on the UAE and Saudi Arabia, saying the two countries charge the US a similar amount. “That means they do it to us and we do it to them. Very simple,” Mr Trump said during a ceremony in Washington. However, 10 per cent is the lowest level of duties imposed by the Trump administration. Other countries in the Middle East and North Africa that were hit with reciprocal tariffs included Israel (17 per cent), Tunisia (28 per cent), Jordan (20 per cent), Egypt (10 per cent) and Morocco (10 per cent). Read Kyle Fitzgerald's full report <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2025/04/03/trump-tariffs-uae-saudi-arabia/" target="_blank">here</a> Aysha Albusmait is a single mum raising two daughters, Reem, 15, and Hussa, nine. Reem was three years old, and Hussa only 40 days old when Ms Albusmait became their foster mother. She told <i>The National</i> there needs to be more awareness about what is involved in fostering children in the UAE, from starting the process to providing emotional support for foster parents. Asked why she decided to foster children, Ms Albusmait takes a deep breath. “I think the question to ask is why I didn’t foster them earlier. My life was incomplete without them. It was like a missing puzzle piece in my life,” she said. “Today, my life is complete with Reem and Hussa. When you walk into my house, it is full of love and laughter. Their toys are strewn around, their books – the house is alive because of them.” Read more from Shireena Al Nowais <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/04/03/blessed-to-be-her-mother-emirati-women-open-up-about-fostering-children/" target="_blank">here</a> A UAE humanitarian task force is supporting crucial rescue efforts in Myanmar in response to a devastating earthquake last week that killed thousands and caused widespread destruction. The shallow 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday flattened buildings across the Southeast Asian country, prompting the international community to offer vital support. President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday directed a search and rescue team to be sent to the stricken nation to aid relief missions, made up of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, Abu Dhabi Police, the UAE National Guard and Joint Operations Command. The UAE rescue team is continuing to deliver assistance to those impacted by the natural disaster. Search and rescue operations are being conducted across six locations in Myanmar, with teams working in rotating morning and evening shifts to boost response efforts and reach as many affected areas as possible. Read more <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/04/03/uae-emergency-team-supports-critical-earthquake-rescue-efforts-in-myanmar/" target="_blank">here</a> <b>FACT OF THE DAY</b> Gold retailers in the UAE are resorting to a range of measures, including reduced making charges, attractive payment plans and exchange schemes, and lightweight jewellery collections, to stimulate the market and boost consumer demand as prices hit a record high. Read more <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/money/2025/04/03/uae-gold-prices-invest/" target="_blank">here</a>. <b>THE WRAP</b> <b>FRONT PAGE</b>
