It's funny how things work out – one minute, you're minding your own business at a high-profile event, trying to see if there are any hors d'oeuvres left; the next, you're on stage presenting a major presidential declaration.
In April 2023, I was assigned to attend an event hosted by Arab America, a prominent national organisation focused on representing Arab-American interests. I was unfamiliar with the event and didn't think there would be any news made there, but I knew that there would be members of Congress in attendance and I thought it might be an opportunity to network with the Arab-American community in Washington.
Being the first to arrive, I picked a chair in the far corner where I could get a full view of the event. I stayed put as people trickled in and was nearly jarred from my seat minutes later by a very loud, rhythmic banging. I turned to see a huge dabke (a Levantine style of dance) troupe coming up the stairs, followed by dozens of attendees.
I looked around, scanning the room for familiar faces, and followed the procession next door for a better view of the proceedings.
Later in the evening, as I stood by the door, longing for my abandoned chair, I looked to my right and saw a prominent member of Congress, one whom I had been hoping to meet all night. I said hello, we shook hands and I was about to introduce myself, when the politician abruptly handed me a large picture frame, asking me if I could “present this and say a few words”.
I didn’t know what “this” was and, before I had a chance to examine it, the politician was gone, leaving the frame in my hand and her friend laughing next to me.
The frame I was to present held President Joe Biden’s signature on a document declaring April as Arab-American Heritage Month. I can't remember who I gave the declaration to or what I said after being called up on stage, but I do remember being enthusiastic about it, if a bit confused.
While the tale of how I bungled my way through that major event has been met with general amazement and hilarity from my friends and colleagues, in recent days, it's made me think about how things have changed so drastically for the Arab community over the past year.
Reflecting on the significance of Arab-American Heritage Month and how it could possibly affect our community, I've come to realise that – just like Black History Month in February, Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, and Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May – the declaration is ingratiating and symbolic, while also helping to bring unaddressed issues to the attention of politicians and people outside of the community.
And this is probably more important than ever before.
Now a year has passed, and Arab Americans have a very different view of Mr Biden. Feelings of betrayal are ripe in almost every conversation within Arab circles. Once held in esteem as the sane, safe alternative to his predecessor, much of the community now holds Mr Biden and his administration accountable as facilitators – and even perpetrators – of the ongoing assault against the people of Gaza.
In fact, a poll conducted by the Arab-American Institute during the early months of the war on Gaza showed Mr Biden’s support from the Arab community had plummeted from 59 per cent to a mere 17 per cent.
This is an election year, and such numbers can swing results in favour of Mr Biden’s putative rival, former president Donald Trump. Mr Biden has struggled in the polls since before the war in Gaza. According to 538, at six months out from the election, his disapproval rating is at 55 per cent.
The current administration’s campaign tactics, focused primarily on reproductive rights, forgiving student loans and the survival of American democracy, have done little to persuade the Arab community that their concerns are a priority.
Mr Biden has invited prominent Arab Americans to the White House for a Ramadan Iftar, but the event was scaled down since most of the invitees refused to attend and left in protest. During the event, the President was given a letter from an eight-year-old girl in Gaza who lost her entire family by Dr Thaer Ahmed, who then left the event.
Gaza has brought different parts of the Arab, Muslim and even Jewish communities together in a way that was not imaginable before the war. It has opened channels and conversations between students and teachers, neighbours and strangers, imams and rabbis, all of whom are sharing their vision of a just future.
Such conversations might not have an impact on the Oval Office or in the halls of the State Department, but they have become powerful tools in shifting public opinion about the Palestine-Israel conflict. Members of Mr Biden's own Democratic Party are now openly pushing for a ceasefire and an increase in aid to Palestinians, and a March Gallup poll suggests that a majority (55 per cent) of Americans disapprove of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Approval of Israeli military actions dropped from 50 per cent in November 2023 to 36 per cent in March.
Arab Americans face a hard decision come November, since most agree that Mr Trump would certainly not hold their interests any higher than Mr Biden. US foreign policy is, however, a massive vessel that will not dramatically change course based on the inhabitant of the White House.
That being said, focus on Arab Americans has reached new levels, especially from centrist Democrats fearing the absence of their votes would significantly alter the outcome of the election and signal a sea change in American minority politics.
As fraught has the past year has been, and as dissatisfied as I have become with the American political landscape, I do believe some celebration is in order.
Having the Arab American vote pushed to the forefront of US politics during a presidential election and seeing Arab American voices and opinions legitimised on national media outlets are welcome – albeit possibly temporary – changes to those who have long felt excluded or unheard. And, despite the ongoing atrocities and horrors presented by the war in Gaza, we finally have something we have been waiting for: an America and a world that is paying attention.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Leaderboard
15 under: Paul Casey (ENG)
-14: Robert MacIntyre (SCO)
-13 Brandon Stone (SA)
-10 Laurie Canter (ENG) , Sergio Garcia (ESP)
-9 Kalle Samooja (FIN)
-8 Thomas Detry (BEL), Justin Harding (SA), Justin Rose (ENG)
Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
RESULTS
Main card
Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision
Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision
Lightweight 60kg: Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision
Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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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
The specs: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Price, base: Dh1 million (estimate)
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 563hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 850Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 15L / 100km
Company%20Profile
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
RACECARD
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Lowest Test scores
26 - New Zealand v England at Auckland, March 1955
30 - South Africa v England at Port Elizabeth, Feb 1896
30 - South Africa v England at Birmingham, June 1924
35 - South Africa v England at Cape Town, April 1899
36 - South Africa v Australia at Melbourne, Feb. 1932
36 - Australia v England at Birmingham, May 1902
36 - India v Australia at Adelaide, Dec. 2020
38 - Ireland v England at Lord's, July 2019
42 - New Zealand v Australia in Wellington, March 1946
42 - Australia v England in Sydney, Feb. 1888
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
The%20specs
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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