For decades, the East and the Arab world in particular have been portrayed in western media as regions plagued by religious intolerance and persecution. However, religions were certainly not the main cause of this negative image as much as political agendas were.
Ever since the conflict over power of the Middle East arose between rival empires, these forces exploited religion to push their political projects. Neither religions nor their sacred texts sowed the seeds of such conflict or fuelled it. There is clear historical evidence that supports religions’ innocence in this, as there were many places where tolerance and coexistence between religions prevailed.
From this standpoint, the call for ”human fraternity” has emerged from Abu Dhabi, where the Document on Human Fraternity was co-signed in 2019 by two great religious figures: Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb. The call to human fraternity is a purely humanitarian one – without any ideological orientations or political calculations – and is addressed to all humanity: believers and non-believers alike.
Based on such call, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) was formed as an independent international body based in the UAE to serve as the executive arm of the document. The committee comprises a wide range of intellectuals, diplomats and peace advocates from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
In response to this global initiative promoting fraternity and coexistence, a false and disparaging narrative has recently emerged claiming that there are attempts to create a new religion dubbed “the Abrahamic Religion”.
Those who promote such ill-intended and groundless thoughts try to associate this so-called effort to foster “one religion” with the Abrahamic Family House initiative, currently under construction in Abu Dhabi and under the guidance of the HCHF.
The interfaith complex will host three separate houses of worship: a Christian church, Islamic mosque and Jewish synagogue – as well as an educational centre unaffiliated with any specific religion.
Some websites and social media – in the western and Arab worlds – have taken aim at this noble project by falsely asserting that the initiative is an attempt to merge all the Abrahamic faiths and promote “one world religion”. Some have even labelled our project a “Chrislam” venture (an idiom blending the names of Christianity and Islam in a manner that denigrates both faiths).
This criticism could not be farther from the truth. The Abrahamic Family House is a symbol of the appreciation of religious diversity and unique character of each religion – it is not an effort to diminish religious differences or water down the uniqueness of each religion.
In the complex, a visitor enters the area in which the houses of worship have been built, to see three freestanding buildings, which serve to remind humanity that the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths all sprouted out of the same soil. The buildings are like three different trees in one forest, which all reach up to the same nourishing light.
Each house of worship will reflect the distinctive character of each respective religion. Religious services will be held in each sacred space and the unique character of each religion will be preserved and promoted.
We acknowledge that religions share common values such as peace, tolerance, justice and love. The Abrahamic Family House highlights the importance of promoting these values among religious worshippers and also recognises that these common principles do not take away from the particularity and richness of each faith on its own and each faith’s impact, traditions or rituals.
Some have labelled our project a 'Chrislam' venture. This criticism could not be farther from the truth
The HCHF was previously subject to such accusations about starting a “one world religion” amid the first stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. This was when it launched the “Pray for Humanity” campaign, calling on believers of all religions to join in a global prayer to ask God to end the pandemic, help those working in the medical community, and guide scientists to find the necessary vaccines. The allegation at the time was that our call was to invent a prayer bringing Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and other faith followers together to pave the way for a “new religion” subsuming them all. Despite these false allegations, on the day of the prayer, millions of people worldwide responded to the call positively. Each prayed according to their own beliefs, rituals, sacred texts, and in their own languages. No common texts or rituals were provided, only the timing and purpose of the prayer.
The Grand Imam of Al Azhar recently answered critics when he said: “Those who falsely portray interfaith fraternity as mixing Judaism, Christianity and Islam into one ‘Abrahamic’ religion are violating the most precious right humanity possess: freedom of belief.”
The human fraternity mission for the Abrahamic Family House is to serve as an example of religion and as an inspiration for good and harmony, instead of hate, discrimination and destruction.
We aspire to promote peaceful coexistence that fosters fraternity regardless of faith, ethnic and cultural differences. This aspiration is turning into a global movement to promote human fraternity, and it will transcend any obstacles and attempts to tarnish its noble humanitarian goals.
THE SCORES
Ireland 125 all out
(20 overs; Stirling 72, Mustafa 4-18)
UAE 125 for 5
(17 overs, Mustafa 39, D’Silva 29, Usman 29)
UAE won by five wickets
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Sub Regional Qualifier
Event info: The tournament in Kuwait this month is the first phase of the qualifying process for sides from Asia for the 2020 World T20 in Australia. The UAE must finish within the top three teams out of the six at the competition to advance to the Asia regional finals. Success at regional finals would mean progression to the World T20 Qualifier.
UAE’s fixtures: Fri Apr 20, UAE v Qatar; Sat Apr 21, UAE v Saudi Arabia; Mon Apr 23, UAE v Bahrain; Tue Apr 24, UAE v Maldives; Thu Apr 26, UAE v Kuwait
World T20 2020 Qualifying process:
- Sixteen teams will play at the World T20 in two years’ time.
- Australia have already qualified as hosts
- Nine places are available to the top nine ranked sides in the ICC’s T20i standings, not including Australia, on Dec 31, 2018.
- The final six teams will be decided by a 14-team World T20 Qualifier.
World T20 standings: 1 Pakistan; 2 Australia; 3 India; 4 New Zealand; 5 England; 6 South Africa; 7 West Indies; 8 Sri Lanka; 9 Afghanistan; 10 Bangladesh; 11 Scotland; 12 Zimbabwe; 13 UAE; 14 Netherlands; 15 Hong Kong; 16 Papua New Guinea; 17 Oman; 18 Ireland
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Ten10 Cricket League
Venue and schedule Sharjah Cricket Stadium, December 14 to 17
Teams
Maratha Arabians Leading player: Virender Sehwag; Top picks: Mohammed Amir, Imad Wasim; UAE players: Shaiman Anwar, Zahoor Khan
Bengal Lions Leading player: Sarfraz Ahmed; Top picks: Sunil Narine, Mustafizur Rahman; UAE players: Mohammed Naveed, Rameez Shahzad
Kerala Kings Leading player: Eoin Morgan; Top picks: Kieron Pollard, Sohail Tanvir; UAE players: Rohan Mustafa, Imran Haider
Pakhtoons Leading player: Shahid Afridi; Top picks: Fakhar Zaman, Tamim Iqbal; UAE players: Amjad Javed, Saqlain Haider
Punjabi Legends Leading player: Shoaib Malik; Top picks: Hasan Ali, Chris Jordan; UAE players: Ghulam Shabber, Shareef Asadullah
Team Sri Lanka Cricket Will be made up of Colombo players who won island’s domestic limited-overs competition
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
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Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Zayed Sustainability Prize
WHEN TO GO:
September to November or March to May; this is when visitors are most likely to see what they’ve come for.
WHERE TO STAY:
Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari - Chitwan National Park resort (tajhotels.com) is a one-hour drive from Bharatpur Airport with stays costing from Dh1,396 per night, including taxes and breakfast. Return airport transfers cost from Dh661.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Etihad Airways regularly flies from Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu from around Dh1,500 per person return, including taxes. Buddha Air (buddhaair.com) and Yeti Airlines (yetiairlines.com) fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur several times a day from about Dh660 return and the flight takes just 20 minutes. Driving is possible but the roads are hilly which means it will take you five or six hours to travel 148 kilometres.
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
more from Janine di Giovanni
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
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed
Based: Muscat
Launch year: 2018
Number of employees: 40
Sector: Online food delivery
Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception
Studying addiction
This month, Dubai Medical College launched the Middle East’s first master's programme in addiction science.
Together with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation, the college offers a two-year master’s course as well as a one-year diploma in the same subject.
The move was announced earlier this year and is part of a new drive to combat drug abuse and increase the region’s capacity for treating drug addiction.
