There is never any justification for callous attacks, such as those that have taken place recently in France, Austria and Saudi Arabia. This time it was in these countries; on many other occasions citizens in other parts of the world were the ones targeted. All leaders across continents and regions need to continue joining forces to counter hate speech and combat terror.
The recent terror attacks in Europe targeted the foundations of our societies. It is far from the first time that terrorists have sought to tear societies apart. As done in the past, we want to join forces with all our partners to fight this threat with unity and determination. Free speech is a cornerstone of our values and we will protect and uphold it, while of course rejecting hate speech and incitement to violence.
The place and role of religion may be different in different parts of the world, and we need to be attentive where people feel hurt. But everybody appreciating and protecting human life agrees that murder can never be justified – no matter how seriously one might feel offended or disagree with somebody else’s views.
In the aftermath of the attacks, there was a lot of discussion on the origins of this miserable violence and it is necessary to identify precisely the kind of terrorism we are facing. Because the perpetrators and supporters claim to carry out these acts in the name of religion, it is often referenced in relation to it. However, this identification is plainly wrong: such terrorist attacks only reflect the violent extremism of a few radicals, seeking false justifications for their folly in a religion.
We live in a world in which identity is often used politically to create antagonism between groups and communities, including inside Muslim societies. As is well known, the majority of victims of terrorism are Muslims, killed by hideous terrorists abusing the very principles of the religion they pretend to adhere to, while in fact serving a nihilistic political ideology. We need to continue promoting inclusive societies, free from discrimination and stereotyping, hatred and stigmatisation based on religion and belief.
This was clearly expressed by the numerous governments, political and religious leaders, who have spoken out and condemned these murderous terrorist attacks while underlining the importance of peaceful coexistence.
In past centuries, Europe has lived through wars of religion, and suffered enormously from different forms of violent extremism. Today, the EU protects all religions and the freedom of everybody to believe and practice faith, or choose not to, and it will continue to do so. We defend this for Muslims, as well as for the believers of other faiths and for atheists.
The recent attacks are not necessarily the work of highly organised terrorist networks, as was the case in the past. With the co-operation of all countries, especially in the Muslim world, the fight against Al Qaeda and ISIS has made important progress. The current terrorist wave in Europe seems to be more the acts of individuals, who became radicalised online.
A great deal of false information has been disseminated around the globe about the situation of Islam and Muslims in Europe. Some groups have pushed social media campaigns, in particular against France and its leaders, calling for a boycott of French products. Some have even called for, or expressed understanding, for violence and murder.
Free speech is a cornerstone of our values. We will protect and uphold it, while rejecting hate speech and incitement to violence
This is unacceptable, as was also expressed by many voices worldwide: it only further fuels violence and hate – in Europe and globally. The strong pushback against this was another illustration of the willingness to work together.
Let us be very clear: the clash is not between Islam, a faith shared also by millions of European citizens, and other beliefs. It is not a “clash of civilisations”, but a clash between civilisation and barbarism, between the respect for life and nihilistic terrorism.
To meet the deadly challenges of terrorism, violent extremism and hate speech we cannot succeed alone. We need to work hand in hand with our partners around the globe – everywhere.
We need a sense of shared responsibility to combat hate and terror. This is a fight we need to win together, because we are all victims of it.
Josep Borrell is the High Representative of the European Union
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
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
Company%20Profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Fifa%20World%20Cup%20Qatar%202022%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFirst%20match%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2020%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%2016%20round%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%203%20to%206%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuarter-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%209%20and%2010%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESemi-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2013%20and%2014%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2018%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
The years Ramadan fell in May
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Results
57kg quarter-finals
Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.
60kg quarter-finals
Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.
63.5kg quarter-finals
Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.
67kg quarter-finals
Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.
71kg quarter-finals
Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.
Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.
81kg quarter-finals
Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
