As well as sharing long borders, the UAE and Oman share deep historical and cultural ties. This was on show during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's state visit to the country, which began on Tuesday.
The gifts the two sides exchanged reflect these bonds. Sultan Haitham presented Sheikh Mohamed with a traditional Omani sword. He also awarded him the Order of Al Said Medal, normally bestowed on senior international representatives in appreciation for their exceptional role strengthening relations with Oman. For his part, Sheikh Mohamed awarded Sultan Haitham the Order of Zayed.
After official meetings, Sheikh Mohamed tweeted: "Thank you to my brother the Sultan of Oman for the warm welcome. Our two nations are united by deep bonds of history, friendship and common interest, and I look forward to working together to continue forging a brighter future for our people."
The trip encompassed more than a symbolic renewing of ties. In a move that profoundly changes the regional economy, it was also announced that both countries are to be linked by a rail system, for both freight and passengers. The passenger trains can reach speeds of 200 kilometres an hour, and will connect Abu Dhabi to the north of Muscat, Oman's capital. A new joint company to oversee the project will be formed by Etihad Rail and Oman rail.
This is only one of 16 agreements to have been signed by the two countries during the visit, which encompass fields such as energy, transport and industry, and on Wednesday, Abu Dhabi's ADQ, one of the region's biggest holding companies, said it had identified Dh30 billion in investment opportunities in Oman. Recently, the ADQ also signed a Dh10bn partnership agreement with the Oman Investment Authority.
It is a big moment for the bilateral ties between the nations. But it fits into a wider pattern of diplomatic and economic co-operation that has been taking place across the GCC region. A shared culture and destiny have always tied the bloc's member states together, but co-operation has been particularly strong recently.
In January of 2021, the Al Ula Declaration became a particularly important moment for regional unity. It effectively restored diplomatic ties between Qatar and four Arab nations, three of them from the GCC. This was diplomatically important. But, for a region whose people share such close bonds across borders, it was deeply personal, too.
The future is full of events for the GCC to co-ordinate on. The World Cup in Qatar will boost the domestic economy as well as that of its neighbours. On Wednesday The National reported industry experts saying that the event will boost the Dubai property market, providing a ‘mini-Expo like effect'.
Countries outside the region often look to the bloc for stability, in addition to working with individual member states. During the UN General Assembly meetings last week, the GCC grouping met collectively with representatives from the UK, US, China and France. Moreover, the UK is in talks for a major trade deal with the GCC. There are hopes one might be struck by August 2023. Similar conversations are happening with other major powers.
Beyond economics, the region is also integrating itself into the fight against the climate crisis. Cop28, arguably the most important international climate conference around, will take place in the UAE next year. A number of its states have committed to ambitious net-zero pledges. There are regular meetings among ministers of health, interior and other portfolios to ensure co-operation.
Oman and the UAE are stronger for this recent reminder of a shared history. But every time the GCC's member states share similar moments, and there are many such occasions, the bloc as a whole benefits.
CHELSEA'S NEXT FIVE GAMES
Mar 10: Norwich(A)
Mar 13: Newcastle(H)
Mar 16: Lille(A)
Mar 19: Middlesbrough(A)
Apr 2: Brentford(H)
Easter%20Sunday
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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'Nope'
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 258hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.1L/100km
Price: from Dh362,500
On sale: now
AWARDS
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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MATCH INFO
Liverpool 0
Stoke City 0
Man of the Match: Erik Pieters (Stoke)
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.
The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 1 Chelsea 0
De Bruyne (70')
Man of the Match: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Andor
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
