Sunday’s official visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara to Abu Dhabi, where he was welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and leading Emirati officials, is a reflection of the profound changes that have taken place since the fall of the Bashar Al Assad government in December.
Mr Al Shara, whose Hayat Tahrir Al Sham insurgents played a leading part in Mr Al Assad’s removal, was making his first trip to an Arab country since forming a new Syrian government last month. His meeting at the capital’s Al Shati Palace was a consequential step forward on the journey to build a better future for Syria’s people.
Sheikh Mohamed’s statement that the UAE would "spare no effort in providing all possible support to Syria" points to the substantive issues accompanying Mr Al Shara’s visit. In essence, Syria – with its myriad challenges – is a national project that urgently needs regional and international support. Renewing connections with Arab partners such as the UAE is key to this project’s success.
But the task of helping Syria’s leaders restore the country’s security and stability should not fall to the Arab world alone. Syria remains under strict western sanctions that make restarting its economy difficult. For the Syrian project to succeed, its citizens need jobs, services and the ability to buy and sell with a stable currency. A government that has been in power for a matter of weeks cannot provide answers to all these issues, particularly with one arm tied behind its back.
Although the EU has lifted some restrictions, allowing local banks to move money around, broad US sanctions under the Caesar Act prevent many companies from investing in Syria’s reconstruction or its important oil and gas sector. US President Donald Trump has also subjected Syria to a tariff of 41 per cent, a move that makes economic recovery even more difficult. A more coherent policy direction from the West – backing up its avowed support for Syrian stability by empowering the country’s economy – would help to steady Syria on its road to becoming master of its own destiny once more.
Syria remains under strict western sanctions that make restarting its economy difficult. For the Syrian project to succeed, its citizens need jobs, services and the ability to buy and sell with a stable currency
During Sunday’s meeting of the UAE and Syrian leaders, Sheikh Mohamed noted the security and stability of Syria is important to the entire Middle East. Worryingly, that stability is under threat. Aside from Syria’s economic challenges, the continued presence of Israeli troops in its territory, tensions on the borders with Jordan and Lebanon, the continuing struggle to crack down on the trade in illegal drugs and the scourge of sectarian violence all pose grave risks not only to Syria's cohesion but to the country’s neighbours.
For security to be given a chance to take root, rebuilding connections between Syria and the Arab world is vital. Mr Al Shara’s visit took place during a time of rejuvenated diplomacy in the Middle East and is his fourth visit to an Arab country. Although Syria has a long way to go before it truly gets back on its feet, as Sunday’s meeting showed there is a warm welcome in the UAE for those working in the Syrian people’s best interests.
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
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
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
Biog:
Age: 34
Favourite superhero: Batman
Favourite sport: anything extreme
Favourite person: Muhammad Ali
Torbal Rayeh Wa Jayeh
Starring: Ali El Ghoureir, Khalil El Roumeithy, Mostafa Abo Seria
Stars: 3
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Bio
Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.
Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.
Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
Tom Fletcher on 'soft power'
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
The Kingfisher Secret
Anonymous, Penguin Books
Meydan race card
6pm Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
1,800m
7.10pm Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m ,400m
7.45pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
8.20pm Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m
8.55pm Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m
GOODBYE%20JULIA
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
