In June 2009, former US president Barack Obama delivered a speech from Cairo, addressing the entire Islamic world. For an hour, Muslims worldwide were promised a US administration that would be an unambiguous friend. A new, lofty American approach was promised, matched with quotations from the Quran and praise for the beauty of the Islamic tradition. Mr Obama became the man of the moment in the Middle East. And yet what followed in terms of policy implementation fell beyond most expectation.
The early "Muslim ban" of President Donald Trump's administration, which now imposes stringent travel restrictions on citizens of 13 countries, could not have presented a greater contrast. It was seen by many as a blunt and unfair move – evidence of an American position of “guilty until proven innocent” towards people based on religion.
Now, President-elect Joe Biden's incoming chief of staff has said the new administration will reverse the ban. Symbolically, this is a significant move. On a practical level, it could reunite families, allow talented Muslims to contribute to American society and reverse bizarre anomalies, such as complicated visa application procedures that apply to people with dual nationality from the banned countries.
Despite the blunt tone of the ban, it is important to note that the precedent for making travel to the US harder for some Muslims was set in motion by Mr Obama. In 2015, his administration complicated visa applications for anyone from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Syria, Sudan, Iran and Iraq. The new measures also applied to people from any nation worldwide who had visited these countries labelled “countries of concern” after March 2011, or held dual citizenship. European citizens whose families hailed from those countries or held dual citizenship were also included in a measure the Obama administration said was addressing “the growing threat from foreign terrorist fighters”.
Countries have the right to ensure their national security. Many tightened borders after a wave of uprisings in 2011 destabilised the Middle East and as the West experienced a wave of terror attacks – although some were committed by western citizens, not immigrants. This was partly motivated by domestic politics; fears over immigration throughout the West can now swing elections.
All administrations, especially those who start from strongly idealistic positions, eventually have to confront the contradiction between lofty visions for a better future and the complex reality of realising one. For Mr Obama, the wet blankets were the financial crisis and a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East. In Cairo, the region was promised prosperity. In reality, the Obama administration used 10 times as many drone strikes as those ordered during the entire Bush administration.
President Trump's "Muslim ban" affected citizens of countries such as Iraq and Syria. APPhoto
All administrations have to confront the contradiction between lofty visions for a better future and the complex reality of realising one
Mr Biden's ideals will be dampened by an even tougher medley that includes the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and more complicated geopolitics than four years ago.
Many expect him to fill the vacuum created by Mr Trump's desire to withdraw the US from active global leadership. With America's departure, other nations have stepped into fill the void. It is harder to reclaim this space than it is to leave it.
Managing a changed world requires new approaches. Mr Biden's proposed foreign policy team is experienced, but almost entirely drawn from the Obama era. They cannot afford to replicate the policies of old.
The incoming administration is right to spot the important symbolism of revoking the "Muslim ban". But in order to confront the difficulties of today's unstable world, good oratory and ambitious promises will not be enough. Mr Biden will have to assess frankly how the world has changed and implement decisive measures in response.
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
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
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book:I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
