A teddy bear on the debris of collapsed buildings after the earthquake, in Hatay, Turkey, February 14. EPA
A teddy bear on the debris of collapsed buildings after the earthquake, in Hatay, Turkey, February 14. EPA
A teddy bear on the debris of collapsed buildings after the earthquake, in Hatay, Turkey, February 14. EPA
A teddy bear on the debris of collapsed buildings after the earthquake, in Hatay, Turkey, February 14. EPA


Turkey-Syria earthquake: rooting for more survivors


The National
  • English
  • Arabic

February 17, 2023

UAE volunteers give time for earthquake victims

About Salam Al Amir's article UAE volunteers pack more than 30,000 food parcels for Syria and Turkey (Feb 13): That's wonderful. People are best when they show such open-heartedness and generosity.

Isolde Jangao, Kidapawan, Philippines

A survivor's moving recollection of February 6

With reference to the report Turkish earthquake survivor speaks to The National after being rescued from the rubble (February 15): God bless this man, Ramazan Surer, and all who are going through the catastrophe.

Cornelia Biolan, Bucharest, Romania

I had tears listening to him, just as if he were my brother.

Musa Shaikh, Aurangabad, India

Miracles even a fortnight after the earthquake

With reference to Robert Tollast's piece Six-year-old girl found alive after 178 hours under quake rubble in Turkey (February 13): Any positive news coming out from the earthquake-hit areas just now is a blessing. God is great. Young Miray being rescued 178 hours after the disaster is amazing. I just hope they also find her sister trapped nearby.

Margaritte P Hassan, Abu Dhabi

I hope the rescue teams on the ground keep digging until all the trapped people and the babies still alive have been pulled out from under the rubble.

Sylvia Henson, Manila, Philippines

An appetite for wheat

With reference to Nilanjana Gupta's report Wheat farm in Sharjah prepares to welcome first harvest (February 14): This is an enormous achievement for the country and not an easy feat to accomplish. Well done!

Muhammad Asim, Multan, Pakistan

Overcoming challenges to climb a mountain

With regard to Patrick Ryan's article Dubai climber aims high after scaling highest volcanic peak in Antarctica (February 14): Many congratulations to Caroline Leon, after being told she may never walk again. Hers is a remarkable journey of overcoming obstacles and then being able to climb a mountain. The feat itself is impressive – only 77 people have scaled the peak so far and Caroline Leon is the eighteenth woman to do so. Kudos to the human spirit.

Diana Wehbe, Beirut, Lebanon

Wishing Camilla a speedy recovery

Regarding Simon Rushton's report Queen Consort Camilla tests positive for Covid (February 13): Sorry to read about this reoccurrence. God bless and get better soonest.

Terrance De Brystow, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK

Gratitude from an Egyptian football coach feeding the poor

With reference to the piece on the initiative set up by Ismail Abdel-Wahhab and his friends Former football coach starts food charity for poor families in Egypt (February 12): Thank you for the coverage. I am proud of all I have achieved in my life, even if it is simple. I am happy to have the love and respect of people who encourage me and make me grateful.

Ismael Ahmed Abd Elwahab, Cairo, Egypt

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

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%3Cp%3EName%3A%20DarDoc%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Samer%20Masri%2C%20Keswin%20Suresh%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%24800%2C000%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Flat6Labs%2C%20angel%20investors%20%2B%20Incubated%20by%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi's%20Department%20of%20Health%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2010%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Meydan racecard:

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (PA) Group 1 | US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) Listed | $250,000 (D) 1,600m

7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) Conditions $100,000 (Turf) 1,400m

8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,200m

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) | 2,000m

10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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

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

South and West: From a Notebook
Joan Didion
Fourth Estate 

Updated: February 17, 2023, 3:00 AM