The story on our front page yesterday tells a wider tale. In Bahrain, the security forces uncovered a 54-member militant group suspected of involvement in a number of attacks, as well as a cache of weapons. The group had ties to Iran.
On the other side of the Arabian Peninsula, the US has intercepted shipments of weapons – such as sniper rifles and anti-tank missiles – bound for the Houthi rebels. GPS data showed unquestionably that their origin was Iran.
The interference of Iran in the Arab region remains undimmed. Iran has extensively interfered in at least five countries in the Arab world: in Iraq, the country supports the Shia-led Popular Mobilisation Forces; in Bahrain, it sponsors terror cells; in Syria, the group has sent fighters and advisers to prop up the regime of Bashar Al Assad; in Lebanon, it supports Hizbollah; and in Yemen, most egregiously, it has given money and weapons to the rebel Houthis, who have dragged Yemen into a long and brutal war. The hand of Iran can be detected in all these conflicts, and in none of them is the influence positive.
All of this comes, of course, at the same time as Iran boasts of its weapons prowess. Days ago, having finally acquired the sophisticated Russian S-300 air defence system, Iranian state TV showed successful tests. Iran, despite signing up to a nuclear deal that was meant to bring the country back into the fold of the international community, has no intention of dialling back its martial posturing.
For the Gulf states, this is neither acceptable nor will be allowed to go unanswered. Other Gulf countries can speak for themselves, but the UAE will not stand idly by while Iran stretches its hands into the affairs of our region and our neighbours. Already, the UAE has taken a key role in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. On the battlefield, as in the field of diplomacy, the UAE has demonstrated that it can and will protect and defend its interests and has the military ability to do so.
Last weekend on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, the country staged a spectacular display of military might, the first such public display. While this was mainly a celebration of the Armed Forces, Tehran would be advised to pay close attention: the UAE will not wait to be defended by the United States or any other ally. It has the ability and the will to defend itself. Peace is always in the interests of our region. But we are prepared for alternatives.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The years Ramadan fell in May
Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
