Abdel Mageed Yahia, the World Food Programme director for the UAE office, at the event to mark UN Day in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Abdel Mageed Yahia, the World Food Programme director for the UAE office, at the event to mark UN Day in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
The event featured performances by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra.
The event featured performances by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestra plays.
The orchestra plays.
Fairuz Taqi Eddin, chief of partnerships and resource mobilisation of Unicef Gulf Area Office, talks at the event.
Fairuz Taqi Eddin, chief of partnerships and resource mobilisation of Unicef Gulf Area Office, talks at the event.
The event showcases the several decades of partnerships between the UN and UAE.
The event showcases the several decades of partnerships between the UN and UAE.
A performance by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra.
A performance by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra.

UAE

From climate change to vaccines, work of the UN celebrated in Dubai

More than 30 UN agencies operate in the UAE working on everything from humanitarian aid to protecting the environment

John Dennehy
John Dennehy

October 24, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

When the UAE flag was raised at the UN in New York on December 10, 1971, it signified the moment the UAE joined the club of nations.

Now, more than 30 UN agencies operate in the UAE, including the World Health Organisation, the World Food Programme, UN Women, and UN Climate Change in a partnership that spans the environment to humanitarian aid.

This history was celebrated in Dubai on Monday at an event to mark UN Day — the moment the organisation's charter came into force in 1945.

UN Day featured music from the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, talks from staff members and explained the scale of the UN’s work in the UAE in co-operation with its host country.

As part of the celebrations, the UN emblem will be projected on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Adnoc building in Abu Dhabi.

UN relief agencies use International Humanitarian City in Dubai as a major base. Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo
UN relief agencies use International Humanitarian City in Dubai as a major base. Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo

The WFP, for example, has its largest global hub at Dubai’s International Humanitarian City, and aid leaves there to go to those who need it the most.

During the first three months of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 80 per cent of the WHO's Covid-19 medical support was supplied from the UAE.

The UAE also assisted efforts on equal access to vaccines through a partnership with UN Children's Fund (Unicef) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This aimed to provide medical supplies, transportation and the donation of one million vaccine doses.

The UN's General Assembly through the years - in pictures

Likened to diplomatic 'speed dating', UN General Assembly gives the world's top diplomats a chance to meet in person. The assembly has played host to a number of famous moments over the years. AP
Likened to diplomatic 'speed dating', UN General Assembly gives the world's top diplomats a chance to meet in person. The assembly has played host to a number of famous moments over the years. AP
Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi famously addressed the UNGA for more than 90 minutes in 2009. Photo: UN
Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi famously addressed the UNGA for more than 90 minutes in 2009. Photo: UN
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez said in 2006 that he could smell sulphur in the UN chamber after George W Bush spoke, likening the US leader to the 'Devil'. Photo: UN
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez said in 2006 that he could smell sulphur in the UN chamber after George W Bush spoke, likening the US leader to the 'Devil'. Photo: UN
Mr Bush at UNGA in 2005. Photo: UN
Mr Bush at UNGA in 2005. Photo: UN
The UN Headquarters in New York. Residents of the Big Apple brace themselves for two weeks of traffic chaos as UNGA takes place. EPA
The UN Headquarters in New York. Residents of the Big Apple brace themselves for two weeks of traffic chaos as UNGA takes place. EPA
South Korean ambassador to the UN Cho Hyun speaking in the chamber. Reuters
South Korean ambassador to the UN Cho Hyun speaking in the chamber. Reuters
Cuban leader Fidel Castro addressing the General Assembly. Photo: UN
Cuban leader Fidel Castro addressing the General Assembly. Photo: UN
Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2005. Photo: UN
Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2005. Photo: UN
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority, addresses UNGA. Photo: UN
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority, addresses UNGA. Photo: UN

“It is a moment we reflect on the UN,” Abdel Mageed Yahia, WFP director for the UAE office, told The National on Monday.

“In the world we are seeing, the purpose of establishing the UN becomes evident every day.”

The UN is also preparing for a crucial period in the fight against climate change.

Egypt plays hosts to the UN climate summit, Cop27, in November, while the UAE will carry the baton for Cop28 at Expo City Dubai in November 2023.

Mr Yahia said the UN was looking forward to both summits, where vital work will be done to try to limit global temperature rises to 1.5ºC, and to keep them “well below” 2.0ºC above pre-industrial levels.

“The whole world is really taking bold steps in addressing climate change,” Mr Yahia said.

“It is affecting lives of millions of people around the world. It is causing hunger and now goes hand-in-hand with conflict as a driver of hunger so efforts like this, we applaud and are encouraged to see.”

Dena Assaf, UN resident co-ordinator for the UAE, told The National in September that people needed to ask themselves if they wanted the human species to become extinct because of climate change.

“People ask: ‘what has it got to do with me? That’s for the government or the UN to address'. But from the UN’s perspective, it is through collective action we make the difference,” she said.

Egypt gears up for Cop27 - in pictures

Preparations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, are in full swing with two weeks to go until Cop27. All photos: Reuters
Preparations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, are in full swing with two weeks to go until Cop27. All photos: Reuters
Abdel Aziz Ibrahim of Hassan Allam Construction said 2,000 workers have been working 'nearly around the clock' on the 50,000 square metre site.
Abdel Aziz Ibrahim of Hassan Allam Construction said 2,000 workers have been working 'nearly around the clock' on the 50,000 square metre site.
Mr Ibrahim said 99 per cent of the work was complete.
Mr Ibrahim said 99 per cent of the work was complete.
Many of the city's resorts are preparing for a major season, said Ramy Rizkallah of Savoy Sharm El-Sheikh group.
Many of the city's resorts are preparing for a major season, said Ramy Rizkallah of Savoy Sharm El-Sheikh group.
This includes the installation of solar plants, recycling and reducing the use of plastic.
This includes the installation of solar plants, recycling and reducing the use of plastic.
About 90 heads of state have confirmed their attendance at the climate negotiations.
About 90 heads of state have confirmed their attendance at the climate negotiations.
The themes reflect some of Egypt's priorities as it tries to better promote the interests of developing nations.
The themes reflect some of Egypt's priorities as it tries to better promote the interests of developing nations.
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.

Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.

The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.

Stage results

1. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceuninck-QuickStep  4:39:05

2. Michael Matthews (AUS) Team BikeExchange 0:00:08

3. Primoz Roglic (SLV) Jumbo-Visma same time 

4. Jack Haig (AUS) Bahrain Victorious s.t  

5. Wilco Kelderman (NED) Bora-Hansgrohe s.t  

6. Tadej Pogacar (SLV) UAE Team Emirates s.t 

7. David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ s.t

8. Sergio Higuita Garcia (COL) EF Education-Nippo s.t     

9. Bauke Mollema (NED) Trek-Segafredo  s.t

10. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers s.t

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Where to apply

Applicants should send their completed applications - CV, covering letter, sample(s) of your work, letter of recommendation - to Nick March, Assistant Editor in Chief at The National and UAE programme administrator for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, by 5pm on April 30, 2020. 

Please send applications to nmarch@thenational.ae and please mark the subject line as “Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism (UAE programme application)”.

The local advisory board will consider all applications and will interview a short list of candidates in Abu Dhabi in June 2020. Successful candidates will be informed before July 30, 2020. 

TO A LAND UNKNOWN

Director: Mahdi Fleifel

Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa

Rating: 4.5/5

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
If you go

The flights

There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.

The trip

Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.

The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.

 

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20101hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20135Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Six-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh79%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Maserati Levante S

Price, base / as tested: Dh409,000 / Dh467,000

Engine: 3.0-litre V6

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 430hp @ 5,750rpm

Torque: 580Nm @ 4,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 10.9L / 100km

DUBAI%20BLING%3A%20EPISODE%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENetflix%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKris%20Fade%2C%20Ebraheem%20Al%20Samadi%2C%20Zeina%20Khoury%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE squad

Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.

UAE tour of Zimbabwe

All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I

More from Neighbourhood Watch
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Combating coronavirus
The five pillars of Islam
War on waste
War on waste
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%202-litre%20direct%20injection%20turbo%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%207-speed%20automatic%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20261hp%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20400Nm%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20From%20Dh134%2C999%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Naga
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMeshal%20Al%20Jaser%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdwa%20Bader%2C%20Yazeed%20Almajyul%2C%20Khalid%20Bin%20Shaddad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: October 24, 2022, 1:44 PM`
Cop27Cop28UnescoClimate change