Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
Thousands of volunteers attended the latest event of the UAE's Compassion for Gaza campaign on Sunday morning in Abu Dhabi.
Volunteers packed into the Mina Zayed port to prepare urgent relief packages.
Initiatives like this make it feel like there is still good in the world
Abdulla Hamada
The National spoke to some of the volunteers who had given up their free time to help with the campaign, under which more than 60,000 relief packages have been sent to Gaza so far.
Abdulla Hamada, who is from Gaza, was among the volunteers in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
He lost his sister, his brother-in-law and their four children to the war 10 days ago.
His sister was at home their home in Gaza when it was bombed.
"It is hard, very hard," he said.
"But initiatives like this make it feel like there is still good in the world."
Mr Hamada came to the UAE in 2021 soon after his mother died from Covid.
"In times of war, we [Palestinians] all gather in one room so that if we die, we die together and if we survive, then we live together," he said.
"It is a blessing that all my sister's children died with them. How would they have survived without their parents if they have lived? And I know for a fact that my sister would not have survived without them.
"She would have prayed for death if she had survived and they had not. I know that she is in a better place, with her husband and children around her.
"They will pray for us in heaven."
More than 11,000 people have been killed by Israeli air and artillery strikes in Gaza since war was declared on Hamas following the killing of about 1,400 people in Israel, in addition to the taking of more than 200 hostages last month.
“God gave me two hands for a reason. I lack the words to describe what is happening right now in Gaza, but if there is anything I can do to help, then I'll do it,” said Hugh Richards, 18, from the US, who is studying at NYU Abu Dhabi.
Families work together to help campaign
Many of the volunteers brought their children along to show them the importance of helping others.
Saleh Abdullah from India had his three children, Omar, six, Mariam, eight, and Abdullah, 10, with him on Sunday morning at the collection.
“I want them to feel and know what it is like to volunteer. Whatever is happening now [in Gaza] is wrong," he said.
Emirati Fatima Al Zaabi and her husband Sulaiman Al Shehhi brought their three children aged 10, eight and six with them.
“It is important for them to understand the importance of volunteering and to help others,” Ms Al Zaabi said.
“I want to help the people of Gaza,” her daughter Amal said.
The campaign is supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in co-operation with the Emirates Red Crescent Authority and the World Food Programme, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Community Development.
Also at the event was Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, acting secretary general for local affairs at the Emirates Red Crescent.
He explained how getting supplies to Gazans was crucial, especially with winter approaching.
“We have entrusted a team in Egypt with the tasks of purchasing all the needs related to winter aid," he said.
"This includes heating equipment, blankets, winter clothes, food supplies, children’s supplies. [It's important] especially since that region witnesses climatic fluctuations annually, accompanied by rain and snow at times."
To date, more than 168,000 tonnes of aid have been successfully sent to Gaza through the Rafah border.
Field hospital on schedule
The UAE is also in the process of setting up a field hospital in the Gaza Strip as casualties continue to mount.
President Sheikh Mohamed ordered the fully equipped hospital to be built as part of the Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian operation, according to state news agency Wam.
Mr Al Mansouri said it was now fully equipped, with discussions under way as to where it will be located.
“The volunteer lists are near completion – there are nurses, anaesthesia specialists, paramedics and everyone from the medical field from every speciality,” said Mr Al Mansouri.
The Compassion for Gaza drive is expected to continue, with anyone interested in volunteering asked to keep an eye on social media channels for updates.
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Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
If you go
- The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
- The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
- The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
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5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
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
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Essentials
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
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