The initiative, which began earlier this month, has already begun distributing meals around the region. Amy McConaghy / The National
The initiative, which began earlier this month, has already begun distributing meals around the region. Amy McConaghy / The National
Employees of the Jordan Food Bank were packing food in large cardboard boxes adorned with the UAE flag. Amy McConaghy / The National
Employees of the Jordan Food Bank were packing food in large cardboard boxes adorned with the UAE flag. Amy McConaghy / The National
Recession and joblessness are marring Ramadan in Jordan this year. Amy McConaghy / The National
Recession and joblessness are marring Ramadan in Jordan this year. Amy McConaghy / The National
The UAE officially reached its Dh100 million target for the 100 Million Meals campaign in just 10 days. Amy McConaghy / The National
The UAE officially reached its Dh100 million target for the 100 Million Meals campaign in just 10 days. Amy McConaghy / The National
The Dh100 million figure was reached thanks to the generosity of 185,000 donors inside and outside of the Emirates. Amy McConaghy
The Dh100 million figure was reached thanks to the generosity of 185,000 donors inside and outside of the Emirates. Amy McConaghy
Ramadan this year came a few days after Jordan’s centennial on April 11. Amy McConaghy / The National
Ramadan this year came a few days after Jordan’s centennial on April 11. Amy McConaghy / The National

Government

More than Dh1 billion in aid handed out under Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives

Ruler's charitable foundation reached more than 80 countries in challenging year

The National

May 04, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

More than 83 million people in 82 countries benefited from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives' (MBRGI) humanitarian and social projects in 2020, the foundation's annual report revealed.

As the coronavirus pandemic broke out, the charitable organisation worked on Dh1.2 billion ($330 million) worth of humanitarian, social and development projects to help the vulnerable and empower disadvantaged communities during the biggest health crisis of the century.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, set out the year in review in a special event at the Union House in Dubai.

"The global Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that strategic and sustainable humanitarian work is the best way to serve people in times of crisis," he said.

"Despite the obstacles caused by the pandemic, our projects and initiatives rose to the challenge and, in line with our expectations and ambitions, touched over 83 million lives in 82 countries."

"Besides its influential economic and political role, the UAE is also a humanitarian entity and a beacon of hope in the region."

Praising the team’s efforts, he said: "Over 121,000 volunteers and personnel showed competence, courage and determination in the face of the pandemic."

He said that "we will continue creating hope across the world, regardless of any circumstances. We will heed the call of humanity wherever it takes us."

Read More

On the ground with the UAE’s 100 Million Meals volunteer heroes in Jordan

10 million meals rises to 100 million

In particular, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the generosity of the public and government and private institutions when it came to donating money, time and resources to helping the less fortunate.

Last Ramadan, as the pandemic affected families in UAE, leaving many out of work, the 10 Million Meals initiative was launched.

This year, the 100 Million Meals programme was expanded to cover more than 20 countries in the region.

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, said: "Despite the precautionary measures and the abrupt shifts in the nature of humanitarian work, MBRGI cemented its pioneering role in creating bridges between nations, establishing solidarity, supporting vulnerable communities and aiding millions of people in need.

“The UAE, under the direction and guidance of its leadership, will continue its pivotal role in charity and humanitarian work to help provide relief to the vulnerable, empower people in need and answer the call of humanity.”

International Humanitarian City

Sheikh Mohammed also praised the work of organisations and people at International Humanitarian City.

Many global NGOs and charities operate from the desert facility, which can rapidly mobilise in response to international disasters at a moment's notice.

Sheikh Mohammed "praised the pivotal role played by the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai as a hub for transporting urgent aid, medical supplies and essential food items to various parts of the world in collaboration with UN agencies and non-governmental organisations," MBRGI said.

"Through its efforts, the IHC helped place the UAE at the forefront of urgent relief work during the first waves of the Covid-19 pandemic."

The UAE has funded more than 100 million free meals in 20 countries across the region during Ramadan. Pictured are youngsters in Egypt. All photos by Wam
The UAE has funded more than 100 million free meals in 20 countries across the region during Ramadan. Pictured are youngsters in Egypt. All photos by Wam
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, organiser of the campaign, has tied up with international and local partners in each of the beneficiary countries to deliver the food parcels
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, organiser of the campaign, has tied up with international and local partners in each of the beneficiary countries to deliver the food parcels
Cash vouchers are being given to low-income communities in Palestine and in refugee camps in Jordan and Bangladesh
Cash vouchers are being given to low-income communities in Palestine and in refugee camps in Jordan and Bangladesh
Staples such as rice, oil, beans, beans and flour are included in the food parcels, which is sufficient to prepare between 240 and 300 meals throughout Ramadan
Staples such as rice, oil, beans, beans and flour are included in the food parcels, which is sufficient to prepare between 240 and 300 meals throughout Ramadan
Children smile for the camera after receiving a food packet.
Children smile for the camera after receiving a food packet.
Low-income families, refugees, orphans and widows in Jordan, Egypt and Pakistan have started receiving food boxes.
Low-income families, refugees, orphans and widows in Jordan, Egypt and Pakistan have started receiving food boxes.
A worker gives a food box to a lady
A worker gives a food box to a lady
Food boxes being unloaded from a truck
Food boxes being unloaded from a truck
Workers packing food boxes to be delivered to the needy during Ramadan
Workers packing food boxes to be delivered to the needy during Ramadan

Duterte Harry: Fire and Fury in the Philippines
Jonathan Miller, Scribe Publications

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Tomorrow 2021
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GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

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Washmen Profile

Date Started: May 2015

Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Laundry

Employees: 170

Funding: about $8m

Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

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SPEC%20SHEET
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Transgender report
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.

 

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Habib El Qalb

Assi Al Hallani

(Rotana)

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Power: 575bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh554,000

On sale: now

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE