Government

UAE official's son makes unexpected cameo in high-level global conference

Reem Al Hashimy's son, Hazza, walked up to his mother as she addressed officials from around the world in a video conference

The National

June 03, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

People around the world have been taking part in video conferences as part of the "new normal", which can sometimes lead to unexpected cameos by children and pets.

During a remote pledging conference, aimed at raising $2.4 billion (Dh8.8bn) to support aid operations in Yemen and curb the spread of coronavirus, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, presented the UAE's statement.

The meeting, co-hosted by the UN and Saudi Arabia, was attended by high-level officials from around the world who each tuned in to declare their country's contribution.

Great moment with my colleague Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, at the Yemen Donor's Conference

But while Ms Al Hashimy read the UAE's statement, which outlined the humanitarian support offered by the Emirates to Yemen since 2015, her young son Hazza walked over and leant on her shoulder.

The unexpected appearance drew laughs from co-host Mark Lowcock, UN undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs.

A slightly red-faced Ms Al Hashimy apologised and continued, gently keeping her arm out to stop her son from walking back into frame.

The endearing clip was shared by Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, who described the moment as beautiful and spontaneous.

The moment was also appreciated by Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who also posted the video to Twitter.

"Great moment with my colleague Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, at the Yemen Donor’s Conference," Dr Gargash said.

"Proud of the success of Emirati women in whatever they choose to do."

During Tuesday's remote meeting, Saudi Arabia pledged $500 million in support towards Yemen's humanitarian response plan.

Last week, Mr Lowcock said the UN received $3.2bn for Yemen after countries in the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stepped up.

In total, the conference raised $1.35bn, short of its target and below the $3.2bn raised last year for Yemen's humanitarian needs.

___________

Gallery: Coronavirus around the Middle East

A Yemeni man walks at a market in the old quarter of Sanaa. Reuters
A Yemeni man walks at a market in the old quarter of Sanaa. Reuters
Aswin Sarang, head of Reliable Robotics company, stands with a fever detection and hand sanitiser dispenser robot in Dubai. Before the pandemic, the company had been renting the robots out for events to welcome guests, but since the Covid-19 outbreak, Reliable Robotics has used its technology to help fight the spread of coronavirus. EPA
Aswin Sarang, head of Reliable Robotics company, stands with a fever detection and hand sanitiser dispenser robot in Dubai. Before the pandemic, the company had been renting the robots out for events to welcome guests, but since the Covid-19 outbreak, Reliable Robotics has used its technology to help fight the spread of coronavirus. EPA
Iraqi Kurds gather during a demonstration demanding the end of coronavirus lockdown in the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the Kurdish autonomous region of northern Iraq. AFP
Iraqi Kurds gather during a demonstration demanding the end of coronavirus lockdown in the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the Kurdish autonomous region of northern Iraq. AFP
A traffic jam at the Dubai border going towards Abu Dhabi on Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai, as Abu Dhabi Police check movement permits. Pawan Singh / The National
A traffic jam at the Dubai border going towards Abu Dhabi on Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai, as Abu Dhabi Police check movement permits. Pawan Singh / The National
Palestinians gather at a stall to buy fish in Gaza City. AFP
Palestinians gather at a stall to buy fish in Gaza City. AFP
A Palestinian man displays office chairs for sale outside a store, in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Reuters
A Palestinian man displays office chairs for sale outside a store, in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Reuters
Palestinian vendors wait for customers behind their stall in Gaza City. AFP
Palestinian vendors wait for customers behind their stall in Gaza City. AFP
A Palestinian woman walks past the construction site of an office building, in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Reuters
A Palestinian woman walks past the construction site of an office building, in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Reuters
A mask-clad man cares for a garden near the Erbil Citadel in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
A mask-clad man cares for a garden near the Erbil Citadel in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
Pigeons flying in an empty square outside Erbil Citadel in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
Pigeons flying in an empty square outside Erbil Citadel in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP
A banner with pictures of the English football club Liverpool player Mohamed Salah, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of the Italian club Juventus, is seen above a cafe that has been transformed into a vegetable shop in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
A banner with pictures of the English football club Liverpool player Mohamed Salah, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of the Italian club Juventus, is seen above a cafe that has been transformed into a vegetable shop in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
A worker carries tomatoes at a cafe that has been transformed into a vegetable shop, in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
A worker carries tomatoes at a cafe that has been transformed into a vegetable shop, in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
Passengers wait in line for check-in for their repatriation flight for Libya, at the Tunis Carthage International Airport in Tunis, Tunisia. EPA
Passengers wait in line for check-in for their repatriation flight for Libya, at the Tunis Carthage International Airport in Tunis, Tunisia. EPA
A worker disinfects surfaces at the Terminal of the Tunis Carthage International Airport in Tunis, Tunisia. EPA
A worker disinfects surfaces at the Terminal of the Tunis Carthage International Airport in Tunis, Tunisia. EPA
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

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