ABU DHABI// The heavy sandstorm that hit parts of the UAE on Thursday affected construction activity and caused safety measures to be increased for workers.
Labourers worked wearing face masks and safety glasses but work was not suspended. The masks were supplied by management as per the UAE’s safety code.
Sufaid Khan, 29, a cleaner from Pakistan, was sweeping the streets in the afternoon.
“Today, was an unusual day to go to work,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what was going on but I knew that there was going to be a big clean up after. The company provided us with masks and sunglasses this morning. I’ve been cleaning during the storm, but the dirt just keeps coming back.
“My shift is 10 hours but I hope that the sandstorm doesn’t return because there’s a lot of dust on the streets that will need to be cleaned.”
Supervisors and managers of construction companies were required to follow guidelines put in place for such conditions.
Rami Sarieddine, 35, from Lebanon, is the logistics foreman of the Khalifa University extension project in Abu Dhabi.
“There was an intense amount of dust and blown sand,” he said. “We gathered the workers in the morning and instructed them on how to handle the conditions. We distributed goggles and face masks. We warned them on any flying objects that might move because of the strong winds. We inspected the site and banned the use of any heavy machinery and equipment.
“We stopped work on the cranes, too, because the wind speed was 45kph. Our crane is 16 metres and the building is five floors. A windspeed of 35kph is the maximum limit but we try to avoid that,” Mr Sarieddine said. “If the windspeed changes by Saturday then we will resume work so we’ll have to wait and see.
“This is the first time that we go through something like this. We’ve had other sand storms in the past but I think this is the worst that we’ve seen in a while.”
“I don’t think we should have worked at all. Dust covers everything and the wind is bothersome, but it looks like it’s getting better throughout the day. I’m glad we don’t have to work tomorrow so by Saturday I hope the weather would go back to normal.”
The Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Centre (HSE) issued a list of advice to construction companies and members of the public to spread awareness on handling the rough weather conditions.
The HSE asked companies to ensure that all structures, including buildings and containers, were adequately anchored. It also advised that all areas of work be inspected to identify and secure loose items. The adverse weather is expected to last through Saturday.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The drill
Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.
Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”
Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”
Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.”
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
