Among congested tombstones and row upon row of concrete crypts, children play a game of hide and seek, shouting and taking cover behind the graves.
Reeling from an earthquake that has wrecked their city, residents of Aleppo in northern Syria — after a decade of civil war — now seek refuge in the unlikeliest of places.
As the sun beams down on the headstones, the Salheen cemetery in eastern Aleppo is no longer a final resting place, but a home to those living and escaping the turmoil after the devastating February 6 earthquake in southern Turkey.
Rania Al Khateeb, 42, spoke to The National as she walked her children through the graveyard, a place that for her signifies temporary safety.
“The cemetery is near to our houses. Our homes were all destroyed, so that’s the reason we stay here. It just happens to be that we now live and subsist with those departed.”
Just as people started to rebuild their lives after spending years trapped in the former rebel-held part of the city, the earthquake struck.
“We’re living with the dead. We don’t know where to go. Everywhere we have been, there is immense damage and destruction, so we are left with limited options.”
We don’t know where to go. Everywhere we have been, there is immense damage and destruction, so we are left with limited options
Rania Al Khateeb,
Aleppo resident
Among the densely packed tombstones, children make a racket. Ms Al Khateeb says the night the earthquake struck was the worst in her life.
“My house crumbled; it is now a falling ruin, all broken and impossible to live in. You know we usually wear the veil — in Islamic tradition — but after the fateful tremor, I rushed down to the streets without my veil on. It didn’t matter at that time.”
The memory of that unfortunate night weeks ago is still etched deep in her thoughts.
“That’s how bad it was. My entire neighbourhood was out barefoot, freezing, we came out into the dirty road. It’s hard to even describe it. It’s a scene from a nightmare."
The Syrian government’s immediate response was to open sports stadiums and local spaces for survivors, ensuring a supply of basic food and water, but long-term shelter has not been provided.
While aid has slowly trickled into government-held areas since the quake, in the militant-controlled Idlib region west of Aleppo, aid is much scarcer.
“For us, the priority is just to tend to our children and family, as buildings come and go. We need shelter and that’s why we’re here. Desperately, a roof over our head,” Ms Al Khateeb said.
“It’s better than living in a house which is going to cave in on us at any moment. At the end of the day we have to live among coffins, headstones and mausoleums.
“We’re starving. People are hungry. They need clothes. Look, we don’t even have mattresses or sleeping bags. My son had a nervous breakdown after the earthquake.”
She says her son told her he would never live in a house with a roof again. When she tried to rent a place, the boy refused. "He wants to stay here, it’s safer.“
Ammar Hokan, 50, another Aleppo resident now living in the cemetery, said the families there were "ravaged people, struck by disaster".
“For us here in Aleppo and for Syria, on the night of the quake, it was apocalyptic. We didn’t know what happened when we left our battered houses. Our house is also damaged. We need water and electricity,” he told The National.
You can see with your own eyes where we are, what this place is. Our children wake scared in the night. They have a trauma, it won’t be repaired
Ammar Hokan,
Aleppo resident
“I don’t need to tell you. You can see with your own eyes where we are, what this place is. Our children wake scared in the night. They have a trauma, it won’t be repaired.”
Nearby, at the Helok camp just east of Aleppo, survivors live in a public park. Small tents offer some shelter from the winter cold.
For Kifah Muazzen, 14, this is home for her family and hundreds of others affected by the earthquake. She spends her time studying; she wants to be a doctor.
“On the day of the quake, we were asleep. It was 4.17am when it happened. Our house was shaking, our metal door was jolting from side to side. My father grabbed us, told us to go downstairs, I didn’t even have time to put on my veil or jacket," she said.
“As we came down two floors fell, we were lucky we weren’t trapped underneath. Barely escaping, we managed to make it to the car, but it was safe despite big chunks of concrete falling on it. It didn’t start at first, but then after moments it turned on and my father took us to the garden.”
She says that as they drove down the road, buildings were collapsing around them.
“We spent the day in the garden, and at night we slept in our father’s car.”
For Kifah, a pupil in year eight, the disaster has motivated her to study so she can help people.
“I wish that I was a doctor, so I could assist these people and save lives.”
Her school is closed, but Kifah still reads her books and studies every day, with the hope of securing a better future for herself and her family.
“The school is shut, but I still gather my books and things and then I manage to study with what I have. The earthquake has stopped life in this city. Just in case if the school restarts I will be up to date with the lessons.”
When asked about the state of her life now, Kifah replied: “Every night I feel we are going to have another earthquake; I wake screaming sometimes. I’m scared to sleep; I fear that I won’t wake up.”
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ENGLAND TEAM
England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT
Manchester City 1 Sheffield United 0
Man City: Jesus (9')
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Spezia v Lazio (6pm), Juventus v Torino (9pm), Inter Milan v Bologna (7.45pm)
Sunday Verona v Cagliari (3.30pm), Parma v Benevento, AS Roma v Sassuolo, Udinese v Atalanta (all 6pm), Crotone v Napoli (9pm), Sampdoria v AC Milan (11.45pm)
Monday Fiorentina v Genoa (11.45pm)
Scores
Scotland 54-17 Fiji
England 15-16 New Zealand
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
match info
Southampton 0
Arsenal 2 (Nketiah 20', Willock 87')
Red card: Jack Stephens (Southampton)
Man of the match: Rob Holding (Arsenal)
SCHEDULE
Thursday, December 6
08.00-15.00 Technical scrutineering
15.00-17.00 Extra free practice
Friday, December 7
09.10-09.30 F4 free practice
09.40-10.00 F4 time trials
10.15-11.15 F1 free practice
14.00 F4 race 1
15.30 BRM F1 qualifying
Saturday, December 8
09.10-09.30 F4 free practice
09.40-10.00 F4 time trials
10.15-11.15 F1 free practice
14.00 F4 race 2
15.30 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi
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: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
End of free parking
- paid-for parking will be rolled across Abu Dhabi island on August 18
- drivers will have three working weeks leeway before fines are issued
- areas that are currently free to park - around Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Maqta Bridge, Mussaffah Bridge and the Corniche - will now require a ticket
- villa residents will need a permit to park outside their home. One vehicle is Dh800 and a second is Dh1,200.
- The penalty for failing to pay for a ticket after 10 minutes will be Dh200
- Parking on a patch of sand will incur a fine of Dh300
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
The biog
Name: Samar Frost
Born: Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends
Favourite singer: Adele
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
BAD%20BOYS%3A%20RIDE%20OR%20DIE
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The%20specs
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Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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1.
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United States
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2.
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China
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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9.
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster with a decades-long career in TV. He has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others. Karam is also the founder of Takreem.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
THE SPECS
Engine: AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 429hp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh360,200 (starting)
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Match info:
Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
