Hafsa Al Ulama, the UAE Ambassador in Berlin (pictured left) said the embassy was “grateful” to play a role supplying the funding for the masks courtesy MoFAIC
Hafsa Al Ulama, the UAE Ambassador in Berlin (pictured left) said the embassy was “grateful” to play a role supplying the funding for the masks courtesy MoFAIC
Hafsa Al Ulama, the UAE Ambassador in Berlin (pictured left) said the embassy was “grateful” to play a role supplying the funding for the masks courtesy MoFAIC
Hafsa Al Ulama, the UAE Ambassador in Berlin (pictured left) said the embassy was “grateful” to play a role supplying the funding for the masks courtesy MoFAIC

UAE embassy in Berlin donates 8,000 facemasks for city’s deprived children


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The UAE embassy in Berlin has pledged funds earmarked for 8,000 Covid-19 masks to protect some of the German capital’s most vulnerable children.

In a tweet, the embassy said that it was donating the funds to Laughing Hearts, a charity that supports 22 homes for socially disadvantaged youngsters in Berlin and the surrounding area. More than 2,000 children and adolescents benefit from the work done by the organisation.

Hafsa Al Ulama, the UAE Ambassador in Berlin, said the embassy was “grateful” to be able to play a role in supplying funding for the masks.

On Monday, the wearing of face masks became mandatory for most Germans in public spaces across the country, though the regulations vary from state to state within the federal system. While individuals in Berlin are not legally obliged to wear the masks while shopping, they must do so on public transport.

In the majority of German states, children over the age of six are required to wear face masks. People found flouting the regulations face a €150 fine. The penalty can double for repeat offenders and shop owners risk a €5,000 fine if they do not provide masks for their employees.

Germany has been hailed for its exemplary response to the coronavirus crisis. Experts believe that the country’s swift imposition of lockdown measures combined with widespread Covid-19 testing have saved the nation from higher fatalities of the kind experienced in the United States, Italy and Great Britain.

The UAE and Germany have collaborated on both countries’ coronavirus responses. Ms Al Ulama said in a previous interview that the two nations had worked closely, exchanging advice on best practices from the beginning of the outbreak.

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

What is safeguarding?

“Safeguarding, not just in sport, but in all walks of life, is making sure that policies are put in place that make sure your child is safe; when they attend a football club, a tennis club, that there are welfare officers at clubs who are qualified to a standard to make sure your child is safe in that environment,” Derek Bell explains.

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