As coronavirus lockdown brought normal life in Saudi Arabia to a halt, a group of Saudi princes, doctors, bankers, engineers, businessmen, teachers and students are working to take care of those self-isolating.
Over 600 volunteers are working 24 hours a day to distribute essential items and food baskets to quarantine sites across the Makkah region and the Eastern province for free, helping residents stay inside and curb the spread of coronavirus.
“We started a few days before the national lockdown came into the effect, as many cities had started imposing curfews. Since then, we have had an overwhelming response from people,” said Talal Jameel Abdulghani, leader and founder of Barq Rescue Team, the first Saudi volunteer team certified by the Ministry of Interior.
Barq usually specialises in search and rescue operations during floods and natural disasters, but when coronavirus arrived in Saudi Arabia on March 2, they realised their focus must change.
"We are taking a different approach because we realise that volunteering under such circumstances is a national duty," Mr Abdulghani told The National
“The community has to come together and Saudi Arabia has blessed all of us in many ways and it’s our turn to give back to our country,” he said.
So far the team has handed our over 10,000 food baskets to more than 10,000 homes, with plans to reach 50,000 families by the end of Ramadan.
Mr Abdulghani also revealed that the Barq team has also launched a new campaign that offers services online for those who need it, and allows others to donate meals for distribution.
Some of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent figures have been inspired to take part, including celebrities and athletes, he said.
“We were honoured to have two of the best football players, Mohammed Noor, former Saudi national football player and Captain of Al Ittihad football club and Omar Al Somah, Al Ahli football club striker.”
Hussaim Miniawi, a member of the Barq volunteer team, said they are doing everything they can to continue to support those who need it.
“In such challenging times, organisations like Barq rescue team, which exist to serve the community, must step up,” Mr Miniawi said.
“Our purpose says that we exist to ‘Create Social Impact’ – so that’s what we’re doing,” he added.
As people lack knowledge about the danger posed by Covid-19 and how to protect themselves against the virus, the team has also focused on raising awareness about the virus and sharing key messages from the government, including hands washing guidance, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings.
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What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The five pillars of Islam
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: Macan Turbo
Engine: Dual synchronous electric motors
Power: 639hp
Torque: 1,130Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Touring range: 591km
Price: From Dh412,500
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ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
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Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 611bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Price: upon application
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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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.
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Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
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Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
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Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon
