Leaders from around the world have offered Lebanon assistance after a huge explosion that tore through the Beirut port on Tuesday, killing at least 70 people.
The explosion wounded thousands more and caused enormous damage, in yet another blow to a nation reeling from financial meltdown and a surge in coronavirus cases.
Officials said the explosion occurred because of poor storage of sodium nitrate, which should have been removed years ago.
But President Donald Trump said in Washington that US military officials think the explosion in Beirut could have been a bomb.
UAE officials paid tribute to the Lebanese people and offered solace and strength.
The Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, posted a photograph of the Lebanese flag, accompanied by a message of support.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, tweeted on Tuesday evening: "Our thoughts and prayers are with our Lebanese brothers and sisters during these trying times."
"We pray that God grants you patience and solace. God bless Lebanon and the Lebanese people."
Gulf countries including the UAE maintain close ties with Beirut and have long provided financial aid and diplomatic assistance to mediate between Lebanon’s political and sectarian divisions.
The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, also tweeted that “our hearts are with Beirut and its people”.
Dr Gargash posted the tribute alongside an image of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, illuminated in the colours of the Lebanese flag.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry affirmed "the kingdom's full support and solidarity with the brotherly Lebanese people", Saudi state news agency Spa reported.
France, which exerted the most effort to try to help Lebanon before its economy collapsed in October, said it was “on the side” of its former colonial territory.
"France is always on the side of Lebanon and the Lebanese people," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.
"It is ready to offer assistance depending on the needs expressed by Lebanese authorities."
Israel, which last fought a war in Lebanon with Hezbollah in 2006, offered Beirut "medical humanitarian aid", the Israeli Defence Ministry said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said: “As always, Iran is fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon. Stay strong, Lebanon."
"I've met with some of our great generals and they seem to feel that it was an attack," President Trump said.
"They would know better than I would. They seem to think it was an attack it was a bomb of some kind, yes."
The US has been working with France in the last pew months on a humanitarian plan to help the people of Lebanon overcome basic food shortages due to the economic crisis.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain stood ready to provide any support it could to help Beirut after the explosion.
“The pictures and videos from Beirut tonight are shocking," Mr Johnson said.
“The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia “shares the grief of the Lebanese people".
“Please convey the words of sympathy and support to the families of those killed and wishes of the soonest recovery to those injured," he said in a message to Lebanese President Michel Aoun.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Eyasses squad
Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)
Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)
Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)
Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)
Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)
Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)
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
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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
BRIEF SCORES
England 353 and 313-8 dec
(B Stokes 112, A Cook 88; M Morkel 3-70, K Rabada 3-85)
(J Bairstow 63, T Westley 59, J Root 50; K Maharaj 3-50)
South Africa 175 and 252
(T Bavuma 52; T Roland-Jones 5-57, J Anderson 3-25)
(D Elgar 136; M Ali 4-45, T Roland-Jones 3-72)
Result: England won by 239 runs
England lead four-match series 2-1
Turkish Ladies
Various artists, Sony Music Turkey
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
CAF Champions League semi-finals first-leg fixtures
Tuesday:
Primeiro Agosto (ANG) v Esperance (TUN) (8pm UAE)
Al Ahly (EGY) v Entente Setif (ALG) (11PM)
Second legs:
October 23
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
SRI LANKA SQUAD
Upul Tharanga (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella
Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana
Chamara Kapugedara, Thisara Perera, Seekuge Prasanna
Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera
Vishwa Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay
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
Who is Ramon Tribulietx?
Born in Spain, Tribulietx took sole charge of Auckland in 2010 and has gone on to lead the club to 14 trophies, including seven successive Oceania Champions League crowns. Has been tipped for the vacant New Zealand national team job following Anthony Hudson's resignation last month. Had previously been considered for the role.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo
Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Price: from Dh498,542
On sale: now
