The UAE inaugurated its consulate in Laayoune on Wednesday morning, opening the diplomatic mission in the Western Sahara in a ceremony attended by Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and Al Asri Saeed Ahmed Al Dhaheri, the UAE's Ambassador to Morocco.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, announced the "historic" plans for the consulate last month.
Commenting on the opening via videoconference call, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said it represented "a continuation of a brilliant journey of unity and cooperation supported by the leadership of the two countries.
"The opening of a UAE consulate in Laayoune will be one of the positive results of the established relationship between the two countries. Its presence in the Moroccan region will represent a major boost in bilateral relations,” he said.
"The UAE's position is firm in standing with Morocco in its fair causes in regional and international fora."
Mr Al Dhaheri added that the opening of the diplomatic mission in Laayoune was a concrete expression of the UAE's support for Moroccan sovereignty over its southern regions. He said it would also strengthen trade, investment and cultural ties between the two countries.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI had said he was proud that the UAE made the move to open a consulate and said he was not surprised given Abu Dhabi’s long commitment to “championing just causes”.
Morocco administers around 80 per cent of the 266,000 square kilometres of the sparsely populated desert region with the remainder held by the Algerian supported self-declared Sahrawi Arab Republic. The breakaway state is not recognised by the UN and Morocco’s claim to the region is supported by a number of Arab and African states with the tacit approval of the US and France.
The event was held ahead of Friday's anniversary of the 'Green March', a peaceful mass protest that took place on November 6, 1975 against the Spanish occupation of Western Sahara, which is commemorated by a national holiday in Morocco.
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Chinese Grand Prix schedule (in UAE time)
Friday: First practice - 6am; Second practice - 10am
Saturday: Final practice - 7am; Qualifying - 10am
Sunday: Chinese Grand Prix - 10.10am
WEST ASIA RUGBY 2017/18 SEASON ROLL OF HONOUR
Western Clubs Champions League
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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UAE Premiership
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Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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Liverpool 3
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Bournemouth 0
South Africa squad
: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
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The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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Three stars
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final
