Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.

This week we have seen a colossal team effort to recover from the floods in the UAE – from government measures to groups of volunteers banding together to get support to people who need it the most.

While there has been a return to normality for most across the country, we have been hearing many, many stories of community spirit shining through to help those who continue to recover from storm damage.

We have seen volunteers delivering supplies by inflatable boats and heard about diligent teachers who have worked to get their schools back up and running – all this alongside free temporary housing, cleaning services, funds to aid recovery, waives for fines and pauses on loans.

To echo our editorial: People power has helped the country to weather the storm.

So, below you will find a selection of stories that celebrate team efforts in various forms – from sporting siblings to support crews.

Best wishes always,

Nicola

PS. While few people work for awards and recognition, it really is a delight when celebrated this way. Head to the highlights to meet some of the many amazing winners of various accolades this week.

Friends, sisters, teammates

The US has the Williams sisters, the UK has the Brownlee brothers – and the UAE has the Qubaisi sisters.

The talented siblings have just signed with Formula 1 giants Red Bull for their academy programme and it is little surprise they have been snapped up when you consider their career achievements so far.

Amna, 24, was the first Emirati and female racer to compete in the Formula 4 UAE Championship, and in 2019 became the first female Arab to win a single-seater race. Hamda, 21, made history by becoming the first woman to claim a podium in the Italian F4 Championship in 2021 and finished fourth in F4 UAE.

“In karting, growing up, we were a bit too aggressive,” said Hamda. “I would say too competitive, and we would fight a lot. But now, being in the same team, I think we have matured a lot from then, and in Formulas it's a bit different so we help each other.”

Read our exclusive interview with the pair here.

QUOTED

“My coach gives me a lot of confidence and reminds me, ‘We came from nothing, we were alone, we helped each other to get to this point’”

Egyptian tennis star Mayar Sherif reacts to her first victory in a difficult year at the Madrid Open this week – and listen to her interview alongside Ons Jabeur in our Abtal podcast here

Support crew

Russ Cook’s epic feat running across the entire length of Africa hit the headlines the world over. Called Project Africa, the gruelling challenge took Cook – also known as the Hardest Geezer – through 16 different countries, from the continent's southern coast to its northern tip.

And while it was, indeed, Cook doing the literal legwork, it was his team that made sure the endeavour was a success.

We spoke to Jarred Karp, a director, cinematographer, and photographer from South Africa who documented the trip, and he told us about the amazing experiences – from bush camping and passing through the jungle and warzones to the kindness of strangers. It’s a delightful read.

SNAPSHOT

He made it!

This pic of Ochirvaani Batbold, 26, marks the end of an almost 7,000km bike ride and depicts the epitome of team support.

The Manchester United fan set off from his home in Mongolia 11 months ago to get to Wembley Stadium in the UK in time to cheer on his favourite football team.

“For me, United is about dramatic comebacks, The Theatre of Dreams, great players, Sir Alex Ferguson, a great story and a never-give-up mentality,” he told Andy Mitten.

But it wasn’t an easy feat and not just physically – read about his battles with borders, punctures, visa issues and the gruelling route and schedule here.

And explore the stories behind more captivating photos that were captured this week, here.

IMPACT ON INSTAGRAM

HIGHLIGHTS

	Meet Arab Americans honoured at 2024 Takreem America awards
	UAE President lauds eight people honoured at Abu Dhabi Awards
	Cop28 President honoured for leadership during climate talks