Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Mason patrol the Red Sea after Houthi attacks on shipping. Photo: US Navy
Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Mason patrol the Red Sea after Houthi attacks on shipping. Photo: US Navy
Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Mason patrol the Red Sea after Houthi attacks on shipping. Photo: US Navy
Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Mason patrol the Red Sea after Houthi attacks on shipping. Photo: US Navy

Qatar tells Davos Red Sea solution depends on defusing Gaza war


Tim Stickings
  • English
  • Arabic

Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza

Qatar has warned the Red Sea crisis will not be solved without defusing the “real issue” of the Israel-Gaza conflict, as the war overshadowed a gathering of the world’s elite in the Swiss Alps.

Politicians and business executives are meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos as Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping give another jolt to global trade and widen the fallout of the Israel-Gaza war.

Saudi Arabia warned the war was dragging the entire region into great danger.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told delegates US and British air strikes on Yemen’s Houthis would not contain the crisis without diplomatic efforts.

The situation in the Middle East “is a recipe for escalation everywhere,” Sheikh Mohammed said, warning against “just focusing on the symptoms and not treating the real issue”.

“We need to address the real issue, which is Gaza, in order to get everything else defused,” he added.

“We shouldn’t just focus on those small conflicts, we should focus on the main conflict in Gaza, and as soon as it’s defused I believe everything else will be defused.”

It would be up to the Palestinian people whether Hamas should be part of any postwar settlement, said Sheikh Mohammed, who called on Israel to make binding commitments to a two-state solution to the conflict.

If foreign powers do not approve of Hamas’s ideology, “you have to replace it with a better idea”, he said. “The better idea is to bring the two-state solution back to the table.”

After months of Israeli bombardment, “Gaza is not there any more”, he said. “It’s carpet bombing everywhere.”

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke to delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Reuters
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke to delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Reuters

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan used his appearance in Davos to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Asked whether Riyadh could recognise Israel as part of a wider resolution of the Middle East conflict, Prince Faisal said: “Certainly.”

However, he added, “what Israel is doing now is putting the prospects for regional peace and security at risk.

“There is a pathway towards a much better future for the region, for the Palestinians and for Israel. That is peace and we are fully committed to that.

“The first step for that is ceasefire. Ceasefire, of course, means ceasefire on all sides but that should be a starting point towards a permanent sustainable peace, which can only happen through true justice for the Palestinians.”

Prince Faisal said Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea were connected to the war in Gaza, and an immediate ceasefire would address that threat.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that overreliance on one country or trade route “comes with risks”.

Israel has shown no sign of bowing to international pressure for a ceasefire after the war in Gaza, set off by Hamas’s surprise attack last October, passed the 100-day mark on Sunday.

Iran launched strikes on Iraq and Syria on Monday amid heightened tension across the region. Tehran claimed it was aiming at an Israeli intelligence headquarters and a military base that hosts US troops.

The conflict has also raised unrest in western countries as people take to the streets to support the Palestinian or Israeli cause.

The 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos – in pictures

  • French President Emmanuel Macron (centre), flanked by delegation members, walks through an inflatable tunnel connecting venues at Davos. AFP
    French President Emmanuel Macron (centre), flanked by delegation members, walks through an inflatable tunnel connecting venues at Davos. AFP
  • Argentina's President Javier Milei. Reuters
    Argentina's President Javier Milei. Reuters
  • European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde with Serbia's President Vucic. EPA
    European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde with Serbia's President Vucic. EPA
  • WEF participants gather at Davos Congress Centre. AP Photo
    WEF participants gather at Davos Congress Centre. AP Photo
  • ING Group chief executive Steven van Rijswijk at the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos. AFP
    ING Group chief executive Steven van Rijswijk at the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos. AFP
  • Nick Clegg, president of global affairs and communications with Meta at the WEF. Bloomberg
    Nick Clegg, president of global affairs and communications with Meta at the WEF. Bloomberg
  • Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Inflection AI, speaking at the event. Bloomberg
    Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Inflection AI, speaking at the event. Bloomberg
  • Steve Schwarzman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Blackstone Group, at the Swiss alpine resort. Bloomberg
    Steve Schwarzman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Blackstone Group, at the Swiss alpine resort. Bloomberg
  • Andrea Orcel, group chief executive of Unicredit, speaking during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Bloomberg
    Andrea Orcel, group chief executive of Unicredit, speaking during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Bloomberg
  • Mike Brown, chief executive of Nedbank Group Ltd. Bloomberg
    Mike Brown, chief executive of Nedbank Group Ltd. Bloomberg
  • Tony Fernandes, chief executive Capital A Berhad. Bloomberg
    Tony Fernandes, chief executive Capital A Berhad. Bloomberg
  • Salil Parekh, chief executive officer of Infosys. Bloomberg
    Salil Parekh, chief executive officer of Infosys. Bloomberg
  • Julie Sweet, chief executive of Accenture, and Ludovic Subran, chief economist at Allianz SE. Bloomberg
    Julie Sweet, chief executive of Accenture, and Ludovic Subran, chief economist at Allianz SE. Bloomberg
  • France's President Macron (right) shakes hand with Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic after his speech. AFP
    France's President Macron (right) shakes hand with Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic after his speech. AFP
  • Pat Gelsinger, chief executive of Intel. EPA
    Pat Gelsinger, chief executive of Intel. EPA
  • Former British prime minister Tony Blair. EPA
    Former British prime minister Tony Blair. EPA
  • Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JP Morgan Chase. Bloomberg
    Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JP Morgan Chase. Bloomberg
  • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. AP
    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. AP
  • Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, addresses the assembly. AFP
    Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, addresses the assembly. AFP
  • Former US vice president Al Gore speaks. Reuters
    Former US vice president Al Gore speaks. Reuters

This year’s Davos meeting has a theme of “rebuilding trust” after risk assessors warned on the eve of the summit that conflicts and disinformation give the world a bleak outlook for the coming years.

Swiss President Viola Amherd warned guests that AI-fuelled disinformation could worsen the distrust that some people feel in “all of us gathered here, and all political and business leaders”.

“When the alleged elite flaunts its wealth while many families can barely make ends meet, mistrust grows,” she said.

“At that point, the international community and governments are no longer heard and no longer understood, even if they put forward great proposals.”

Ukraine message

Attending the summit in person for the first time since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited leaders to attend a global peace summit.

Switzerland has agreed to host a separate summit on Mr Zelenskyy's “peace formula” after meetings between security officials from 80 countries on the sidelines of Davos.

Mr Zelenskyy encouraged every country “that respects peace” to attend the talks as he urged delegates that “peace must be the answer”.

He said Russian President Vladimir Putin had “stolen at least 13 years of peace” through his actions in Ukraine, Syria and other countries.

“Putin is trying to normalise something that should have ended in the 20th century. Putin embodies war,” he said. “We must make it possible for a just and stable peace.”

Ms von der Leyen urged European leaders to “continue to empower” Ukraine's resistance against Russia amid persistent chatter that western solidarity is fraying.

“Ukrainians need predictable financing throughout 2024 and beyond. They need a sustained supply of weapons to defend Ukraine and regain its rightful territory,” she said.

“They need capabilities to deter future attacks by Russia. And they also need hope. They need to know that, with their struggle, they will earn a better future for their children. And Ukraine's better future is called Europe.”

Straightforward ways to reduce sugar in your family's diet
  • Ban fruit juice and sodas
  • Eat a hearty breakfast that contains fats and wholegrains, such as peanut butter on multigrain toast or full-fat plain yoghurt with whole fruit and nuts, to avoid the need for a 10am snack
  • Give young children plain yoghurt with whole fruits mashed into it
  • Reduce the number of cakes, biscuits and sweets. Reserve them for a treat
  • Don’t eat dessert every day 
  • Make your own smoothies. Always use the whole fruit to maintain the benefit of its fibre content and don’t add any sweeteners
  • Always go for natural whole foods over processed, packaged foods. Ask yourself would your grandmother have eaten it?
  • Read food labels if you really do feel the need to buy processed food
  • Eat everything in moderation
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh122,745

On sale: now

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
AL%20BOOM
%3Cp%20style%3D%22text-align%3Ajustify%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3BDirector%3AAssad%20Al%20Waslati%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%20style%3D%22text-align%3Ajustify%3B%22%3E%0DStarring%3A%20Omar%20Al%20Mulla%2C%20Badr%20Hakami%20and%20Rehab%20Al%20Attar%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20ADtv%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Business Insights
  • As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses. 
  • SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income. 
  • Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Mobile phone packages comparison
Williams at Wimbledon

Venus Williams - 5 titles (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008)

Serena Williams - 7 titles (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016)

SHAITTAN
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVikas%20Bahl%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAjay%20Devgn%2C%20R.%20Madhavan%2C%20Jyothika%2C%20Janaki%20Bodiwala%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
NEW%20PRICING%20SCHEME%20FOR%20APPLE%20MUSIC%2C%20TV%2B%20AND%20ONE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20Music%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20individual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2410.99%20(from%20%249.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20family%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2416.99%20(from%20%2414.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EIndividual%20annual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24109%20(from%20%2499)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20TV%2B%3Cbr%3EMonthly%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%246.99%20(from%20%244.99)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAnnual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2469%20(from%20%2449.99)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20One%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20individual%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2416.95%20(from%20%2414.95)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20family%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2422.95%20(from%20%2419.95)%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMonthly%20premier%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2432.95%20(from%20%2429.95)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
HEADLINE HERE
  • I would recommend writing out the text in the body 
  • And then copy into this box
  • It can be as long as you link
  • But I recommend you use the bullet point function (see red square)
  • Or try to keep the word count down
  • Be wary of other embeds lengthy fact boxes could crash into 
  • That's about it
Temple numbers

Expected completion: 2022

Height: 24 meters

Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people

Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people

First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time

First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres  

Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres

Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor 

Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE

Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:

• Buy second hand stuff

 They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.

• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres

 Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.

• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.

Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.

• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home

Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

Power: 360bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh282,870

On sale: now

What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Global institutions: BlackRock and KKR

US-based BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $5.98 trillion of assets under management as of the end of last year. The New York firm run by Larry Fink provides investment management services to institutional clients and retail investors including governments, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, banks and charitable foundations around the world, through a variety of investment vehicles.

KKR & Co, or Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is a global private equity and investment firm with around $195 billion of assets as of the end of last year. The New York-based firm, founded by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, invests in multiple alternative asset classes through direct or fund-to-fund investments with a particular focus on infrastructure, technology, healthcare, real estate and energy.

 

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EElmawkaa%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ebrahem%20Anwar%2C%20Mahmoud%20Habib%20and%20Mohamed%20Thabet%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24400%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500%20Startups%2C%20Flat6Labs%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated

Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid

Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8

Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm

Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km

Price: Dh380,000

On sale: now 

Top 10 most polluted cities
  1. Bhiwadi, India
  2. Ghaziabad, India
  3. Hotan, China
  4. Delhi, India
  5. Jaunpur, India
  6. Faisalabad, Pakistan
  7. Noida, India
  8. Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  9. Peshawar, Pakistan
  10. Bagpat, India
Inside%20Out%202
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EKelsey%20Mann%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Amy%20Poehler%2C%20Maya%20Hawke%2C%20Ayo%20Edebiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

ENGLAND%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EFor%20Euro%202024%20qualifers%20away%20to%20Malta%20on%20June%2016%20and%20at%20home%20to%20North%20Macedonia%20on%20June%2019%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EGoalkeepers%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Johnstone%2C%20Pickford%2C%20Ramsdale.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDefenders%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alexander-Arnold%2C%20Dunk%2C%20Guehi%2C%20Maguire%2C%20%20Mings%2C%20Shaw%2C%20Stones%2C%20Trippier%2C%20Walker.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMidfielders%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bellingham%2C%20Eze%2C%20Gallagher%2C%20Henderson%2C%20%20Maddison%2C%20Phillips%2C%20Rice.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EForwards%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFoden%2C%20Grealish%2C%20Kane%2C%20Rashford%2C%20Saka%2C%20Wilson.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPECS%3A%20Polestar%203
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELong-range%20dual%20motor%20with%20400V%20battery%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E360kW%20%2F%20483bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E840Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20touring%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20628km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh360%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Barcelona 4 (Messi 23' pen, 45 1', 48', Busquets 85')

Celta Vigo 1 (Olaza 42')

Updated: January 17, 2024, 5:05 AM