A Syrian refugee who lived in a Malaysian airport for seven months became a Canadian citizen this week.
In 2018, Hassan Al Kontar, 41, found himself stateless and stranded in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, in the airport’s domestic transfer lounge.
But on Wednesday, after years of waiting, his situation was resolved,
“Today is a day like no other,” Mr Al Kontar tweeted. He posted photos of himself holding the Canadian flag while wearing a number of Canada-themed items.
“Wishing the same for every refugee in refugee camps.”
When he was unable to renew his UAE visa in 2017, Mr Al Kontar could not return to his war-torn nation.
Fearing an army draft or worse, he pleaded with authorities to be sent to Malaysia, one of the few countries which offer Syrians a visa on arrival.
But after his Malaysian tourist visa expired and he was denied entry to neighbouring Cambodia, Mr Al Kontar found himself stateless, living in legal limbo.
He began chronicling his life in the airport’s Terminal 2 domestic transfer lounge on social media. His posts garnered international attention and highlighted the limited options of Syrians wishing to leave their country legally.
He was detained by Malaysian authorities seven months later, before Canadian sponsors intervened.
He has now moved to Canada’s westernmost province of British Columbia, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
“This is a day that cost me a father, a destroyed homeland, prison, persecution, tears, blood, and fifteen years of being away from my loved ones,” Mr Al Kontar tweeted.
Since his arrival in Canada, Mr Al Kontar wrote a book about his journey, titled Man at the Airport: How Social Media Saved My Life – One Syrian's Story. He has also worked with the Canadian Red Cross, while continuing to advocate for refugees worldwide.
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
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WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Jewel of the Expo 2020
252 projectors installed on Al Wasl dome
13.6km of steel used in the structure that makes it equal in length to 16 Burj Khalifas
550 tonnes of moulded steel were raised last year to cap the dome
724,000 cubic metres is the space it encloses
Stands taller than the leaning tower of Pisa
Steel trellis dome is one of the largest single structures on site
The size of 16 tennis courts and weighs as much as 500 elephants
Al Wasl means connection in Arabic
World’s largest 360-degree projection surface
Spec%20sheet
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Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Company%20profile
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Scores
Wales 74-24 Tonga
England 35-15 Japan
Italy 7-26 Australia
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
