US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, in Ramallah in January. AP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, in Ramallah in January. AP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, in Ramallah in January. AP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, in Ramallah in January. AP

US ‘looks forward’ to working with new PA cabinet, Blinken tells Abbas


Willy Lowry
  • English
  • Arabic

The US is enthusiastic about working with the newly formed Palestinian Authority cabinet, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday.

Washington has been calling on the Palestinian Authority to introduce a series of reforms to better govern the occupied West Bank, and potentially Gaza after the war.

“The United States looks forward to working with the new PA cabinet to promote peace, security and prosperity and urged the implementation of necessary reforms,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a readout of a call between Mr Blinken and Mr Abbas.

“Secretary Blinken emphasised that a revitalised PA is essential to delivering results for the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza,” Mr Miller added.

The cabinet, which is made up of mostly technocrats, was put together by newly appointed Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, a longtime economic adviser to Mr Abbas.

Mr Mustafa, who was educated in Iraq and the US, where he earned a doctorate from George Washington University, established the Palestine Telecommunications Company in the 1990s and has been involved in a host of high-level positions in the West Bank, including serving as deputy prime minister from 2013 to 2014.

The PA has long been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement and has little popular support in the West Bank. Washington hopes a new Prime Minister and cabinet will help to alter perceptions of the authority, which the US believes is vital to a future Gaza.

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Charlotte Gainsbourg

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(Because Music)

The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Price, base: Dh1,731,672

Engine: 6.5-litre V12

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm

Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km

Company profile

Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space

Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)

Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)

Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution) 

Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space  

Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019

Updated: April 01, 2024, 9:52 PM