Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, chairs a UAE Cabinet meeting. All photos: Dubai Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the achievements of the Emirates Genome Council, as the Emirati Genome Programme has succeeded in collecting more than 600,000 samples from various parts of the country
Sheikh Mohammed approved the country’s commitment to the principles and recommendations of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists issued by the UN Tourism Organisation
Sheikh Saif with Sheikh Maktoum at the meeting
Sheikh Mohammed alongside Sheikh Mansour
The Cabinet adopted a general framework for sustainable government digital transformation
Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Mansour, Sheikh Saif and Sheikh Maktoum leaving Qasr Al Watan after the Cabinet meeting
Sheikh Mohammed said the new federal law on traffic 'takes advantage of the technological progress that characterises the country's road network'
More than 600,000 samples have been collected as part of the Emirati Genome Programme, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced on Monday.
During a UAE Cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi, members were briefed on the goal of reaching one million samples.
The Emirates Genome Council, headed by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is also training more than 1,000 medical personnel to support the programme.
“The contribution of more than 600,000 citizens ensures the development of a clear map of genetic and hereditary diseases in the country … and helps in developing medicines specific to these diseases,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
“We call on everyone to co-operate with this comprehensive national medical programme in a way that makes our society healthier and our generations healthier.”
A pilot programme for premarital screening will also begin, which will include all genetic and hereditary diseases, Sheikh Mohammed said.
Self-driving vehicles
A federal traffic law was approved on Monday which included amendments to vehicle classifications and the use of modern technology on the roads.
“We also approved a federal law on traffic and road regulations, which includes amendments for vehicle classification and the use of modern technologies on roads to keep up with the rapid developments in global transportation,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
“The new legislation accommodates the expansion in the use of self-driving vehicles, electric cars, and various types of personal transportation means, relying on transportation methods that leverage the technological advancements distinguishing the UAE's road network.”
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Also approved at the meeting held in Qasr Al Watan was the development of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, to be led by the Ministry of Economy.
“The rapid economic growth in the country requires continuous structural changes to keep up with these changes,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is accompanied by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, at the UAE Cabinet meeting on Monday. Photo: Dubai Media Office
The new entity will play a role in strengthening the economy and building partnerships, enabling local companies to enter international markets.
“During the meeting, we decided to form a working team led by the Ministry of Economy to develop the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the country, set a new path for it, and enhance its role in strengthening the economy, opening markets, and building new partnerships with the world.”
The UAE's commitment to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists was also discussed at Cabinet.
Issued by the UN Tourism organisation, the code will be used as a guide, Sheikh Mohammed said.
“The UAE is one of the first countries in the world in terms of safety rate. It leads the region and many countries in the world,” he added.
Brics representation
The Ministry of Finance was chosen to represent the UAE in the Brics group. The country became a member in January.
It will work in co-operation with the Central Bank of the UAE.
“Our membership within this important global economic bloc reflects our keenness to work with everyone, and building economic bridges with all economically active blocs in the world, and our commitment to building diverse global economic relations,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
AI
A charter for the use of AI was also adopted at the meeting, so that the UAE complies with high standards of safety and privacy.
“In today's session, we also approved a general framework for sustainable government digital transformation and a charter for the use of artificial intelligence in the country,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
“This ensures compliance with the highest standards of safety and privacy, guaranteeing a positive and lasting impact on society.”
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Sinopharm vaccine explained
The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades.
“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.
"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."
This is then injected into the body.
"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.
"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."
The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.
Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.
“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
Emiratisation was introduced in the UAE more than 10 years ago
It aims to boost the number of citizens in the workforce particularly in the private sector.
Growing the number of Emiratis in the workplace will help the UAE reduce dependence on overseas workers
The Cabinet in December last year, approved a national fund for Emirati jobseekers and guaranteed citizens working in the private sector a comparable pension
President Sheikh Khalifa has described Emiratisation as “a true measure for success”.
During the UAE’s 48th National Day, Sheikh Khalifa named education, entrepreneurship, Emiratisation and space travel among cornerstones of national development
More than 80 per cent of Emiratis work in the federal or local government as per 2017 statistics
The Emiratisation programme includes the creation of 20,000 new jobs for UAE citizens
UAE citizens will be given priority in managerial positions in the government sphere
The purpose is to raise the contribution of UAE nationals in the job market and create a diverse workforce of citizens
In the Restaurant: Society in Four Courses
Christoph Ribbat
Translated by Jamie Searle Romanelli
Pushkin Press
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
