President Sheikh Mohamed discusses Gaza and Lebanon on state visit to Kuwait


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President Sheikh Mohamed discussed the continuing violence in the Middle East during talks with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal. Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Kuwait on Sunday for a state visit. The two leaders also discussed ways to bolster relations between the two nations and across the Gulf Co-operation Council.

They underlined the need to step up efforts to halt hostilities in Gaza, while ensuring the safety of civilians in line with international humanitarian law. They also emphasised the need to create a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

"I was pleased to meet with my brother Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, to discuss the deep-rooted and historical ties of friendship and co-operation between the UAE and Kuwait," said Sheikh Mohamed, on social media platform X.

"Together, we will continue to work to achieve lasting growth, development, and prosperity in service of our nations while advancing peace for the benefit of the region's peoples."

The two leaders called for "urgent international action to cease hostilities in Lebanon and provide protection for civilians there", UAE state news agency Wam reported. They emphasised the need to intensify efforts to prevent the further expansion of conflict across the Middle East.

Also high on the agenda were ways to bolster the level of co-operation between the nations – particularly in the economy, trade and investment. They said their countries were committed to building on the bonds of "brotherhood, mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests".

Raising the level of co-operation between nations within the GCC was also discussed with a commitment to support all efforts to enhance regional security and stability. Sheikh Mohamed was also welcomed by Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait.

The UAE and Kuwaiti national anthems were played, with a guard of honour in place at the welcoming ceremony at Amiri Airport. Sheikh Mohamed's plane was accompanied by a military escort as it entered Kuwaiti airspace.

During a brief stop in the airport's VIP lounge, Sheikh Mohamed engaged in discussions with Sheikh Meshal, expressing the depth of the enduring bonds that link the two nations, according to state news agency Wam.

The convoy then made its way to Bayan Palace, accompanied by the Emir. On arrival, a 21-gun salute was fired, while an aircraft bearing the UAE flag flew overhead. The procession was flanked by riders on horseback and children waving the flags from both countries while singing welcome messages.

The state visit from Sheikh Mohamed concluded on Sunday afternoon, with Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah and a delegation bidding him farewell at the airport. Sheikh Mohamed's visit followed a meeting with Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior, in Abu Dhabi in September.

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Hydrogen: Market potential

Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.

"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.

Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.

The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.

The specs: 2019 Infiniti QX50

Price, base: Dh138,000 (estimate)
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 268hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy: 6.7L / 100km (estimate)

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The biog

Name: Salem Alkarbi

Age: 32

Favourite Al Wasl player: Alexandre Oliveira

First started supporting Al Wasl: 7

Biggest rival: Al Nasr

Retail gloom

Online grocer Ocado revealed retail sales fell 5.7 per cen in its first quarter as customers switched back to pre-pandemic shopping patterns.

It was a tough comparison from a year earlier, when the UK was in lockdown, but on a two-year basis its retail division, a joint venture with Marks&Spencer, rose 31.7 per cent over the quarter.

The group added that a 15 per cent drop in customer basket size offset an 11.6. per cent rise in the number of customer transactions.

Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

The Breadwinner

Director: Nora Twomey

Starring: Saara Chaudry,  Soma Chhaya,  Laara Sadiq 

Three stars

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Updated: November 10, 2024, 3:52 PM