Live updates: Follow the latest on Syria
President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday set out the UAE's steadfast support for Syria following the fall of the Assad regime during a phone call with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. The UAE leader reiterated the UAE's commitment to Syria's "unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity" and spoke of the need to ensure security and stability in the country, the state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikh Mohamed and Ms von der Leyen underlined the importance of prioritising dialogue and understanding during a critical period in Syria's history. Meanwhile, the UN's human rights chief on Monday said there was the opportunity for inclusive dialogue on the political transition in Syria after the end of president Bashar Al Assad's regime.
“I hope that within this current environment that obviously there will be this inclusive, very inclusive dialogue,” that will involve each and every segment of the Syrian society, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told a Geneva press briefing. “There is a huge chance for this to happen. And what we have seen initially is indeed co-operation,” he said.
Sheikh Mohamed and Ms von der Leyen also reviewed ways to further co-operation and bolster existing ties between the Emirates and the European Union during the call. Their discussions came after Sheikh Mohamed held high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, which took place at Al Shati Palace, the two men discussed areas of co-operation between their countries while stressing the importance of historical ties, Wam reported.
Mr Starmer congratulated Sheikh Mohamed after the UAE celebrated its 53rd Eid Al Etihad, or National Day, this month. They also discussed a number of regional developments of common interest, reaffirming their desire for peace in the Middle East.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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Japan
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Canada
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South Korea
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Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
THE SPECS
BMW X7 xDrive 50i
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic transmission
Power: 462hp
Torque: 650Nm
Price: Dh600,000
The Written World: How Literature Shaped History
Martin Puchner
Granta
Why the Tourist Club?
Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.
In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.
It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.
Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.
Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.
Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.
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
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
