President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday received a phone call from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The two men discussed efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and stressed their commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at establishing regional security and stability, state news agency Wam reported.
Both sides highlighted the importance of establishing comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution as the way to achieve stability in the region.
Sheikh Mohamed praised Mr Starmer’s statements regarding Britain's intention to recognise the Palestinian state. He also stressed the priority of reaching an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and continuing the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
The Prime Minister's office released a statement following the talks, which set out the UK's support for efforts to bring about peace and deliver more aid to Gaza.
“He [Mr Starmer] explained the UK’s intention to recognise the state of Palestine before UNGA in September unless significant progress is made and long-term peace negotiations have started," the statement said.
"He reiterated that the UK calls unequivocally for the immediate release of all hostages and that Hamas must sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no role in Gaza’s future.
"The leaders agreed that a viable and sovereign Palestinian state living alongside a safe and secure Israel can be the only basis for just and lasting peace and that they would stay in close touch.”
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the UK government's intention to recognise Palestine's statehood at September's UN gathering.
He said the step would reinforce efforts by the international community to achieve a two-state solution and secure peace in the Middle East.
Sheikh Abdullah expressed his appreciation for a "significant decision", which came at a critical juncture in efforts to end the deadly conflict.
History made
On Tuesday, Mr Starmer said the UK will recognise Palestinian statehood in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.
“I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,” he said. “I can confirm the UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the UN General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire and commits to a long-term sustainable peace reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.”
Avoiding famine
It comes as the worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding rapidly in Gaza and the Palestinian death toll from Israel's war in the territory has crossed 60,000.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) issued an alert on Tuesday over the rise in hunger-related deaths in the enclave, saying access to food and other essentials has plummeted to unprecedented low levels.
The IPC's alert over the dire situation has been echoed by other humanitarian groups around the world, as pressure mounts on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
