Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.
Pope Leo XIV meets Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda. Reuters
"Your Holiness, tell the world that we will not die, we will not leave, we will not despair and we will not surrender ..."
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's welcoming words to Pope Leo XIV when he arrived in the country have brought tears to my eyes.
As a journalist and Lebanese expat, covering the Pope's historic visit to my home country as part of his first overseas trip has made me feel sentimental.
Lebanon has been reeling from compounding crises since 2019, the cumulative effects of which forced me to pack up and leave five years ago. But last year's war with Israel was truly Lebanon's final straw ‐ thousands killed, homes destroyed, villages razed and reconstruction efforts obstructed.
Despite a fragile ceasefire, Israel has yet to cease fire. Near-daily attacks on Lebanon continue while the country attempts to heal and recover. I know none of this sounds like very good news – but that's where the significance of the Pope's visit comes in.
With a message of peace and perseverance, the pontiff landed in Beirut on Sunday. Despite the heavy rain, he was greeted by crowds of people from different faiths and backgrounds waving Lebanese and Vatican flags, as well as a traditional dabke performance.
And just like that, watching the celebrations in real time on my phone screen – as I once watched the destruction of the war – replaced the hurt with hope, and the pain with pride.
"There is a shining quality that distinguishes the Lebanese. You are a people who do not give up, but in the face of trials, always know how to rise again with courage," Pope Leo said. "You have suffered greatly ... but you have always wanted, and known how, to start again."
The pontiff called this "the language of hope". Despite feeling let down by my country one too many times, I still find reasons for hope, and I still choose to hold on to them – as should you.
A popemobile used by Pope Francis has been turned into a mobile health clinic to support children in Gaza. AP
One of Pope Francis's popemobiles has been transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza, fulfilling one of the late pontiff's final wishes.
The "Vehicle of Hope" has been repurposed to deliver care to children displaced and injured by the war. It aims to reach areas of the enclave that are inaccessible for ordinary ambulances.
Pope Leo, who was elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, hailed the move for bringing "healing and compassion to children in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza". He said the popemobile's new mission "reflects the love and solidarity embodied in Pope Francis’s legacy". Pope Francis, who died in April, was known for his vocal support for Palestinians.
“The Vehicle of Hope is another step in easing the suffering of the most vulnerable, especially children," said Anton Asfar, secretary general of Caritas Jerusalem and head of the project. "It will play a vital role in delivering qualified medical care, while also standing as a symbol of hope."
Quoted
'Today, political change in Syria means hope and I wish to ... contribute, even in a very modest way, to the country’s reconstruction'
– Iyad Jaber, 38, left his dream job as a French diplomat to set up a new life in Damascus after the downfall of former president Bashar Al Assad's regime
Young Gazans attend the film festival, which is to run until December 20. AFP
Children in Gaza are enjoying a rare moment of relief as a film festival aims to help them recover from the effects of Israel's war on the enclave.
The first Gaza Children’s Film Festival opened last week with a screening of Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 Palme d’Or-winning short film The Red Balloon. The film is set in a dark and grey post-Second World War Paris, with the balloon serving as a symbol of hope and light.
Held under the theme “We Love Life, Tomorrow", the festival is to run in several parts of Gaza until December 20, bringing cinema to children whose lives have been upended by two years of violence.
Organisers described the event as “a true window of hope amid difficult circumstances". They said the festival showed the enduring ability of art to foster life and resilience, even in times of destruction.
Snapshot
Palestinians at Al Shati refugee camp enjoy the entertainment at the Gaza Children's Film Festival. AFP
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700. The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers. The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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
The flights Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur,Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang,Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes. 23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi,Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
