Fouad Siniora was prime minister of Lebanon from 2005 to 2008, and is chairman of the Future Movement parliamentary bloc.
November 13, 2023
It is with heavy hearts and infinite sadness that we follow the news from Gaza.
The region has had its share of violence but never on this calamitous scale. The tremendous loss of innocent civilian lives and the extensive destruction of nuclear proportions in the occupied territory has shocked the world.
The protests around the world have been hitherto unseen, and they are an expression of global conscience and solidarity with the people of Gaza who have been dragged into this war without having a say.
Different and opposing narratives have been promoted but none justify the cruel onslaught, least of all that of the right of Israel for self-defence. Current events cannot be taken out of context of decades of occupation, siege, misery and injustice. For too long, the plight of the Palestinians has been ignored, as well as the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and international laws.
A just and lasting peace is more urgent than ever.
The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative needs to be revisited as the basis of a comprehensive plan that acknowledges the right of the Palestinians to have their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. We have learnt that no peace and stability in this region is possible if we fail to address the central issue of Palestinian rights.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Vice President, is received by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Acting Governor of the Riyadh Region, at King Khalid International Airport. UAE Presidential Court
Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrives in Riyadh. SPA
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, left, is received at the airport in Riyadh. Mr Raisi is in Saudi Arabia to attend the Organisation of Islamic Countries leaders' summit on Palestine and will likely meet high-ranking Saudi officials for the first time since the restoration of bilateral ties between Tehran and Riyadh. EPA
Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, arrives for the OIC summit. SPA
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrives in Riyadh. SPA
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid arrives. SPA
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, third left, is welcomed at the airport. SPA
Uzbekistan's Prime Minister, Abdulla Aripov, second left, arrives in Riyadh. SPA
Syria's President Bashar Al Assad arrives for the OIC summit in Riyadh. SPA
Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrives in Riyadh to attend the OIC summit. SPA
The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, in Riyadh. SPA
If we do not have all the just answers now, we never will
In a desperate attempt to woo western audiences and justify the level of violence, a reframing of the conflict is presented to undermine the Palestinian dimension. The conflict is said to be part of the war on terror, similar in many ways to the war on ISIS, thereby justifying collateral damage.
An even more sinister attempt is being made to label the conflict as a civilisational war – the West against the rest – as if we are still in the times of the Crusades. This confuses cause with consequence: such tensions are the outcome of the violence against Gaza and not the reason for it.
It is true that the Israel-Gaza war has created a major rift between East and West, perhaps more so than after 9/11. We have seen that the cultural and interfaith ramifications of the ongoing conflict are enormous. They should be reasons for us to stop the bombing of Gaza at any cost, to avoid consequences that can escalate the conflict and give it a global dimension. Presenting the war as an inevitable clash of civilisations is a false rationale to validate its continuation.
The alarming rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia is a symptom of growing interfaith tensions that could reverse years of progress in that field. The recent split in the UN General Assembly vote on the Arab proposition attests to the alarming East-West rift resulting from the war.
We must not fall into the trap of extremists, who are opposed to a just settlement and are responsible for its failure. This attempt at dividing the world along cultural and religious lines is going to fail. There are more values, principles and interests that bring us together.
The first, and most urgent, step is to secure a ceasefire, in order to stop further deteriorations. Then a political process is to be immediately initiated. It should involve the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, and it requires collaboration with Europe, the US, as well as the UN Security Council.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks prior to a meeting about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, at the UN headquarters in New York City, last week. Reuters
This is a time when wisdom should trump emotion. History will hold us all accountable if we fail – and we cannot, and should not, fail.
The implementation of international resolutions and the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state should be our top priority. It should meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people and ensure security for all, foremost of all the warring parties.
It has been more than 30 years since the Madrid Middle East Peace Conference and the launch of the Oslo Peace Process, following which the Security Council failed to take the necessary measures to implement its relevant resolutions, thus succumbing to the agendas of the extremists.
Over the years, numerous studies have been undertaken, reports prepared, and meetings and consultations held, in which every aspect of the conflict has been dissected. If we do not have all the just answers now, we never will.
Resolutions drafted at the joint Arab-Islamic nations summit over the weekend in Riyadh – comprised of 57 countries – unanimously called for an immediate ceasefire. This set of resolutions should be considered a strong and serious message to the whole world that it is high time to move now, in lock step, towards a comprehensive, just and permanent peace.
Like many others in the Arab world, I applaud the moral and unwavering stance of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the Palestinian issue as well as on the larger Arab-Israeli conflict. A bold and noble effort is needed to stop this bloodshed.
This is not a civilisational war, nor is this a war on terror, and we must not let emotions lead us to further destruction.
Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand
Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat
Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar
Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices
Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants
Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series
All matches at the Harare Sports Club:
1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16
UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
What is the definition of an SME?
SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.
A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors.
1 Joost Luiten produced a memorable hole in one at the par-three fourth in the first round.
2 To date, the only two players to win the PGA Championship after winning the week before are Rory McIlroy (2014 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational) and Tiger Woods (2007, WGC-Bridgestone Invitational). Hideki Matsuyama or Chris Stroud could have made it three.
3 Number of seasons without a major for McIlroy, who finished in a tie for 22nd.
4 Louis Oosthuizen has now finished second in all four of the game's major championships.
5 In the fifth hole of the final round, McIlroy holed his longest putt of the week - from 16ft 8in - for birdie.
6 For the sixth successive year, play was disrupted by bad weather with a delay of one hour and 43 minutes on Friday.
7 Seven under par (64) was the best round of the week, shot by Matsuyama and Francesco Molinari on Day 2.
8 Number of shots taken by Jason Day on the 18th hole in round three after a risky recovery shot backfired.
9 Jon Rahm's age in months the last time Phil Mickelson missed the cut in the US PGA, in 1995.
10 Jimmy Walker's opening round as defending champion was a 10-over-par 81.
11 The par-four 11th coincidentally ranked as the 11th hardest hole overall with a scoring average of 4.192.
12 Paul Casey was a combined 12 under par for his first round in this year's majors.
13 The average world ranking of the last 13 PGA winners before this week was 25. Kevin Kisner began the week ranked 25th.
14 The world ranking of Justin Thomas before his victory.
15 Of the top 15 players after 54 holes, only Oosthuizen had previously won a major.
16 The par-four 16th marks the start of Quail Hollow's so-called "Green Mile" of finishing holes, some of the toughest in golf.
17 The first round scoring average of the last 17 major champions was 67.2. Kisner and Thorbjorn Olesen shot 67 on day one at Quail Hollow.
18 For the first time in 18 majors, the eventual winner was over par after round one (Thomas shot 73).
Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Living in...
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.
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo Power: 235hp Torque: 350Nm Transmission: Nine-speed automatic Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000) On sale: Now
Chatham House Rule
A mark of Chatham House’s influence 100 years on since its founding, was Moscow’s formal declaration last month that it was an “undesirable organisation”.
The depth of knowledge and academics that it drew on following the Ukraine invasion had broadcast Mr Putin’s chicanery.
The institute is more used to accommodating world leaders, with Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher among those helping it provide authoritative commentary on world events.
Chatham House was formally founded as the Royal Institute of International Affairs following the peace conferences of World War One. Its founder, Lionel Curtis, wanted a more scientific examination of international affairs with a transparent exchange of information and ideas.
That arena of debate and analysis was enhanced by the “Chatham House Rule” states that the contents of any meeting can be discussed outside Chatham House but no mention can be made identifying individuals who commented.
This has enabled some candid exchanges on difficult subjects allowing a greater degree of free speech from high-ranking figures.
These meetings are highly valued, so much so that ambassadors reported them in secret diplomatic cables that – when they were revealed in the Wikileaks reporting – were thus found to have broken the rule. However, most speeches are held on the record.
Its research and debate has offered fresh ideas to policymakers enabling them to more coherently address troubling issues from climate change to health and food security.
