Dr Ebtesam Al Ketbi is the president of the Emirates Policy Centre
January 18, 2024
New beginnings often inspire hope and signify the presence of upcoming milestones. In that spirit, the start of this new year inspires the UAE, even as the country maintains its established trajectory from previous years.
Recent years have witnessed a new approach to shaping Gulf security through economic and diplomacy gateways. This approach is based on the importance of de-escalation in the entire region and diplomatic – not military – tools to enhance regional stability and focus on economic development.
Events such as the ongoing Israel-Gaza war are a fundamental challenge to the approach of de-escalation and expansion of economic co-operation. However, recognising the need for a political solution between Palestinians and Israelis based on the two-state solution is unlikely to disrupt the expansion of economic co-operation. This has become evident in the response to the war in Gaza among regional actors and beyond.
There are, of course, difficulties, challenges and even a certain fragility that sometimes come with this approach, especially when conflicts, wars and divisions erupt. Such developments are always expected, especially in our region. The UAE has a realistic perspective on the enormous difficulties surrounding the Middle East – one that is opposed to regression or any halting of the wheel of development. It continues to prepare for the future while these difficulties are being resolved.
The visit by President Sheikh Mohamed to India on January 9 clearly reflects that approach. The visit came a day after Sheikh Mohamed’s meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Abu Dhabi to discuss the fallout of the war in Gaza.
UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi delivers a presentation during the inauguration of the Gateway Lunar Space Station construction project at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi. UAE Presidential Court
2024 is poised to be a pivotal milestone in diversifying partnerships and forging global connections
On January 7, the UAE announced its participation in Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station alongside the US, Japan, Canada and the EU. It is one of the most important international space projects of the 21st century. As part of the project, the UAE will send the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to the Moon after the station’s completion in 2030.
This is undoubtedly a unique step towards accessing valuable and accurate scientific and engineering data that will be appropriately employed to enhance the UAE’s knowledge in this field and boost its status and ability to prepare for the future. The first elements of this project are expected to be launched by 2025, while the Emirates Airlock is scheduled to be launched by 2030.
In the early days of the new year, the UAE announced a limited cabinet reshuffle in the federal government. The objective was to infuse more expertise and youthful energy into decision making, reinforcing the core pillars of prosperity, security and innovation. Recently, during the official visit of Sheikh Mohamed to Baku, the UAE signed several memorandums of co-operation with Azerbaijan. These agreements cover strategic collaboration, investments and financing, marking a significant step in bilateral relations.
Through such engagements, the UAE focuses on two strategic fronts. First, it fosters co-operation to address conflicts, crises, wars and unresolved issues to generate just and sustainable solutions. Second, it demonstrates a clear commitment to enhancing stability through prosperity, economic and participatory diplomacy, expanding opportunities and building bridges.
With the UAE concluding 10 comprehensive economic partnership agreements and negotiating with several other countries, 2024 is poised to be a pivotal milestone in diversifying partnerships and forging global connections. The President’s recent visit to India focused on critical areas, including investment co-operation in developing food parks, renewable energy and innovative health care, and establishing sustainable, green and efficient ports.
Palestinian Muhammad Al Durra with his children in the ruins of a house in Rafah where they sheltered on January 11, 2024. EPA
Family and friends at the funerals of journalists Hamza Al Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuraya on January 7, 2024 in Rafah, Gaza. Getty Images
Palestinians mourn relatives killed by Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip outside a mortuary in Khan Younis January 4, 2024. AP Photo
Displaced Palestinians queue to bake bread at a camp in the Muwasi area of Rafah, Gaza Strip, on December 23, 2023. AP Photo
Palestinians queue for food in Rafah, the Gaza Strip, on December 20, 2023. AP Photo
The ruins of Rafah on December 14, 2023. AFP
Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive at a hospital in Khan Younis on December 8, 2023. AP Photo
Palestinians flee Israeli bombing along the Salaheddine Road in the Zeitoun district of Gaza city on November 28, 2023. AFP
A Red Cross vehicle takes Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip into Egypt in Rafah on November 25, 2023. AP
The ruins of buildings in Gaza city on November 24, 2023, as a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas took effect. AP Photo
A woman and her cat return home to eastern Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip during the first hours of a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas forces on November 24, 2023. AFP
Mourning the dead of Israeli bombardment outside the mortuary at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on November 14, 2023. AFP
Civilians and rescuers look for survivors in the rubble of a building after Israeli bombing of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on November 12, 2023. AFP
November 7, 2023, a month to the day after Hamas attacked Israel, a victim of an Israeli bombardment in Rafah is moved from the rubble. AFP
Searching the rubble after Israeli air strikes on the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on October 26, 2023. AP Photo
Mourning the Kotz family at their funeral in Gan Yavne, Israel, on October 17, 2023. AP Photo
An Israeli firefighter composes himself after he and his colleagues extinguished cars set on fire by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, Israel, on October 9, 2023. AP Photo
Palestinians with the wreckage of an Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of the city of Khan Younis on October 7, 2023, the day Hamas forces swept unopposed into Israel. AP Photo
Israeli police officers evacuate a woman and a child from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel, on October 7, 2023. AP Photo
Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, has said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement programme is expected to boost the UAE’s exports by 33 per cent and contribute over Dh153 billion ($41.7 billion) to the national gross domestic product by 2031. The programme’s impact is already evident.
These efforts align with the UAE’s persistent call for de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with pursuing a political horizon leading to a just and comprehensive solution.
The proposed solution is rooted in the two-state paradigm, emphasising the importance of avoiding procrastination and not relying solely on power balance. Simultaneously, there’s a concurrent call for regional and international efforts to mitigate conflicts and promote regional stability, encompassing countries such as Sudan, Syria, Yemen and others.
Explaining this approach, Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, has asserted that the Israeli war on Gaza underscores the need for the UAE and other regional actors to collaborate in ensuring regional stability. “National plans, such as enhancing development and expanding the economy and trade,” he said, “must move forward. I don’t believe national plans should pause, as there will always be major regional issues that will surprise us.”
The year 2024 has undoubtedly already necessitated a UAE policy that weaves caution with perseverance, but the year is off to a promising start all the same.
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
Bayern Munich 3 Chelsea 2
Bayern: Rafinha (6'), Muller (12', 27')
Chelsea: Alonso (45' 3), Batshuayi (85')
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11 What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time. TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 162
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 138
6. Sergio Perez, Force India - 68
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
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
