This February marks 50 years since Finland and the UAE established diplomatic relations. Our friendship has been cemented over the past five decades through constantly growing trade relations and a mutual commitment to playing an active role in the international community in order to address global challenges.
Today, we shall look ahead and focus on the next 50 years to come. Together, we will make use of new and emerging technologies to future-proof our economies and societies and to ensure a sustainable future for the next generations. Together, we will work to ensure the functioning of multilateral co-operation structures and the rules-based system grounded in international law. Finland and the UAE may be far apart geographically, but we share a sense of heightened responsibility for finding solutions to current and future challenges. Combatting climate change and biodiversity loss are litmus tests for multilateralism, to say nothing of the ongoing conflicts in our neighbourhoods.
Just over a year ago at Cop28, the UAE ushered the global community into a crucial agreement on transitioning away from fossil fuels. Moving forward, it is important to ensure that climate actions align with the broader development agenda. The Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) plays an important part in this. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which I will have the honour of attending on my visit to the UAE, is even further proof of the UAE’s commitment to leadership in combatting climate change.
When it comes to trade, Finland and the UAE have a stable, long-standing relationship. The UAE is now Finland’s top trading partner in the Gulf and Middle East region. On my visit to the UAE, I will be accompanied by leading Finnish businesses looking for opportunities to boost trade relations and intensify co-operation further. The UAE’s dynamic and forward-leaning vision for development, combined with Finnish know-how and expertise in digital solutions, advanced technology and innovation, is an excellent match.
Our two countries contribute far more actively to the international system than our size would suggest. Finland joined the EU 30 years ago this January. Today, we are a militarily aligned country, having joined Nato in April 2023. Together with our friends and allies who share our values and interests, we are stronger and better able to defend stability.
Our two countries contribute far more actively to the international system than our size would suggest
Nato’s first priority is to resolve conflicts peacefully. A strong and resilient society is an important part of Nato’s defence work. But our friendships extend beyond the borders of the EU and Nato – the world is far too small to isolate ourselves in separate bubbles. We recognise that the UAE, and the Gulf region more broadly, plays a crucial role in rebuilding stability and fostering prosperity throughout the Middle East. In Europe, we continue to face the major conflict of our time, as Ukraine demonstrates remarkable resilience by fighting for its independence and sovereignty. Finland’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast. In the Middle East, we call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and intensified diplomatic efforts to establish peace between Israel and Palestine based on a two-state model.
Finland and the UAE are united by something the Finns call “sisu” – a kind of stamina, perseverance and determination. “Sisu” is about being hopeful but realistic.
The UAE’s support to victims of conflict through humanitarian efforts is commendable. Finland has a tradition of diplomacy that involves actively engaging in conflict resolution and mediation. We cannot influence everything, but we take the opportunities we get to foster peace and stability. We recognise that our security and economy are tied to the global system.
Last year, for the seventh year in a row, Finland was named the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report. The UAE also places great importance on the happiness and well-being of its inhabitants. The relationship between our two countries remains strong. Together, we will continue to work to enhance the well-being of our citizens, but also for global happiness and the betterment of humanity. This is a challenge no country can tackle alone.
Sreesanth's India bowling career
Tests 27, Wickets 87, Average 37.59, Best 5-40
ODIs 53, Wickets 75, Average 33.44, Best 6-55
T20Is 10, Wickets 7, Average 41.14, Best 2-12
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
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A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
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Brief scores
Toss India, chose to bat
India 281-7 in 50 ov (Pandya 83, Dhoni 79; Coulter-Nile 3-44)
Australia 137-9 in 21 ov (Maxwell 39, Warner 25; Chahal 3-30)
India won by 26 runs on Duckworth-Lewis Method
More coverage from the Future Forum
Henrik Stenson's finishes at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship:
2006 - 2
2007 - 8
2008 - 2
2009 - MC
2010 - 21
2011 - 42
2012 - MC
2013 - 23
2014 - MC
2015 - MC
2016 - 3
2017 - 8
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on animal trafficking
THREE
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More from Neighbourhood Watch
Miss Granny
Director: Joyce Bernal
Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa
3/5
(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
