Palestinian schoolgirls participate in morning exercise at an UNRWA-run school in Gaza. Reuters
Palestinian schoolgirls participate in morning exercise at an UNRWA-run school in Gaza. Reuters
Palestinian schoolgirls participate in morning exercise at an UNRWA-run school in Gaza. Reuters
Palestinian schoolgirls participate in morning exercise at an UNRWA-run school in Gaza. Reuters


In 2020, Palestine had its worst year in three decades. Will 2021 be worse?


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  • Arabic

October 05, 2021

For most of the world, caught in the grip of a pandemic, 2021 has been a year of inching painfully in the direction of progress. For Palestine, it has been a year of a few steps forward, many steps back.

Sunday saw a forward step, when Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas hosted Israel’s Health Minister, Nitzan Horowitz, in the West Bank. Mr Horowitz is now the second high-level Israeli official to meet Mr Abbas since the formation of Israel's new government, after Defence Minister Benny Gantz did so in August. After Sunday's meeting, Mr Horowitz posted on his Twitter account: "We have a shared mission: to preserve the hope for peace on the basis of a two-state solution.”

A two-state solution would represent much more than a step; it would be a titanic leap forward. After more than seven decades of tragedy, it remains the most just and feasible end to the conflict. Unfortunately, Mr Horowitz’s tweet is no indicator of a sea change. Palestinian and Israeli peace advocates, along with the majority of the international community, have long pushed hard for it, only to be pushed back by the conservative wing of Israeli politics.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz met in August. AFP
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz met in August. AFP

As Palestine’s dreams of sovereignty are dashed, its humanitarian situation only grows worse. On Friday, the UN agency in charge of helping Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, was forced to appeal for an urgent $120 million, as a result of what it called a "real existential threat to the organisation". The agency oversees education for 550,000 children, health care for thousands and other essential social services where there are populations of Palestinian refugees.

The US administration under Joe Biden has renewed its support of UNRWA to the tune of $235 million after its predecessor withdrew funding, but the agency's finances have been hit by a wider reduction in donations from other countries as the world struggles with the economic consequences of the pandemic.

Keeping Palestinian society moving is more important than ever, particularly after 2020, which the UN called the worst year for Palestinians in 30 years. Palestine's economy shrank by 11.5 per cent, and more than 66,000 of its people lost their jobs. The main cause of this is the pandemic, which will carry on being a burden for Palestine as it struggles to implement the many strategies needed to control the virus.

It is quite something if 2020 was the worst year during three decades of war, economic crisis and ongoing encroachment of Palestinian sovereignty. It highlights the need for more meetings such as August's between Mr Abbas and Mr Gantz, which are more than surface-level attempts to signal the end of the hawkish Netanyahu era. Today, new frameworks are in place to push real change; Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE ambassador to the US, recently told The National that the Abraham Accords would continue to thrive under President Joe Biden.

If meetings do genuinely intend to make the situation better, then both parties must make a renewed and genuine push towards peace.

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

The specs

Price, base: Dh228,000 / Dh232,000 (est)
Engine: 5.7-litre Hemi V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 552Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.5L / 100km

PAKISTAN SQUAD

Pakistan - Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Rumman Raees.

((Disclaimer))

The Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (“Bank”) assumes no liability or guarantee for the accuracy, balance, or completeness of the information in this publication. The content may change at any time due to given circumstances, and the Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG is under no obligation to update information once it has been published. This publication is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, a recommendation or an invitation by, or on behalf of, Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch), Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG, or any of its group affiliates to make any investments or obtain services. This publication has not been reviewed, disapproved or approved by the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) Central Bank, Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) or any other relevant licensing authorities in the UAE. It may not be relied upon by or distributed to retail clients. Liechtensteinische Landesbank (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the DFSA and this advertorial is intended for Professional Clients (as defined by the DFSA) who have sufficient financial experience and understanding of financial markets, products or transactions and any associated risks.

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: CVT auto

Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km

On sale: now

Price: from Dh195,000 

HOW TO WATCH

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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • 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
Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

World ranking (at month’s end)
Jan - 257
Feb - 198
Mar - 159
Apr - 161
May - 159
Jun – 162
Currently: 88

Year-end rank since turning pro
2016 - 279
2015 - 185
2014 - 143
2013 - 63
2012 - 384
2011 - 883

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Racecard
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if you go

The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.

The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.

 

 

The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km

Price: from Dh547,600

On sale: now 

England World Cup squad

Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Directed by: Craig Gillespie

Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry

4/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Updated: October 05, 2021, 3:00 AM