Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara meets US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh earlier this month. Reuters
Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara meets US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh earlier this month. Reuters
Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara meets US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh earlier this month. Reuters
Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara meets US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh earlier this month. Reuters


Syrian gratitude for global support in a challenging time


The National
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May 23, 2025

The situation in Gaza requires urgent intervention

I write in reference to Nada AlTaher's article Israeli civilians try to stop aid lorries from entering Gaza (May 21): by killing women, children and elders, the situation in Gaza is further worsening, and those involved in these atrocities are losing support and sympathy from their partners around the world.

From a humanitarian perspective, it is especially worrying when supplies are being prevented from entering the conflict zone. Such attempts are a shame for all human beings around the world.

It is certain that this conflict cannot resolve the root cause of the Palestine-Israel issue. And so, while the world community has so far been unable to resolve it peacefully, the UN and the US, together with the Arab world, must continue to find ways in doing so.

Ramachandran Nair, Kerala, India

Sanctions relief for Syrians

I write in reference to Khaled Yacoub Oweis's report EU set to lift sanctions on Syria's central bank (May 20): we really appreciate the European Union and the efforts of the rest of the international community. Gratitude from Syria.

Rima Alhabash, Damascus, Syria

Agritech's future in the East

I write in reference to Rachel Kelly's article China-UAE AgriTech Dh120 million megaproject to launch in Al Ain (May 19): this is an exciting move in agritech. This Al Ain hub boosts food security and highlights UAE-China synergy in agriculture innovation. It's a huge step towards a sustainable future.

Ahmed P, Cairo, Egypt

Tackling chronic disease in Abu Dhabi

I write in reference to Shireena Al Nowais's article Abu Dhabi launches campaign to cover costs of chronic disease care (May 19): it is outstanding to see Abu Dhabi champion health care for all. Such forward-thinking support for chronic illness uplifts citizens and expatriates alike. It's a proud moment for the UAE community.

Wassim A, Sharjah

Beirut's cultural recovery

I write in reference to Robert McKelvey's article Beihouse: Upscale community hub rises from the ashes of the Beirut Port explosion (May 16): how nice it is to see the way Beihouse is reviving the cultural pulse of Beirut's Gemmayzeh neighbourhood. This is heritage and innovation in dialogue, and truly speaks to the city's memory.

BC, Granada, Spain

Dubai a global educational hub

I write in reference to the article Number of university students in Dubai surges by 20% (May 19): over the years, Dubai has evolved into a prominent educational hub, home to several globally recognised universities. This growth highlights the emirate’s impressive standing in the international arena. Today, it offers vast opportunities for international students across all academic fields, making it a truly global destination for higher education.

All of this progress is a result of the forward-thinking policies aimed at not only advancing the lives of Emiratis but also welcoming students from around the world. Kudos to Dubai for its commitment to education, diversity and global excellence.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Scoreline

Saudi Arabia 1-0 Japan

 Saudi Arabia Al Muwallad 63’

COPA DEL REY

Semi-final, first leg

Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')

Second leg, February 27

The nine articles of the 50-Year Charter

1. Dubai silk road

2.  A geo-economic map for Dubai

3. First virtual commercial city

4. A central education file for every citizen

5. A doctor to every citizen

6. Free economic and creative zones in universities

7. Self-sufficiency in Dubai homes

8. Co-operative companies in various sectors

­9: Annual growth in philanthropy

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

The Florida Project

Director: Sean Baker

Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe

Four stars

How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

Quick%20facts
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AndhaDhun

Director: Sriram Raghavan

Producer: Matchbox Pictures, Viacom18

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte, Anil Dhawan

Rating: 3.5/5

Water waste

In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.

Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.

A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.

The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

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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

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Updated: May 23, 2025, 3:00 AM