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

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'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

The biog

Favourite colour: Brown

Favourite Movie: Resident Evil

Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices

Favourite food: Pizza

Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes

Cheat’s nigiri 
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.

Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.

Deconstructed sushi salad platter 
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.

Updated: May 23, 2025, 3:00 AM