The UAE aims to make its mark in the field of humanitarian work. It has achieved this aim by launching a series of initiatives to confront challenges and strengthen global resilience to natural disasters. The UAE’s efforts have helped ease the burden of those hit hardest by disaster or tragedy, especially those living in poverty-stricken countries.
In fact, one of the key pillars of this country's foreign policy is humanitarian work. Several factors set our philanthropic initiatives apart.
First, they are endorsed at an institutional level and often enjoy the direct support of the country's leadership.
Second, these initiatives are not just limited to providing material assistance to needy people and helping to ease their suffering, but also involve officials visiting crisis-ridden areas in person.
Third, these efforts have been an integral part of the UAE’s foreign policy since the very day the country was formed in 1971.
Fourth, the country's aid is always a purely humanitarian act and bears with it no political connotations. And lastly, the UAE's aid reaches individuals in need regardless of religion, sect, colour or race.
There are extensive statistics that prove that the UAE’s humanitarian approach is a core part of its foreign policy. One needn't look further than the figures.
According to reports from the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the UAE ranked first in the world in 2013, 2014 and 2016 as an international donor to Official Development Assistance. The country also came second in 2015.
The country donated almost $6 billion (Dh22 billion) in foreign aid in 2013, meaning the country also ranked first for having the highest development assistance percentage of gross national income, having given 1.3 per cent of its GNI as ODA and thus exceeding the UN target of 0.7 per cent for donor countries – a percentage only a few other UN member states actually reached.
In 2014, the UAE gave $6.16 billion, or 1.26 per cent of GNI. In 2015, the country gave $8.8 billion, 1.09 per cent of GNI.
Indeed, these consecutive examples have proven a source of inspiration for other donors. Two initiatives, in particular, stand out in that they have attracted the attention of the international community and humanitarian organisations. These are the UAE Water Aid (Suqia) campaign and the Polio Eradication Initiative.
Three years ago, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched the UAE Water Aid Foundation, which aimed to provide clean drinking water to 5 million people around the world at the time. The campaign concluded with great success after raising Dh180 million in 18 days, which was enough to provide 7 million people with clean water.
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The following year, Sheikh Mohammed also announced that the foundation would be listed as a non-profit organisation under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which primarily aims to find long-term sustainable solutions to water shortages.
Although the organisation is still in its early years, it has already made great strides, quickly becoming a leading organisation at providing clean drinking water to disadvantaged people around the world. In addition, what makes it stand out from other similar organisations is its focus on research and development in using solar energy to desalinate and purify water.
In co-operation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, UAE Water Aid has so far carried out 10 projects in Somalia, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Ghana, Yemen and Benin, which have provided safe drinking water to about 60,000 people.
If there is anything such initiatives show, it is the takes to help maintain the dignity of millions of people who are suffering from poverty, deprivation and disease.
According to World Health Organisation statistics, a child dies every 21 seconds due to diseases related to drinking contaminated water. The WHO also estimates that almost 10,000 people die every single day either from these diseases or from thirst. The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated.
One of the pioneering international humanitarian initiatives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was his programme to help eradicate polio worldwide. The initiative received a huge amount of international attention and appreciation.
In its efforts to create a polio-free world within the next few years, the UAE has launched extensive global campaigns, providing oral polio vaccines for children under the age of 15 and accelerating efforts to eradicate the last remaining polio hotspots in the different regions of the world.
The initiative came within this global mission to eradicate polio and is at the forefront of the UAE's efforts to save children from easily preventable diseases. Launched by Sheikh Mohammed in 2011, the initiative has played a key role in countering this deadly disease.
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In fact, Sheikh Mohammed entered into a strategic partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide a total of $100 million in funds, split in half between the two parties, to purchase and provide vaccines for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In 2013, Sheikh Mohammed also donated Dh440 million to support global efforts to eradicate polio by next year, with a special focus on Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In short, the UAE has borne its fair share of international social responsibility. Scarcity of water resources, drought and polio are issues that continue to challenge governments around the world. There are many factors to thank for the UAE’s efficiency at rising to these challenges and helping to increase and maximise aid effectiveness.
Among them, the UAE works in philanthropy apolitically, raising zero suspicion of funding extremism. This is why its endeavours are always welcome, not just by international charity organisations, but by governments around the world.
Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi is the director general of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research
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The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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Zidane's managerial achievements
La Liga: 2016/17
Spanish Super Cup: 2017
Uefa Champions League: 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18
Uefa Super Cup: 2016, 2017
Fifa Club World Cup: 2016, 2017
ASHES SCHEDULE
First Test
November 23-27 (The Gabba, Brisbane)
Second Test
December 2-6 (Adelaide Oval, Adelaide)
Third Test
December 14-18 (Waca Ground, Perth)
Fourth Test
December 26-30 (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne)
Fifth Test
January 4-8, 2018 (Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney)
Company%20profile
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WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS
England v New Zealand (Saturday, 12pm)
Wales v South Africa (Sunday, 1pm)
The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
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Florence and the Machine – High as Hope
Three stars
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
T20 World Cup Qualifier
October 18 – November 2
Opening fixtures
Friday, October 18
ICC Academy: 10am, Scotland v Singapore, 2.10pm, Netherlands v Kenya
Zayed Cricket Stadium: 2.10pm, Hong Kong v Ireland, 7.30pm, Oman v UAE
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Rameez Shahzad, Darius D’Silva, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zawar Farid, Ghulam Shabber, Junaid Siddique, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Waheed Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Zahoor Khan
Players out: Mohammed Naveed, Shaiman Anwar, Qadeer Ahmed
Players in: Junaid Siddique, Darius D’Silva, Waheed Ahmed
MATCH DETAILS
Chelsea 4
Jorginho (4 pen, 71 pen), Azpilicueta (63), James (74)
Ajax 4
Abraham (2 og), Promes (20). Kepa (35 og), van de Beek (55)
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
Teaching in coronavirus times
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.