Survival summit



With much of the region's attention focused on the US-Israeli row, Nowruz celebrations and preparations for this weekend's opening of the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, one Middle East milestone received far too little attention. For nearly two weeks, delegations from up to 175 countries met in Doha to hash out what plants and animals are in danger of extinction and how to protect them from vanishing altogether.
It was the 15th time that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has met, but the first time it was convened in the Middle East. The process to decide measures for curbing or barring trade in threatened species is laborious and scientifically complicated. It also is inherently cultural and political, for one country's endangered species in need of protection is another's source of food or essential export.
Despite the inevitable clashes, all nations have a stake in CITES, not least those in the Gulf. The conservation efforts by those who gathered in Doha are not merely a matter of preserving those stars of the natural firmament - gorillas, elephants and tigers - for the appreciation of future generations. CITES underscores how maintaining biodiversity, especially of marine life, is critical for the food chain and the survival of our own species.

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

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Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5