Ramola Talwar Badam

Ramola Talwar Badam

Senior National Reporter
Dubai
Ramola writes in-depth features on maritime piracy, migrant labour, protection of women and minors from trafficking and abuse, teenage suicides, disability access projects, financial debt, fire safety and transport projects. Ramola worked for more than 12 years with the South Asia bureau of the Associated Press and reported on terrorist attacks, religious riots, earthquakes, politics, crime, business, sport and all things Bollywood.
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Gaza's Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius, which was damaged by Israeli bombardment about two weeks after hostilities began in 2023. Reuters
Christian families in Gaza split up in hope ‘someone will survive’ bombs

Tiny Christian community to observe day of prayer for peace on October 7

October 07, 2024
Kfir Bibas was eight months old when Hamas militants took him captive along with his four-year-old brother Ariel, mother Shiri and father Yarden from the Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel on October 7 last year. Photo: Hostage Families Forum
Israeli children held by Hamas cannot be forgotten, family urges

Family of the 'last children in captivity' call for hostage release to be central to peace talks

October 04, 2024
Mahipal Gollaguju is relieved after his amnesty application was approved at an Amer centre in Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
Emirati official’s Urdu video is 'amnesty blessing' for Indian worker

Construction worker says free ticket home from a community group made his 'heart happy’ after months living illegally in the UAE

September 30, 2024
Priya Pinto's book draws on her experience of losing her 39-year-old husband and rebuilding a life for their children. Antonie Robertson/The National
Dubai widow channels her grief into a book to help bereaved families

Priya Pinto shares her family's story from grief to resilience to help others deal with the death of a loved one

September 25, 2024
GDRFA officials are urging visa overstayers to legalise their presence in the UAE. Victor Besa / The National
UAE extends exit pass validity for visa amnesty seekers

People whose visas expired have until October 31 to make their stay legal or leave

September 24, 2024
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said events provide platforms to connect people as he approved the plan. Photo: Dubai Media office
Sheikh Mohammed approves Dh10 billion for Dubai Exhibition Centre

Expansion plan will create the region's largest indoor events venue with 180,000 square metres covering 26 halls spanning 1.2km on a single level

September 23, 2024
A gathering of UAE leaders, religious heads, government officials and residents watch the new 3D film that charts the history of the temple from conception to inauguration. Photos: Baps Hindu Mandir
Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi records 1.3 million visitors since opening

Officials prepare for surge in number of worshippers ahead of festivals including Diwali

September 16, 2024
Ummer Kummali and his wife Jameela received Dh5 million in compensation to pay for the treatment of their son Shifin. Ruel Pableo / The National
Dh5m payout for delivery rider two years after crash left him paralysed

Shifin Kummali's parents say payout will bring relief but they will 'never recover from terrible tragedy'

September 09, 2024
Officials helping violators during the second day of visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai in Al Awir area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
'Nobody left behind’: major push to tackle visa issues as amnesty begins second week

Major drive continues to renew passports, verify identity and issue travel documents required to start the visa amnesty process

September 08, 2024
UAE cyclist Ahmed Al Badwawi is making his debut at the Paralympics Games in Paris. Photo: Mohammed Al Murawwi
Emirati Paralympic cyclist proud to represent UAE in Paris

Ahmed Al Badwawi has his eyes on more glory after the Paris Paralympics 2024

September 03, 2024
Officials in the men section taking finger prints for out pass during the visa amnesty at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai in Al Awir area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
UAE visa amnesty sees thousands turn out to legalise stay

The two-month initiative started on Sunday and is open for people with expired residency and visit visas

September 01, 2024
Vivi Wu says a hotel apartment is convenient because housekeepibg is part of the deal and she does not have to pay for the internet or water and electricity. Chris Whiteoak / The National
My Dubai Rent: Family opts for JLT serviced hotel apartment

Location and ease of living are non-negotiable considerations for a Chinese family who call Jumeirah Lakes Towers home

September 01, 2024
Filipino JB hopes his overstay fines are waived in a visa amnesty from Sunday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dh100,000 in fines: Filipino says amnesty is a 'blessing'

Former businessman will be among those applying to amend residency status on September 1

August 30, 2024
Emirati Paralympic judo athlete, Maryam Al Dhanhani, is set to make history in Paris. Photo: Mouh Al Mouh
‘I see from my heart’: Visually impaired Emirati to make history in Paralympic judo

Maryam Al Dhanhani keen to show her ‘superpower’ at the Paris Paralympics 2024

August 28, 2024
Solidarity and unity was on display at a gathering of Ukrainians in Abu Dhabi to mark their country's independence day on Saturday. Photo: Ruel Pableo for The National
Spirit of solidarity unites Ukrainians in UAE

Hundreds of Ukrainians meet in Abu Dhabi to mark the country’s independence day

August 25, 2024