UAE landmarks light up in solidarity with flood-hit Libya


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UAE landmarks lit up in the colours of the Libyan flag on Wednesday night in a display of solidarity after the deadly floods caused by Storm Daniel killed at least 5,300 people.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa and Adnoc's headquarters in Abu Dhabi delivered messages of support to the embattled nation after Storm Daniel caused deadly flooding in eastern parts of the country.

“From the UAE, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the people of Libya,” read a message displayed on the Adnoc building, seen in footage shared by Abu Dhabi Media Office.

“Our thoughts are with Libya.”

The death toll in the eastern province of Derna rose to 5,300 on Wednesday morning, the Libyan Interior Ministry said.

At least 600 people who died in floods in Derna have been buried in mass graves, a resident told The National.

Up to 10,000 people are still thought to be missing.

President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday ordered urgent aid as well as search and rescue teams to be sent to Libya.

Two planes carrying 150 tonnes of aid from the UAE landed in Libya on Wednesday.

Food, relief and medical supplies were delivered to Benina airport in the city of Benghazi, state news agency Wam reported.

The vital humanitarian support is part of an air bridge established by Sheikh Mohamed following the disaster.

Floods in Libya wreak havoc as Storm Daniel hits – exclusive pictures

  • More than 10,000 people are missing in Libya after Storm Daniel caused devastating floods. Islam Alatrash for The National
    More than 10,000 people are missing in Libya after Storm Daniel caused devastating floods. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Debris lies in a street after the deadly storm hit. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Debris lies in a street after the deadly storm hit. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Authorities have said bodies are buried under rubble in cities including Derna. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Authorities have said bodies are buried under rubble in cities including Derna. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Thousands have been killed in the storm, with officials describing the death toll as 'huge'. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Thousands have been killed in the storm, with officials describing the death toll as 'huge'. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Flash floods engulfed towns in eastern Libya. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Flash floods engulfed towns in eastern Libya. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Buildings crumbled as floodwaters hit. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Buildings crumbled as floodwaters hit. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Hundreds of families have been displaced by the damage, with some taking shelter in schools and government buildings. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Hundreds of families have been displaced by the damage, with some taking shelter in schools and government buildings. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Storm Daniel brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Storm Daniel brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Roads and buildings have been destroyed. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Roads and buildings have been destroyed. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • The conflict in Libya has left a legacy of dilapidated infrastructure. Islam Alatrash for The National
    The conflict in Libya has left a legacy of dilapidated infrastructure. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Many of those missing are believed to have been carried away by the floodwaters. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Many of those missing are believed to have been carried away by the floodwaters. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • The rushing waters left debris strewn across streets. Islam Alatrash for The National
    The rushing waters left debris strewn across streets. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Rescue operations have been hindered by damage to roads in some areas. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Rescue operations have been hindered by damage to roads in some areas. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • The UAE is among the countries to send search and rescue teams to Libya. Islam Alatrash for The National
    The UAE is among the countries to send search and rescue teams to Libya. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • Authorities in eastern Libya have said the country is not equipped to handle the level of flooding that hit cities. Islam Alatrash for The National
    Authorities in eastern Libya have said the country is not equipped to handle the level of flooding that hit cities. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • The Norwegian Refugee Council has said Libya faces a 'disastrous situation'. Islam Alatrash for The National
    The Norwegian Refugee Council has said Libya faces a 'disastrous situation'. Islam Alatrash for The National
  • The UN has said emergency teams are to be sent to Libya to offer assistance. Islam Alatrash for The National
    The UN has said emergency teams are to be sent to Libya to offer assistance. Islam Alatrash for The National
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

The specs: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

Price, base / as tested Dh220,000 / Dh320,000

Engine 3.5L V6

Transmission 10-speed automatic

Power 421hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 678Nm @ 3,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 14.1L / 100km

The biog

Favourite book: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Favourite music: Classical

Hobbies: Reading and writing

 

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Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
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Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Excel Entertainment & Tiger Baby
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi​​​​​​​
Rating: 4/5 stars

In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

Freezer tips

  • Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
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  • Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
  • The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
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.” 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
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Pools

A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors
B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy
C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy
D – Dubai Exiles, Jumeirah English Speaking School, English College, Bahrain Colts

Recent winners

2018 – Dubai College
2017 – British School Al Khubairat
2016 – Dubai English Speaking School
2015 – Al Ain Amblers
2014 – Dubai College

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

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Capernaum (Lebanon)

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Nancy Ajram

(In2Musica)

FIXTURES

Thursday
Dibba v Al Dhafra, Fujairah Stadium (5pm)
Al Wahda v Hatta, Al Nahyan Stadium (8pm)

Friday
Al Nasr v Ajman, Zabeel Stadium (5pm)
Al Jazria v Al Wasl, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium (8pm)

Saturday
Emirates v Al Ain, Emirates Club Stadium (5pm)
Sharjah v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Sharjah Stadium (8pm)

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Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

The bio

Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district

Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school

Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family

His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people

Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned

Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates

Updated: September 13, 2023, 6:50 PM