Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
The UAE has condemned Israel’s military ground operations in the Gaza Strip and called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the UAE's concern as Israeli infantry moved into Gaza on Saturday in an escalation of military action that threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Footage showed rows of tanks and armoured vehicles moving into open areas of Gaza as Israeli fighter planes carried out heavy bombardment that the military said was targeting Hamas tunnels and underground bunkers.
The ministry statement reaffirmed the need for an immediate ceasefire to ensure that civilians and civilian institutions were not targeted.
It underlined the importance of protecting civilians according to international humanitarian law and international treaties for the protection of civilians and human rights, and the need to ensure that they were not targeted during conflict.
The United Nations General Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza and a cessation of hostilities.
The resolution was heavily backed by the UAE, with MoFA stating it was an important step towards de-escalation to restore calm and protect civilian lives.
It also called for the immediate opening of safe humanitarian corridors to allow humanitarian aid to flow freely into Gaza.
Separately, the UAE has requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council as soon as possible to discuss the situation in Gaza.
The Emirates has asked Brazil, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council, to hold the meeting in an open format that would include contributions from the UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths and UNRWA’s Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini.
UN agencies have repeatedly voiced concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza in the three weeks since Israel imposed a total blockade on the territory and began a bombing campaign that has claimed about 8,000 lives.
The Israeli military said on Saturday it would allow more lorries carrying food, water and medicine to enter southern Gaza to support civilians in the south of Palestinian territory.
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If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
The figures behind the event
1) More than 300 in-house cleaning crew
2) 165 staff assigned to sanitise public areas throughout the show
3) 1,000 social distancing stickers
4) 809 hand sanitiser dispensers placed throughout the venue
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Profile of Hala Insurance
Date Started: September 2018
Founders: Walid and Karim Dib
Based: Abu Dhabi
Employees: Nine
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers
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Company profile
Date started: Founded in May 2017 and operational since April 2018
Founders: co-founder and chief executive, Doaa Aref; Dr Rasha Rady, co-founder and chief operating officer.
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: Health-tech
Size: 22 employees
Funding: Seed funding
Investors: Flat6labs, 500 Falcons, three angel investors
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
