UAE sends ship carrying thousands of tonnes of supplies to Gaza in time for Ramadan


Ramola Talwar Badam
  • English
  • Arabic

Live updates: Follow the latest from Israel-Gaza

The UAE is sending a ship to Gaza carrying aid including food, medicines, shelter materials, and essentials for women and children.

The ship left Fujairah Port on Saturday with provisions desperately need by Palestinians affected by the Israel-Gaza war.

More than 4,500 tonnes of goods, including mattresses, tents and food collected by UAE charitable groups will be delivered to help Palestinians prepare for Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.

Flying the UAE flag, the vessel will arrive in about 15 days at Egypt’s Al Arish port, where the aid will then be transported by lorries to the Rafah border with Gaza.

Support people of Gaza

About 154 tonnes of material for building temporary shelters and 87 tonnes of medical aid were stacked high inside the ship’s hold on Saturday.

Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, secretary general of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, spoke to The National as he oversaw the operation in Fujairah.

“There are more than 2,000 tents, medical aid and food – this is in preparation for Ramadan,” he said.

  • A ship prepares to leave Fujairah carrying humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. All photos: Chris Whiteoak
    A ship prepares to leave Fujairah carrying humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. All photos: Chris Whiteoak
  • The Whiteland, flying the UAE flag, will arrive at Al Arish port in Egypt in mid-February, before the cargo is moved by road to Rafah and then on to Gaza
    The Whiteland, flying the UAE flag, will arrive at Al Arish port in Egypt in mid-February, before the cargo is moved by road to Rafah and then on to Gaza
  • Through the Emirates Red Crescent, the UAE is sending food, medicine, tents, and essentials for women and children
    Through the Emirates Red Crescent, the UAE is sending food, medicine, tents, and essentials for women and children
  • More than 4,500 tonnes of goods will be delivered to help Palestinians prepare for Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar
    More than 4,500 tonnes of goods will be delivered to help Palestinians prepare for Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar
  • About 154 tonnes of material for building temporary shelters and 87 tonnes of medical aid were stacked high inside the ship’s hold
    About 154 tonnes of material for building temporary shelters and 87 tonnes of medical aid were stacked high inside the ship’s hold
  • The supplies for Gaza have been collected and donated by charitable groups, philanthropists, companies and their employees, and packed by volunteers and workers including Emiratis and residents
    The supplies for Gaza have been collected and donated by charitable groups, philanthropists, companies and their employees, and packed by volunteers and workers including Emiratis and residents
  • The ship's journey began as President Sheikh Mohamed ordered $5 million in financial aid to support the humanitarian efforts being made to reconstruct Gaza
    The ship's journey began as President Sheikh Mohamed ordered $5 million in financial aid to support the humanitarian efforts being made to reconstruct Gaza
  • Pallets of boxes ready to be transported to Gaza from Fujairah
    Pallets of boxes ready to be transported to Gaza from Fujairah
  • The Whiteland prepares to leave Fujairah
    The Whiteland prepares to leave Fujairah

“We are here to help the people of Gaza during this time.

“This is support for the old and young people and Gaza society because of what they are going through.”

More than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed and 65,000 wounded since Israel launched strikes on the enclave on October 7.

This came after Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities killing about 1,200 people and abducting 240.

The UN has said it is becoming impossible to meet the needs for food and shelter of tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians packed into southern Gaza to flee the Israeli bombardment.

Plan for more supplies

The ship that left Fujairah on Saturday is the second to depart from the Emirates in the past two months as part of the UAE's Gallant Knight 3 operation to support the Palestinian people.

Mr Al Mansouri said the UAE was committed to assisting the Palestinian people.

“There are blankets, food and necessities for children and ladies,” he said.

“We will send more for Ramadan. We plan to send more ships. When the ship reaches Arish, the material will move in trucks by land to Rafah.”

The latest aid was provided by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works, the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and the UAE Red Crescent Authority.

Winter aid being distributed to Gazan's by the Emirates Red Crescent - in pictures

  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
  • The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
    The Emirates Red Crescent distributes winter clothes and food to people in the Gaza Strip, as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched by the UAE under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed to support the Palestinian people. Wam
'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Cologne v Hoffenheim (11.30pm)

Saturday

Hertha Berlin v RB Leipzig (6.30pm)

Schalke v Fortuna Dusseldof (6.30pm)

Mainz v Union Berlin (6.30pm)

Paderborn v Augsburg (6.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund (9.30pm)

Sunday

Borussia Monchengladbach v Werder Bremen (4.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen (6.30pm)

SC Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt (9on)

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

if you go
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-cylinder%202.0L%20TSI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20clutch%207-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320HP%20%2F%20235kW%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20400Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20%2449%2C709%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The 12 breakaway clubs

England

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus

Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Company Profile:

Name: The Protein Bakeshop

Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

Size, number of employees: 12

Funding/investors:  $400,000 (2018) 

RIDE%20ON
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Larry%20Yang%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Jackie%20Chan%2C%20Liu%20Haocun%2C%20Kevin%20Guo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma

When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

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.

Bullet%20Train
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20David%20Leitch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Brad%20Pitt%2C%20Aaron%20Taylor-Johnson%2C%20Brian%20Tyree%20Henry%2C%20Sandra%20Bullock%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The chef's advice

Troy Payne, head chef at Abu Dhabi’s newest healthy eatery Sanderson’s in Al Seef Resort & Spa, says singles need to change their mindset about how they approach the supermarket.

“They feel like they can’t buy one cucumber,” he says. “But I can walk into a shop – I feed two people at home – and I’ll walk into a shop and I buy one cucumber, I’ll buy one onion.”

Mr Payne asks for the sticker to be placed directly on each item, rather than face the temptation of filling one of the two-kilogram capacity plastic bags on offer.

The chef also advises singletons not get too hung up on “organic”, particularly high-priced varieties that have been flown in from far-flung locales. Local produce is often grown sustainably, and far cheaper, he says.

Updated: February 03, 2024, 5:20 PM