The UAE paid its own unique tribute in lights last night to the people of Paris and their courage, their solidarity and their determination to defy terrorism.
The UAE showed its solidarity with France last night as landmark buildings were illuminated with the red, white and blue of the tricolour.
“To have this country in the middle of the Gulf showing its compassion and proximity with the French Republic, is something we really appreciate,” said the French ambassador, Michel Miraillet.
France knew it had not only an ally in the fight against terror, but also a friend, Mr Miraillet said.
“The leadership’s support for France is not only shared by the Emirati citizens but all the population of the UAE no matter their nationality.”
After the attacks Mr Miraillet spent hours worrying about the safety of his daughter in Paris before learning she was OK, but some of his compatriots in the UAE were not so lucky. “With almost 30,000 French expats in the Emirates we all know someone who has lost somebody or know someone who was injured.”
The French embassy has warned its citizens in the UAE to stay vigilant. The embassy and Alliance Francaise offices will be closed until tomorrow to mark the three days of national mourning in France.
European Union leaders have called for a minute’s silence today to honour the victims of Friday’s attack, which French civil servants and schools in the UAE will observe at noon.
For Seif Benelhani, 32, who has lived in Abu Dhabi for more than four years, it took a while for the magnitude of the attack to sink in after he received messages from his friends asking him if his family was OK.
Some of his friends and relatives live only a block away from the Bataclan concert hall, where 89 people died, and for more than 10 years he lived next to the scene of the Boulevard Voltaire suicide bombing.
“When I spoke to my family and friends, I felt a mix of fear and anger – fear for my loved ones but also the anger of feeling vulnerable and blindly targeted.
“I felt like flying back home at some point and then calmed down as I know it wouldn’t have changed much – instead I am in constant contact by phone and messages.”
Mr Benelhani was not surprised by the kind gestures toward France by the UAE, which symbolised the long standing friendship between the countries.
“I have had the chance to realise the depth of mutual respect and common views UAE and France have.”
tsubaihi@thenational.ae
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
- 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
- 2nd Test India won by innings and 53 runs at Colombo
- 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
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