Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, gives the opening address to the third Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate in Abu Dhabi. Wam
Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, gives the opening address to the third Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate in Abu Dhabi. Wam

Gargash: US’s role in the Gulf cannot be compromised by Trump presidency



ABU DHABI // The result of last week’s US presidential elections must not be allowed to compromise America’s role in the world, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash says.

In an opening address to the third Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, the minister said the impact of last week’s vote, in which Republican Donald Trump was elected 45th president of the US, was felt most acutely in the Arab world, which is no stranger to instability.

“Events of the past week have once again demonstrated that politics can be extremely unpredictable,” Dr Gargash said on Sunday.

“There are certainly more exclamation marks than answers, and the future of America’s foreign policy is a cause for acute speculation and concern. This follows Brexit (the UK’s decision to leave the European Union) and the rise of anti-establishment and populist sentiments in many parts of the world.”

The minister said the world faced a fluid and complex international situation in need of direction and stability.

“The world we live in is one of growing uncertainty, in the political, economic and social arenas,” Dr Gargash said. “While we do not yet know how the foreign policy of the new American administration will affect our region, we can be certain of one thing: American global engagement remains crucial to ensure a stable, peaceful and predictable international system.”

Last week’s election of Mr Trump meant great uncertainty until the president revealed his foreign policy agenda but Dr Gargash said America’s role in the global community was essential to stability and its withdrawal, especially from the Gulf, would be bad news.

“Despite the fact that we live in an increasingly multi-polar world, Washington’s weight and influence remains more important than ever,” Dr Gargash said. “Following weakened American engagement in the region – which many feel has created a disconcerting vacuum – it looks like we will have to wait a little longer until president-elect Trump’s approach becomes clearer.

“It is essential there is an over-arching strategy rather than isolation. In short, America’s engagement is positive and its withdrawal and disengagement is counter-productive.”

Dr Gargash said that the Middle East’s stability could not depend exclusively on the US as Russia, China, India and the European Union also have important role to play.

“This is why our foreign policy seeks to consolidate relations with these actors,” he said.

“Even by the standards of the Middle East, these are exceptional and difficult times. Regional crises are endangering the very existence of nation-states and tearing apart the fragile fabric of many Middle Eastern societies. Ugly sectarian politics is replacing more rational, national paradigms.

“It is therefore incumbent upon Middle Eastern states, in collaboration with our friends and partners in the international community, to engage in and foster regional solutions to regional problems.”

Dr Mohammed Al Sabah, Kuwait’s former deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, said uncertainty will prevail next year.

“We don’t know yet what the final shape of the geopolitical and geo-strategic scene will be globally,” he said.

He voiced concern over Mr Trump’s foreign policy. “I am rarely pessimistic,” he said. “Nevertheless, we are to show our friends in Washington what our priorities and interests are. We want to reduce Iran’s meddling in the region . Especially in Iraq, Iran shouldn’t be given a free hand to implement its sectarian policies.”

For Dr Ebtesam Al Ketbi, president of the Emirates Policy Centre, which organised the event, GCC countries should refrain from linking themselves to global powers such as the US.

“The problem is not is the US president but what GCC countries want which is unclear,” she said. “They did not agree upon this among themselves. We have to think rationally so the opportunity for the GCC is to agree on one standpoint.

“Whether Trump or another, you cannot continue with the US playing the same role, and I believe this reality has pushed them to diversify their partnership with countries like China and Russia because you cannot put all your eggs in one basket.”

cmalek@thenational.ae

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Poacher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERichie%20Mehta%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nimisha%20Sajayan%2C%20Roshan%20Mathew%2C%20Dibyendu%20Bhattacharya%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fixtures (all times UAE)

Saturday
Brescia v Atalanta (6pm)
Genoa v Torino (9pm)
Fiorentina v Lecce (11.45pm)

Sunday
Juventus v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Inter Milan v SPAL (6pm)
Lazio v Udinese (6pm)
Parma v AC Milan (6pm)
Napoli v Bologna (9pm)
Verona v AS Roma (11.45pm)

Monday
Cagliari v Sampdoria (11.45pm)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E470hp%2C%20338kW%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20620Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh491%2C500%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Step by step

2070km to run

38 days

273,600 calories consumed

28kg of fruit

40kg of vegetables

45 pairs of running shoes

1 yoga matt

1 oxygen chamber

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm

Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: L/100km

Price: Dh306,495

On sale: now

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 

Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
​​​​​​​Penguin 

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

A Prayer Before Dawn

Director: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire

Starring: Joe Cole, Somluck Kamsing, Panya Yimmumphai

Three stars

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar

The Beach Bum

Director: Harmony Korine

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg

Two stars

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
match info

Southampton 2 (Ings 32' & pen 89') Tottenham Hotspur 5 (Son 45', 47', 64', & 73', Kane 82')

Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.