Global crises can often bring out the best in nations, bridging political divides and acting as a catalyst to selfless giving.
The Covid-19 pandemic is no exception, with countries stepping up to provide aid to those in need.
The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, in December last year, has now spread to more than 200 countries and territories. More than 2.8 million people have been infected, and more than 200,000 have died.
In response, the UAE continues to do everything it can to support the international community.
As of May 13, it had donated more than 523 tonnes of aid to Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Shipments to 47 nations included everything from testing kits to food supplies.
Here, The National looks at some of the countries the UAE has helped.
US
Working with the US embassy in Abu Dhabi, the UAE government repatriated 25 American citizens after the global aviation shutdown in March.
The UAE embassy in the US also provided support to charities, including the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, which has offered walk-in Covid-19 testing for young patients.
The embassy also provided financial backing to organisations in the US working to provide food to those in need.
These include the chef Jose Andres’s World Central Kitchen, Feed the Fight and Good Food Markets.
UK
The UAE has helped turn ExCeL London, the UK capital’s largest exhibitions venue, into an emergency field hospital.
The Abu Dhabi-owned facility was transformed into a 4,000-bed site now called NHS Nightingale, with the Emirates agreeing to cover its running costs.
On April 5, the UAE also helped repatriate 345 British tourists by Emirates airline.
Pakistan
On April 18, 227 Pakistanis were repatriated from Dubai with help from the UAE government.
The Emirates has also delivered several crucial shipments of medical aid to the country.
Hamad Al Zaabi, the UAE’s ambassador to Pakistan, has said the country’s principle of striving to help those in “delicate situations” knew no bounds.
Italy
On April 5, an aid aircraft left the UAE carrying more than 13 tonnes of medical supplies bound for Italy.
The protective equipment was shared among more than 13,000 healthcare professionals in hospitals throughout the country.
South Korea
On March 19, the UAE helped evacuate 80 people from Iran in response to a request by the South Korean government.
Among those flown home were 74 South Korean citizens.
China
In the early stages of the outbreak, the UAE was one of the first donors to offer medical aid to China.
The Emirates initially provided face masks and gloves, and later helped evacuate 215 people of different nationalities out of Wuhan.
In a tweet, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the UAE was “ready to provide all support to China and co-operate with the international community to tackle this virus”.
Iran
On March 3, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, the UAE sent an aircraft carrying more than seven tonnes of medical supplies to Iran.
Five medical experts from the WHO were also on board. The medical supplies helped support more than 100,000 workers in the country.
A second shipment included gloves and surgical marks for medical staff. In total, more than 33 tonnes of aid were dispatched.
Greece
The UAE donated 13 tonnes of medical supplies to Greece on March 26. Items included personal protective equipment.
Thanking the UAE for the gesture, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described his country's great "friendship" with the Emirates.
Serbia
The UAE donated 10 tonnes of medical equipment to Belgrade on March 29.
The first batch of items included nearly 14,000 protective suits, 500,000 pairs of gloves, 30,000 shoe protectors, 20,000 masks and 6,000 sanitisers. Ventilators are also scheduled to be sent.
Seychelles
To assist with its fight against Covid-19, the UAE donated 13 tonnes of medical supplies to the Seychelles government.
The humanitarian aid again included gowns, gloves, masks and other medical items. The shipment arrived on March 25.
Croatia
More than 13 tonnes of medical equipment, including masks, were dispatched to Croatia by the UAE after the country was hit by an earthquake on March 22.
Ethiopia
The UAE and WHO sent more than 30 tonnes of medical supplies to Ethiopia to assist more than 33,000 healthcare professionals.
The aid consisted of 15 tonnes donated by the UAE and 15 tonnes from the WHO. Three additional tonnes were sent to the African Union.
Somalia
In collaboration with the WHO, the UAE dispatched 27 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Somalia on April 14.
The items, which included seven tonnes worth of medical protective wear from the UAE and 20 tonnes from the WHO, have helped 27,000 healthcare workers during the pandemic.
Malaysia
The UAE sent medical equipment and supplies to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, on March 29.
Afghanistan
The UAE has sent a medical aid shipment to Afghanistan containing Covid-19 testing kits for thousands of people.
Brazil
On April 1, Emirates Airline flew 500,000 Covid-19 test kits from China to Sao Paulo in Brazil.
It was the first of two special Emirates SkyCargo charters carrying medical supplies to the country.
Kazakhstan
The UAE sent 13 tonnes of medical supplies to Kazakhstan on April 6.
The items were distributed at healthcare facilities across the country and helped protect more than 13,000 medical staff.
Ukraine
The UAE sent 13 tonnes of medical aid to Ukraine on April 10 to support frontline medical staff.
On the same flight, 113 Ukrainian citizens were repatriated from the UAE.
Cyprus
On April 14, the UAE dispatched a plane carrying eight tonnes of medical supplies to Cyprus, benefitting nearly 10,000 healthcare professionals.
Mauritania
Last week, a plane carrying 18 tonnes of aid, including medical equipment and food, was sent to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
More than 10,000 healthcare workers benefitted from the supplies.
Colombia
The UAE sent 10 tonnes of medical supplies to Colombia on April 8.
More than 10,000 healthcare professionals received much-needed protective items. The flight also repatriated 63 Colombian citizens.
Bulgaria
On April 12, Emil Karanikolov, the Bulgarian Minister of Economy, met with Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, the UAE Minister of State, to discuss co-operation between both countries on relief efforts.
South Africa
The UAE sent an aircraft containing seven tonnes of medical supplies for more than 7,000 healthcare staff in South Africa on April 20.
Uzbekistan
The UAE sent eight tonnes of medical equipment to Uzbekistan on March 28. The Emirates received thanks for supporting the country in its fight against the coronavirus.
Sudan
About 7,000 healthcare workers in Sudan received medical supplies on April 23 when the UAE dispatched an aircraft loaded with seven tonnes of aid.
Mohamed Al Kareb, the Sudanese ambassador to the Emirates, described the support his country received as “a true testament and reflection of the UAE’s humanitarian leadership and its continuous efforts to provide aid to needy people around the world”.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, also ordered food rations for thousands of families in Sudan preparing to observe the holy month of Ramadan.
Kyrgyzstan
Medical support was made available to the Kyrgyzstan on April 23. A UAE plane carrying seven tonnes of aid to curb the spread of Covid-19 was sent to assist the work of 7,000 medical professionals.
Yemen
The UAE sent 171 tonnes of food to 20,000 families in eastern Yemen’s Al Shihr district.
The 4,000 food parcels were delivered by the Emirates Red Crescent on April 24 to families in their homes for Ramadan.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Amoudi, the acting under-secretary of the Yemeni Hadramawt governorate, thanked the UAE leadership and people for their support.
Armenia
On April 27, the UAE dispatched a plane carrying seven tons of medical aid to Armenia.
The supplies will help equip around 7,000 healthcare workers as they continue their efforts to fight Covid-19.
Mohammed Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Armenia, said the Emirates stood in solidarity with all those tackling the crisis.
“The UAE is honoured to carry out its commitments to aiding other nations in their respective fights against Covid-19,” he said.
“The leadership and people of the UAE stand in solidarity with all those working together to put an end to this crisis.
“The international community can only defeat Covid-19 while unified in action and intention.”
Pakistan
The UAE sent 14 tonnes of medical aid - from which 7,000 healthcare workers are expected to benefit - were sent to Pakistan on April 28.
"Through this aid, we honour the frontline healthcare workers in Pakistan and around the world who are working tirelessly to put an end to this crisis," said Hamad Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.
Nepal
On April 29, the UAE sent seven tonnes of medical aid to Nepal to help each country curb the spread of Covid-19.
The aid is expected to benefit 7,000 healthcare workers.
"The UAE is committed to assisting all countries confronting the Covid-19 pandemic. It is an obligation that we as a country treat with the utmost seriousness, as it is only through co-operation that we may emerge from this crisis united," said Saeed Al Naqbi, the UAE's Ambassador to Nepal.
Philippines
The UAE sent seven tonnes of medical supplies to the Philippines on April 29, to help the country in its fight against Covid-19. The aid is expected to help around 7,000 healthcare workers.
"Our two countries share a deep partnership between our governments and peoples, and it is our sincere hope that such assistance enables the Philippines to take the necessary action to defend itself against Covid-19," said Hamad Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines.
"The UAE stands in solidarity with all nations working to contain and confront the pandemic."
Bangladesh
Seven tonnes of medical supplies were sent to Bangladesh on April 30 to help 7,000 healthcare workers contain the spread of Covid-19.
"The UAE stands ready to assist Bangladesh in fulfilling its medical requirements as it confronts Covid-19. Through the provision of today’s assistance, the UAE aims to facilitate the remarkable work that the country’s medical professionals are doing to fight and contain the virus’ spread," said Saed Al Muhairi, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh.
To date, the aid sent by the UAE has supported nearly 341,000 medical workers in more than 30 countries.
Scores in brief:
Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
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
The 10 Questions
- Is there a God?
- How did it all begin?
- What is inside a black hole?
- Can we predict the future?
- Is time travel possible?
- Will we survive on Earth?
- Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
- Should we colonise space?
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
- How do we shape the future?
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Match info
Uefa Nations League Group B:
England v Spain, Saturday, 11.45pm (UAE)
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
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The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
Without Remorse
Directed by: Stefano Sollima
Starring: Michael B Jordan
4/5
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Schedule:
Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: John Stones, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Gary Cahill, Ashley Young, Danny Rose, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabian Delph
Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The years Ramadan fell in May
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
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THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
Company%20Profile
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Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
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
Napoleon
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Batti Gul Meter Chalu
Producers: KRTI Productions, T-Series
Director: Sree Narayan Singh
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Divyenndu Sharma, Yami Gautam
Rating: 2/5
