Medical aid worth more than $1.4 million (Dh5m) will arrive in Lebanon on the latest humanitarian aid flight that left Dubai on Wednesday.
One week on from the devastating blast at the port in Beirut, those affected by the damage remain in desperate need of support from outside of the country.
The latest Emirates SkyCargo airlift of supplies from Dubai International Humanitarian City included 24.88 metric tonnes of urgent medical equipment, as well as PPE for front-line healthcare workers.
The shipment contained surgical masks, goggles, gowns, N95 respirators, stretchers and thermometers.
“Based on the needs identified by our medical staff in Lebanon, we are dispatching additional medical supplies that are critically needed to treat those affected by the blast and simultaneously protect health care workers treating patients during the pandemic,” said Robert Blanchard from the World Health Organisation’s logistics hub in Dubai.
“Responding to an emergency within an emergency, the WHO is grateful for the support received from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid [Vice President and Ruler of Dubai], the Government of the UAE, Dubai’s IHC and Emirates Sky Cargo to facilitate the rapid response to the people of Lebanon.”
The new aid consignment to Lebanon was sent on the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the government of Dubai.
It is the second aid flight to leave the UAE after tens of millions of dirhams worth of supplies were sent to Lebanon last Thursday to support 10,000 medical staff.
Sheikha Fatima, chairwoman of the General Women's Union and president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, also donated Dh10 million to support blast victims.
Food is likely to be the next priority for foreign aid arriving into the country as a grain silo destroyed in the huge explosion left the city facing a shortage of bread.
About 85 per cent of grain comes into the country via the port but its destroyed infrastructure has left Beirut unable to receive new shipments.
Meanwhile, 138 tonnes of glass in six shipment containers will depart for Lebanon from Dubai to repair thousands of windows shattered in homes and shops. This was organised by members of the Lebanese Business Council.
“This second flight to Lebanon demonstrates the capacity of the International Humanitarian City’s community in responding to emergencies and to help those most in need at such a challenging time,” said Giuseppe Saba, chief executive of the International Humanitarian City.
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Combating coronavirus
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The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
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Thu Mar 15 – West Indies v Afghanistan, UAE v Scotland
Fri Mar 16 – Ireland v Zimbabwe
Sun Mar 18 – Ireland v Scotland
Mon Mar 19 – West Indies v Zimbabwe
Tue Mar 20 – UAE v Afghanistan
Wed Mar 21 – West Indies v Scotland
Thu Mar 22 – UAE v Zimbabwe
Fri Mar 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan
The top two teams qualify for the World Cup
Classification matches
The top-placed side out of Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong or Nepal will be granted one-day international status. UAE and Scotland have already won ODI status, having qualified for the Super Six.
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Date started: May 2021
Founders: Kamal Al-Samarrai, Dina Shoman and Omar Al Sharif
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech
Size: four team members
Stage: Intially bootstrapped but recently closed its first pre-seed round of $800,000
Investors: Wamda, VentureSouq, Beyond Capital and regional angel investors
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Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.
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At a glance
Fixtures All matches start at 9.30am, at ICC Academy, Dubai. Admission is free
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The squad traveling to Brazil:
Faisal Al Ketbi, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Khalfan Humaid Balhol, Khalifa Saeed Al Suwaidi, Mubarak Basharhil, Obaid Salem Al Nuaimi, Saeed Juma Al Mazrouei, Saoud Abdulla Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Zayed Saif Al Mansoori, Saaid Haj Hamdou, Hamad Saeed Al Nuaimi. Coaches Roberto Lima and Alex Paz.
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
