ABU DHABI // Requests to open a 24-hour medical centre in Ras Al Khaimah and to stop importing vegetables during the local high-production season are among issues to be raised at the Federal National Council on Tuesday.
Seven questions have been raised by council members to ministers ahead of the session. A draft law that allows courts to use video conference technology when questioning juveniles, witnesses and experts will also be discussed.
Naama Al Sharhan, a member from RAK, said she had received many complaints from residents since the emergency section at a medical centre in the emirate started closing at 10pm about two years ago.
“The centre is in a strategic location and covers many nearby areas, and it used to be open until the morning for emergencies,” she said. “There is a [long] distance between it and other centres that open around the clock.”
Such centres include Ibraheem Hamad Obaid-Allah Hospital in Al Uraibi Street, and Saqr Hospital.
“The distance makes a difference in urgent cases, like those with diabetes or blood pressure issues, it could cost them their lives,” the member said.
Another question will be asked of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, on protecting agricultural produce from market saturation.
“In certain seasons our production of vegetables increases. This includes tomatoes and cucumbers. During that time we are supposed to stop receiving products from outside, because this will lead to saturation of the market,” Ms Al Sharhan said.
“Cost of plantation is high, so why don’t they stop products from abroad and rely on national products?”
Local produce during the cooler climate is of high quality and is readily available, she said.
Dr Al Zeyoudi is also expected to answer a question raised by Salem Al Shehhi, also from RAK, on supporting hydroponics in the country.
Hydroponics is a system wherein plants are grown in sand, gravel or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.
hdajani@thenational.ae
What it means to be a conservationist
Who is Enric Sala?
Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.
What is biodiversity?
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Nations League
League A, Group 4
Spain v England, 10.45pm (UAE)
The specs: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
Price, base / as tested: Dh259,000
Engine: 6.4-litre V8
Power: 475hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 640Nm @ 4,300rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.7L / 100km
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh132,000 (Countryman)
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
Results:
Women:
1. Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) 322.95 points
2. Lysanne Richard (CAN) 285.75
3. Ellie Smart (USA) 277.70
Men:
1. Gary Hunt (GBR) 431.55
2. Constantin Popovici (ROU) 424.65
3. Oleksiy Prygorov (UKR) 392.30
FOOTBALL TEST
Team X 1 Team Y 0
Scorers
Red card
Man of the Match
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Sanchez's club career
2005-2006: Cobreloa
2006-2011 Udinese
2006-2007 Colo-Colo (on loan)
2007-2008 River Plate (on loan)
2011-2014 Barcelona
2014–Present Arsenal
