The base of the destroyed Al Hadba leaning minaret in the Old City of Mosul. AFP
The base of the destroyed Al Hadba leaning minaret in the Old City of Mosul. AFP
The base of the destroyed Al Hadba leaning minaret in the Old City of Mosul. AFP
The base of the destroyed Al Hadba leaning minaret in the Old City of Mosul. AFP

Rebuilding Mosul: committee holds first UAE meeting for restoration of Al Nuri Mosque


  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE’s restoration of Mosul’s historic Al Nuri Great Mosque and Al Hadba minaret took an important step forward on Thursday when officials held the first high-level reconstruction meeting in Abu Dhabi.

Noura Al Kaabi, the Minister of Culture, attended the first meeting of a joint committee that will drive the project to rebuild the Iraqi city’s world-famous holy places, which were destroyed by ISIS.

Ms Al Kaabi said on Friday that she had been "honoured" to host the meeting, "which discussed the work plan and timeframe for bringing back the historical and cultural role of Al Nuri Mosque".

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development. National Media Council via WAM
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development. National Media Council via WAM

The minister and committee members were received by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, the state news agency Wam reported on Friday.

In April the UAE Government pledged to finance a $50.4 million (Dh185 million) project to rebuild the 800-year-old mosque, renowned for its leaning minaret. The mosque and minaret were blown up by ISIS in June last year.

Last week Ms Al Kaabi told The National that Abu Dhabi will head the committees alongside Iraq's Culture Ministry and the Iraqi Sunni Endowment to help support the reconstruction.

The UAE plans to create 1,000 jobs for young Iraqi graduates from Mosul and Baghdad during the five-year reconstruction project, ensuring they become a key fixture in the rebuilding of their city.

“The most important thing is that in 2023 we are going to enjoy a beautiful tour of the Grand Nouri mosque,” Ms Al Kaabi said at a conference in Paris.

The meeting in Abu Dhabi was attended by UAE and Iraqi government officials, diplomats and conservation experts, as well as representatives of Unesco, the Sunni Endowment Diwan of Iraq, the Organisation of Islamic Co-Operation and the Sharjah office of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.

A statement issued by the UAE Culture Ministry said that the project would "contribute to building a vibrant and prosperous Mosul".

It said that Ms Al Kaabi had welcomed the members of the committee to Abu Dhabi, "stressing the UAE's support for Iraq in establishing security and stability, building strong and prosperous institutions, achieving peace and progress, and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come".

Ms Al Kaabi said that the project coincides with the UAE’s celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, "embodying his legacy and his contribution to the sustainable development and prosperity of brotherly Arab countries".

The statement added: "The project is a model that highlights the role of the UAE in safeguarding world heritage and preserving cultural resources in conflict zones by adopting initiatives that ensure future generations preserve and enjoy their own historical and cultural sites.

"It will also promote cultural tourism, support sustainable development of the Moslawi community, ensure a more prosperous future for the people of Iraq and nurture values of tolerance, peace and hope.”

___________________

Read more:

Comment: Al Nuri is about more than resurrecting a building

UAE launches greatest cultural restoration project in Iraq to revive Al Nuri mosque

___________________

During the meeting, the committee discussed the initiation of the project, including ways in which the local community can be engaged, demining the site and the time required for it, and ways to proceed with the reconstruction and its major milestones.

There will be two phases: the first year of the project will involve assessing the foundations and clearing districts around the 12th century mosque of debris left from the nine-month offensive that drove ISIS out of the city, as well as demining. The second phase will see the development of the site, culminating in its completion by 2023.

The members of the Committee agreed to hold meetings every six months to make decisions related to the development of the project.

LEFT: The Great Mosque of Al Nuri in Mosul pictured in July 2014. EPA. RIGHT: The destroyed Al Hadba minaret at the Great Mosque of Al Nuri in Mosul's Old City. July 20, 2017. Thaier Al Sudani / Reuters
LEFT: The Great Mosque of Al Nuri in Mosul pictured in July 2014. EPA. RIGHT: The destroyed Al Hadba minaret at the Great Mosque of Al Nuri in Mosul's Old City. July 20, 2017. Thaier Al Sudani / Reuters

The five-year cultural project also includes funding and rebuilding infrastructure to enable the project, rebuilding the historical gardens and creating a memorial site for the community, as well as educational spaces.

Unesco, the United Nations cultural agency, last week called on the wider international community to support Iraq’s efforts to restore Mosul’s heritage after the brutal battle to liberate the northern city from ISIS.

Unesco will position itself as the co-ordinator of the reconstruction efforts in partnership with the Iraqi government to rebuild the landmarks destroyed by the militant group during its three-year occupation of the city.

These include the city’s central library at its university, two churches, the city’s market and a Yazidi temple.

___________________

Read more:

UAE funds rebuilding of Mosul’s Al Nuri Mosque and historic minaret

Restoring Mosul's lost treasures one byte at a time

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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

Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE fixtures:
Men

Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final

RESULTS

5pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner AF Nashrah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Mutaqadim, Riccardo Iacopini, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.

6pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Hameem, Jose Santiago, Abdallah Al Hammadi.

6.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner AF Almomayaz, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

7pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Dalil Al Carrere, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash.

7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 1,000m

Winner Lahmoom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,000m

Winner Jayide Al Boraq, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi.

T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Qualifier A, Muscat

(All matches to be streamed live on icc.tv) 

Fixtures

Friday, February 18: 10am Oman v Nepal, Canada v Philippines; 2pm Ireland v UAE, Germany v Bahrain 

Saturday, February 19: 10am Oman v Canada, Nepal v Philippines; 2pm UAE v Germany, Ireland v Bahrain 

Monday, February 21: 10am Ireland v Germany, UAE v Bahrain; 2pm Nepal v Canada, Oman v Philippines 

Tuesday, February 22: 2pm Semi-finals 

Thursday, February 24: 2pm Final 

UAE squad:Ahmed Raza(captain), Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Vriitya Aravind, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Raja Akifullah, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Zafar Farid, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Rahul Bhatia

IF YOU GO
 
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
 
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info

 Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results

6pm: Dubai Trophy – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m 

Winner: Silent Speech, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby
(trainer) 

6.35pm: Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m 

Winner: Island Falcon, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor 

7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Dirt)
1,400m 

Winner: Rawy, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer 

7.45pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m 

Winner: Desert Fire, Hector Crouch, Saeed bin Suroor 

8.20pm: Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m 

Winner: Naval Crown, William Buick, Charlie Appleby 

8.55pm: Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m 

Winner: Al Tariq, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watsons 

9.30pm: Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m 

Winner: Dubai Icon, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor  

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

What is a Ponzi scheme?

A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
THE%20STRANGERS'%20CASE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Brandt%20Andersen%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOmar%20Sy%2C%20Jason%20Beghe%2C%20Angeliki%20Papoulia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Day 2 at the Gabba

Australia 312-1 

Warner 151 not out, Burns 97,  Labuschagne 55 not out

Pakistan 240 

Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52

New schools in Dubai
What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

'The Sky is Everywhere'

Director:Josephine Decker

Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon

Rating:2/5

Drivers’ championship standings after Singapore:

1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 263
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari - 235
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes - 212
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull - 162
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari - 138
6. Sergio Perez, Force India - 68

So what is Spicy Chickenjoy?

Just as McDonald’s has the Big Mac, Jollibee has Spicy Chickenjoy – a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy and spicy on the outside and comes with a side of spaghetti, all covered in tomato sauce and topped with sausage slices and ground beef. It sounds like a recipe that a child would come up with, but perhaps that’s the point – a flavourbomb combination of cheap comfort foods. Chickenjoy is Jollibee’s best-selling product in every country in which it has a presence.
 

Bareilly Ki Barfi
Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring: Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao
Three and a half stars