Telethon nears halfway mark



ABU DHABI // At least a further Dh18 million was raised yesterday in a national telethon in aid of flood victims in Pakistan, but viewers were reminded more was needed in the "month of giving". With the Dh25m raised on Wednesday, it takes the total amount raised to over Dh43m, almost half of the total Dh100m target. Organisers have said they expect the bulk of donations today. As much as Dh480,000 has been raised in text message donations.

The three-day campaign, called Awnkum, or "Your Help", was organised by the UAE's Red Crescent Authority (RCA) on the directive of Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, to collect financial aid for 20 million displaced people. Dr Hamdan Muslim al Mazrouei, the president of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), who appeared on the telethon yesterday, said the donations were generous but still not enough, particularly given that it is the holy month.

"Whoever directs someone towards a good deed will receive the same reward granted to that person," said Dr al Mazrouei, citing a hadith. He said today's sermon will remind worshippers of the urgency of the situation and the importance of donation. Famous Emirati, Egyptian and Syrian actors and directors urged viewers to donate. "We have so much more to do," said Dr Habib Ghaloum, an Emirati actor. "It is important that businessmen step in and help."

Yesterday's largest donation came from Sheikha Salamah bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, who donated Dh3m. Other donations included Dh1m from the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Dh1m from Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed, the son of the Ruler's representative in Al Gharbia. A further Dh100,000 came from each son and daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The telethon is being broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV, Abu Dhabi al Emarat, Abu Dhabi Poet and National Geographic Abu Dhabi. Viewers are encouraged to tune in tonight from 9.30 until midnight. Donations can be made by text message, phone or in person at the RCA's tents or stalls in various malls. @Email:hhassan@thenational.ae

Telethon hotline: call tollfree 800RED or 800733 Text Etisalat: to donate Dh10: 6881, Dh50: 6885, Dh100: 4611, Dh200: 5200 Text du: to donate Dh10: 7110, Dh50: 7150, Dh100: 7100, Dh200: 7200

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The specs

Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed

Power: 271 and 409 horsepower

Torque: 385 and 650Nm

Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000

Teams

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan Shanwari, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

THE LIGHT

Director: Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 3/5

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

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.