DUBAI // The UAE is leading by example when it comes to helping Syrian refugees and those caught up in the country's civil war.
Kevin Noone, head of the International Medical Corps (IMC) in the UK and vice president of its global strategies in the US, said the UAE had shown great dedication in helping those affected by the crisis, with humanitarian organisations and the country’s rulers facilitating the shipment of much- needed aid and manpower.
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Princess Haya are an example to us, they are ahead of us, they have an innate understanding of human needs,” said Mr Noone.
He added that IMC, a humanitarian and NGO organisation, would begin to use International Humanitarian City in Dubai as a hub to more quickly respond to emergencies in the Middle East.
The UAE has welcomed the humanitarian community to the point that it's efforts have become noticed on a global scale. "This is an incredible foresight on facilitating the global response to the region," said Mr Noone.
The International Humanitarian City, IHC, which houses United Nations facilities, will allow NGOs as well as commercial organisations to work together to provide aid.
Mr Noone said that, due to Shaima Al Zarooni, chief executive of IHC, groups in IHC would be able to “literally respond within 24 hours to a disaster”, including aiding Syrian refugees.
There has been a mass movement of Syrians across borders, Mr Noone said. Most of the displaced are women and children. Some suffer from mental and psychosocial issues more than physical ones, as a result of the continuing conflict. Refugees also suffer from a sense of loss, with no normality in their lives.
IMC has tackled several of these issues by providing internet access, social outlets and game rooms to relieve stress, Mr Noone said.
While mental issues were having a greater effect, Mr Noone emphasised that physical problems, such as respiratory infections and Leishmaniasis – a disease transmitted by infected sandflies – were a major concern.
Besides providing aid, IMC’s purpose is “to meet logistical and staffing needs for the regional effort”. The NGO will also run workshops and training for staff and their local counterparts.
“It is preferential to have people who understand the customs and speak the language,” he said.
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
Man of the match: Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace)
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023 More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE) Where: Allianz Arena, Munich Live: BeIN Sports HD Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), EsekaiaDranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), JaenBotes (Exiles), KristianStinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), EmosiVacanau (Harlequins), NikoVolavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), ThinusSteyn (Exiles)
