Brothers Mishaal and Ali Al Medhani. Courtesy Security Media
Brothers Mishaal and Ali Al Medhani. Courtesy Security Media

UAE welcomes 152 new citizens



ABU DHABI // The lives of Balqees Al Saadi and Fatima Al Wehaibi were changed forever on Wednesday.

The two young women were among 152 children of Emirati mothers and foreign fathers who were granted citizenship in line with a decree by the President, Sheikh Khalifa.

“Words can not express the extent of my happiness and the happiness of my siblings,” said Ms Al Saadi, a University of Sharjah student who had been eagerly awaiting the day.

The young women attended a ceremony along with 150 others held by the General Directorate of Naturalisation and Residency and Ports Affairs.

Ms Al Wehaibi, an Emirates airline employee, said she was grateful to the President for granting her citizenship.

She said she hoped she could measure up to the honour, which had given her a huge sense of belonging.

Maj Gen Khalifa Al Khaili, acting assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs, congratulated the citizens.

Gen Al Khaili urged them to become exemplary members of society and to strive to preserve the UAE’s reputation and pride, to make every effort to give back to the leadership and the country. He urged them to embody the UAE’s cultural traditions, abide by its constitution, laws and rules, and to observe the norms and customs of society.

Gen Al Khaili said the leadership’s attention to Emirati mothers shows the important role they play in instilling the love of country and loyalty to the homeland in their children.

Sheikh Khalifa announced the decision to mark the UAE’s 40th National Day, in 2011.

He said that after meeting certain conditions children of Emirati mothers and foreign fathers would be granted citizenship on their 18th birthday. Children born to Emirati fathers and foreign mothers are given citizenship at birth.

Brig Gen Saeed Al Rashdi, director general of Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs, expressed his appreciation for Sheikh Khalifa’s decision and congratulated the new citizens, urging them to protect their citizenship and become active citizens.

Brig Al Rashdi said the UAE’s leaders gave special importance to integrating the children of Emirati women into the community as they were true partners in the homeland and had a pivotal role to play in its development.

Emirati mothers whose sons and daughters were granted citizenship said the decision would have a huge impact on their children’s social and professional life, and had helped to lift a large burden.

Meanwhile, Emiratis took to social media to show their happiness for the 152 new citizens, saying the children of Emirati women have a strong sense of belonging and loyalty to the country, and deserved the honour. “These children were born here and the UAE is home to them,” said Hussa Al Khaldy. “There is no doubt in their loyalty.”

Ahmed Al Khazimi said Sheikh Khalifa’s decision gave Emirati women their most important right – to grant their children citizenship.

newsdesk@thenational.ae

Ways to control drones

Countries have been coming up with ways to restrict and monitor the use of non-commercial drones to keep them from trespassing on controlled areas such as airports.

"Drones vary in size and some can be as big as a small city car - so imagine the impact of one hitting an airplane. It's a huge risk, especially when commercial airliners are not designed to make or take sudden evasive manoeuvres like drones can" says Saj Ahmed, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research.

New measures have now been taken to monitor drone activity, Geo-fencing technology is one.

It's a method designed to prevent drones from drifting into banned areas. The technology uses GPS location signals to stop its machines flying close to airports and other restricted zones.

The European commission has recently announced a blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly. This process is called “U-Space” – it covers altitudes of up to 150 metres. It is also noteworthy that that UK Civil Aviation Authority recommends drones to be flown at no higher than 400ft. “U-Space” technology will be governed by a system similar to air traffic control management, which will be automated using tools like geo-fencing.

The UAE has drawn serious measures to ensure users register their devices under strict new laws. Authorities have urged that users must obtain approval in advance before flying the drones, non registered drone use in Dubai will result in a fine of up to twenty thousand dirhams under a new resolution approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Mr Ahmad suggest that "Hefty fines running into hundreds of thousands of dollars need to compensate for the cost of airport disruption and flight diversions to lengthy jail spells, confiscation of travel rights and use of drones for a lengthy period" must be enforced in order to reduce airport intrusion.

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.
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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

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
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