Kuwait said that it was ready to support Iraq in overcoming the current unrest in the south of the country before a joint cabinet-parliament meeting in Kuwait City on Tuesday.
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed said during a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi that the “stability of Baghdad is among Kuwait’s chief concerns”, reported the state-run Kuwait News Agency (Kuna).
Mr Abadi reassured Sheikh Sabah that security in the port city of Basra, which borders Kuwait, remains “intact in Iraq amid nationwide protests”.
Three demonstrators were killed as demonstrations against unemployment spread throughout the country, including the capital Baghdad, since last week.
The protests come amid simmering political uncertainty in Iraq after contested elections in May. The country is also still recovering from a devastating war against ISIS that has drained the country’s resources.
Mr Abadi on Saturday evening announced investment worth $3 billion (Dh11bn) for Basra province, as well as pledges to spend on housing, schools and services.
______________
Read more
Iraq PM looks to calm Basra unrest as demos spread
Inquiry launched after police shoot protesters in Basra
Two killed in southern Iraq as protests spread
______________
Activists said Iraqi security forces in the southern oil-rich province have started arresting protesters who have taken part in the week-long demonstrations there demanding jobs and better services.
Earlier this week, Kuwaitis feared the unrest spilt over the border after a video emerged online showing armed militants storming a guarded area surrounded by terrain similar to that of Kuwait. The ministry denied the claims and said the attacks were in Basra.
Kuwait’s chief lawmaker, Marzouq Al Ghanim, said on Sunday, after the phone call between Sheikh Sabah and Mr Al Abadi, that the cabinet will be holding a joint meeting with parliament to discuss the latest developments in Iraq.
Mr Al Ghanim said the session was requested by a number of MPs who expressed concern at the situation in the neighbouring country.
Kuwait last year pledged $2 billion to the reconstruction of Iraq in a conference hosted in Kuwait City that saw dozens of countries attend and pledge a total of $30 billion.
The pledge came as a surprise as Iraq is also set to resume payments to fully meet the $4.6 billion still owed to Kuwait in reparations for the destruction of oil production during the Gulf War.
The Kuwaiti session will be attended by Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled, Kuwait’s foreign minister.
Last week, Iran cut electricity to the southern Iraqi provinces of Ziqar and Meysan over unpaid bills, according to Turkish news agency Andalou.
More than 75 per cent of Iraq’s accessible oil reserves are found in Basra.
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 420 bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: from Dh293,200
On sale: now
