The usually bustling livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli, was largely deserted ahead of Eid Al Adha this year. AFP
The usually bustling livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli, was largely deserted ahead of Eid Al Adha this year. AFP
The usually bustling livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli, was largely deserted ahead of Eid Al Adha this year. AFP
The usually bustling livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli, was largely deserted ahead of Eid Al Adha this year. AFP

Gloom pervades Eid Al Adha in war-torn Libya


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Worn down by conflict, poverty and the pandemic, many Libyans are observing Eid Al Adha in a mood of gloom this year.

On the eve of the Muslim festival, the usually bustling annual sheep market on the outskirts of the capital Tripoli was largely deserted, lambs bleating in their wire-mesh pens with few customers in sight.

A handful of potential buyers eyed the sacrificial animals, their makeshift enclosures partially shaded against the blazing summer sun, in the suburb of Tajoura.

Breeder Suleiman Ertel got up long before dawn to bring his livestock from his hometown of Zliten, about 140 kilometres away, to the biggest animal market in western Libya.

The festival honours the prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, who then intervened and provided a sacrificial lamb instead.

The faithful commemorate this by ritually sacrificing an animal – a sheep, goat, cow or even a camel – and dividing it into three parts; for the poor, for relatives and for the home.

"Usually, in the days before the festival, people rush to buy their sheep," said Mr Ertel said, his eyes scanning the dusty three-square-kilometre expanse of the market.

But this year high livestock prices, a pandemic-driven fear of crowded markets, a financial crisis and heightened insecurity in Libya itself have all kept customers away.

For livestock farmers like him, Mr Ertel said, "everything is more expensive. Fodder has doubled in price, but also transport costs between towns, because of insecurity on some routes".

"It's discouraging," he said.

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Eid Al Adha around the world

  • A man offers Eid Al Adha prayers at the Thai Islamic Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters
    A man offers Eid Al Adha prayers at the Thai Islamic Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters
  • A child looks as Indonesians Muslims attend an Eid Al Adha prayer at the Baiturrahman grand mosque in Banda Aceh. AFP
    A child looks as Indonesians Muslims attend an Eid Al Adha prayer at the Baiturrahman grand mosque in Banda Aceh. AFP
  • TOPSHOT - A cleric leads a prayer to celebrate Eid al-Adha at Maryam Mosque in the city of Caen northwestern France on July 31, 2020. Eid Al-Adha is celebrated each year by Muslims sacrificing various animals according to religious traditions, including cows, camels, goats and sheep. The festival marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to God. Mosques started to reopen as France eases lockdown measures after the spreading of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) while respecting barrier gestures. / AFP / Sameer Al-DOUMY
    TOPSHOT - A cleric leads a prayer to celebrate Eid al-Adha at Maryam Mosque in the city of Caen northwestern France on July 31, 2020. Eid Al-Adha is celebrated each year by Muslims sacrificing various animals according to religious traditions, including cows, camels, goats and sheep. The festival marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to God. Mosques started to reopen as France eases lockdown measures after the spreading of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) while respecting barrier gestures. / AFP / Sameer Al-DOUMY
  • Bosnian Muslims wearing face masks take part in the Eid Al-Adha prayer outside of Gazi-Husref Bey's mosque, in Sarajevo, on July 31, 2020 as a large number of believers remained on the outer perimeter of the mosque, due to limited numbers of attendants. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son for God, and cows, camels, goats and sheep are traditionally slaughtered on the holiest day. / AFP / ELVIS BARUKCIC
    Bosnian Muslims wearing face masks take part in the Eid Al-Adha prayer outside of Gazi-Husref Bey's mosque, in Sarajevo, on July 31, 2020 as a large number of believers remained on the outer perimeter of the mosque, due to limited numbers of attendants. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son for God, and cows, camels, goats and sheep are traditionally slaughtered on the holiest day. / AFP / ELVIS BARUKCIC
  • Nigerian Muslims are seen during Eid al-Adha prayers at the National Mosque, during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Abuja, Nigeria July 31, 2020. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde
    Nigerian Muslims are seen during Eid al-Adha prayers at the National Mosque, during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Abuja, Nigeria July 31, 2020. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde
  • Muslim men take part in Eid Al-Adha prayer in a mosque in the village of Dinos near capital Podgorica on July 31, 2020. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son for God, and cows, camels, goats and sheep are traditionally slaughtered on the holiest day. / AFP / Savo PRELEVIC
    Muslim men take part in Eid Al-Adha prayer in a mosque in the village of Dinos near capital Podgorica on July 31, 2020. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son for God, and cows, camels, goats and sheep are traditionally slaughtered on the holiest day. / AFP / Savo PRELEVIC
  • epa08576317 Muslims wearing face mask gather and pray in a Turkish mosque to pray and mark the Muslim religious holiday of Eid aL-Adha, at the northern suburbs of Paris, France , 31 July 2020. Eid al-Adha is the holiest of the two Muslims holidays celebrated each year, it marks the yearly Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj) to visit Mecca, the holiest place in Islam. Muslims slaughter a sacrificial animal and split the meat into three parts, one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy. EPA/Mohammed Badra
    epa08576317 Muslims wearing face mask gather and pray in a Turkish mosque to pray and mark the Muslim religious holiday of Eid aL-Adha, at the northern suburbs of Paris, France , 31 July 2020. Eid al-Adha is the holiest of the two Muslims holidays celebrated each year, it marks the yearly Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj) to visit Mecca, the holiest place in Islam. Muslims slaughter a sacrificial animal and split the meat into three parts, one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy. EPA/Mohammed Badra
  • Muslim worshippers perform their prayer at the Mosque of Divinity in Dakar on July 31, 2020 ahead of prayers for the Muslim Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), known as Tabaski in Western Africa. / AFP / JOHN WESSELS
    Muslim worshippers perform their prayer at the Mosque of Divinity in Dakar on July 31, 2020 ahead of prayers for the Muslim Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), known as Tabaski in Western Africa. / AFP / JOHN WESSELS
  • Muslim devotees wash their hand before attending Eid Al Adha prayers at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. EPA
    Muslim devotees wash their hand before attending Eid Al Adha prayers at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. EPA
  • Muslims offer prayers outside a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AFP
    Muslims offer prayers outside a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AFP
  • A Muslim woman takes a selfie after Eid Al Adha prayers at a mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP Photo
    A Muslim woman takes a selfie after Eid Al Adha prayers at a mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP Photo
  • Muslim devotees pray outside a mosque in Taguig city, south of Manila, Philippines. EPA
    Muslim devotees pray outside a mosque in Taguig city, south of Manila, Philippines. EPA
  • Indonesian families perform Eid Al Adha prayers with social distancing in Semarang, Central Java. AFP
    Indonesian families perform Eid Al Adha prayers with social distancing in Semarang, Central Java. AFP
  • Muslims take part in Eid Al Adha prayers at Al Mashun Grand Mosque in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. AP Photo
    Muslims take part in Eid Al Adha prayers at Al Mashun Grand Mosque in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. AP Photo
  • Members of the Muslim community leave after Eid Al Adha prayers at the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque in Sydney, Australia. EPA
    Members of the Muslim community leave after Eid Al Adha prayers at the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque in Sydney, Australia. EPA
  • People get on a truck as they travel back to their homes on the eve of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha or the festival of sacrifice, in Dhaka on July 31, 2020. Eid al-Adha, feast of the sacrifice, marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to Allah. / AFP / Munir Uz zaman / Munir Uz zaman
    People get on a truck as they travel back to their homes on the eve of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha or the festival of sacrifice, in Dhaka on July 31, 2020. Eid al-Adha, feast of the sacrifice, marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to Allah. / AFP / Munir Uz zaman / Munir Uz zaman
  • A Palestinian lights fireworks to celebrate Eid Al Adha in Khan Younis town, southern Gaza Strip. EPA
    A Palestinian lights fireworks to celebrate Eid Al Adha in Khan Younis town, southern Gaza Strip. EPA

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Libya has endured almost a decade of violent chaos since the 2011 Nato-backed uprising that toppled and killed veteran dictator Muammar Qaddafi.

Tripoli, seat of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), was besieged until several months ago by forces loyal to rival administration based in the east, and the battlefront has since moved to central Libya.

The war, involving foreign mercenary forces, fighter jets and drones provided by multiple outside actors, has taken a heavy human toll but also battered the oil-dependent economy.

The war-weary country is also plagued by water shortages and power blackouts that hobble air-conditioners and also make it impossible to store meat in freezers.

The deplorable situation is compounded by the Covid-19 crisis, which has depressed global oil prices. The virus has flared again in Libya despite curfews, the closure of schools and mosques, and a travel ban.

In recent weeks, new infections have surged above 100 a day for the first time since the virus was detected in the North African country in late March.

There have been 3,017 confirmed cases and 67 deaths in Libya from the respiratory disease, deemed by many as underestimates in a divided country with a shattered public health system.

At Tajoura's market, Ahmed Al Fallah was on the third day of his search for a sheep he could afford, in a desperate bid to try to maintain the crucial religious and family tradition.

"I ask about prices without being able to buy anything," he told AFP, keeping an eye on one of his three sons posing for a photo next to a sheep.

"I don't have enough money. I think I'm going to have to borrow some."

An average-sized sheep costs 1,200 to 1,400 Libyan dinars (Dh5,245-Dh6,120) – too much for many Libyans who, even if they have the means, cannot withdraw enough cash from their bank accounts.

"Most banks have capped withdrawals at 1,000 dinars in the days leading up to the festival," said Mohamad Kecher, another frustrated customer at the market.

"So we hesitate," he said. "Should we spend it all on the sacrificial sheep or keep the money for the family's expenses for a month?"

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

RACE CARD

6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.05pm Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m

7.40pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m

8.15pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m

9.50pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m

Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.

A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.

Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.

A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.

On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.

The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.

Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.

The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later. 

Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species

Camelpox

Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.

Falconpox

Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.

Houbarapox

Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.

U19 WORLD CUP, WEST INDIES

UAE group fixtures (all in St Kitts)

  • Saturday 15 January: UAE beat Canada by 49 runs 
  • Thursday 20 January: v England 
  • Saturday 22 January: v Bangladesh 

UAE squad:

Alishan Sharafu (captain), Shival Bawa, Jash Giyanani, Sailles
Jaishankar, Nilansh Keswani, Aayan Khan, Punya Mehra, Ali Naseer, Ronak Panoly,
Dhruv Parashar, Vinayak Raghavan, Soorya Sathish, Aryansh Sharma, Adithya
Shetty, Kai Smith  

Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

While you're here
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Company/date started: 2015

Founder/CEO: Mohammed Toraif

Based: Manama, Bahrain

Sector: Sales, Technology, Conservation

Size: (employees/revenue) 4/ 5,000 downloads

Stage: 1 ($100,000)

Investors: Two first-round investors including, 500 Startups, Fawaz Al Gosaibi Holding (Saudi Arabia)

THE SPECS

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE

Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors

Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode

Power: 121hp

Torque: 142Nm

Price: Dh95,900