UAE humanitarian drive for Lebanon raises Dh200m as 6,000 tonnes of aid sent

A UAE humanitarian drive in support of Lebanon raised nearly Dh200 million and led to 6,000 tonnes of crucial aid being delivered to citizens bearing the brunt of deadly conflict, it was announced on Monday.

The UAE Stands with Lebanon campaign was established in October in a show of solidarity with the Lebanese people during an Israeli army ground invasion and persistent air attacks, which caused thousands of deaths, the displacement of more than one million people and widespread destruction of public buildings and homes.

The initiative, which concluded last week, saw members of the public make financial pledges through the website of the Emirates Red Crescent, the charitable arm of the government, and a number of UAE banks affiliated with the campaign.

Thousands of people also turned out at aid events held across the country to pack essential supplies for citizens whose lives have been devastated by war.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, deputy chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and chairman of the International Philanthropic and Humanitarian Council and the board of trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, said the huge outpouring of public support served to highlight the humanitarian values of the country and its leadership.

Sheikh Thayeb thanked all sections of society for their contribution to the cause over recent months.

Show of support

The UAE had initially allocated $100 million as urgent relief, in addition to $30 million for Lebanese citizens displaced to Syria.

A total of 22 planes and two ships loaded with food and medical supplies, shelter materials and other essentials were dispatched during the past three months in co-ordination with relevant Lebanese and international authorities such as the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Lebanon's Parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as President on Thursday. It ended a power vacuum that had persisted since 2022 and comes as the end of a 60-day ceasefire looms on January 26 and postwar reconstruction efforts take shape.

President Sheikh Mohamed on Saturday congratulated the new President in a telephone call, as the UAE said it would reopen its embassy in the Lebanese capital, three years after its closure.

Sheikh Mohamed wished Gen Aoun success in leading Lebanon and fulfilling the aspirations of its people for development and stability.

During the call, both leaders agreed to take steps to reopen the UAE’s embassy in Beirut.

Sheikh Mohamed stressed the UAE's commitment to supporting efforts that ensure Lebanon's security and stability.

If you go

Flying

Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.

Touring

Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com

Key findings of Jenkins report

Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."

RESULTS

Main card

Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision

Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision

Lightweight 60kg: Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3

Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision

Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision

Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round

SCORES IN BRIEF

Lahore Qalandars 186 for 4 in 19.4 overs
(Sohail 100,Phil Salt 37 not out, Bilal Irshad 30, Josh Poysden 2-26)
bt Yorkshire Vikings 184 for 5 in 20 overs
(Jonathan Tattersall 36, Harry Brook 37, Gary Ballance 33, Adam Lyth 32, Shaheen Afridi 2-36).

If you go

The Flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.

The trip

Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.