Good morning from The National on March 25, 2025.
Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
A $64.5 million grant provided by the UAE to a long-standing hospital in East Jerusalem has been hailed as a "lifeline" in its quest to provide critical care to Palestinians bearing the brunt of the war between Israel and Hamas.
The aid package, allocated under the directive of President Sheikh Mohamed and announced on Monday, will support operational expenses and medical staff at Al Makassed Hospital, as well as helping to fund upgrades.
The hospital opened in 1968 with an initial capacity of 20 beds, which has since increased to 250. About 950 medical and administrative staff are employed at the complex, which serves more than 66,000 patients from Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
Al Makassed provides a specialised residency programme for medical training covering 13 disciplines, which is accredited by the Palestinian and the Jordanian medical councils. More than 540 specialised doctors have graduated from the programme.
Read the full story from Salam Al Amir and Chris Maxwell here
Patrick Ryan
Assistant News Editor
Warner Bros invests in Dubai's OSN in Middle East streaming drive
Warner Bros Discovery has announced a minority investment in Dubai's OSN Streaming, driving up its presence in the Middle East.
The deal will “reinforce its commitment to the region's fast-growing landscape”, the US global media and entertainment conglomerate said on Monday. Warner Bros will pay $57 million for a third of OSN Streaming – known to viewers as OSN Plus – said Joe Kawkabani, chief executive of parent company OSN Group.
"They're making a big statement," he said. "They're endorsing the story of OSN", which has gone through big changes over the past three years. It has transformed from a pay TV network to streaming, to the launch of OSN plus and the separation of OSN TV.
Read Salim A Essaid's report here
Etihad Rail plays starring role in UAE’s new Dh100 banknote
The UAE Central Bank on Monday launched a new Dh100 banknote ($27). Made of polymer, it features the Umm Al Quwain National Fort on the front, with a design depicting Etihad Rail alongside the Port of Fujairah on the back.
The note, in various shades of red, is part of the bank’s third issuance of the National Currency Project and uses multi-coloured security chip technology to combat counterfeiting. It will be in circulation from Monday.
Polymer banknotes are more durable and sustainable than traditional paper ones, lasting as least twice as longer in circulation, the central bank says. There are prominent symbols in Braille to help the blind and visually impaired.
Read the full story here
 |
FACT OF THE DAY
Dubai’s new variable parking fees will come into effect on Friday, April 4. Read more here
THE WRAP
FRONT PAGE
