For the third time in 25 years, Somalia is in the midst of a famine. More than six million people are facing a food crisis as drought has caused crops to fail and livestock to die. In a country already devastated by war, the famine could claim thousands of lives unless international aid organisations provide urgent help.
This crisis is not isolated. From north-eastern Nigeria to South Sudan and Somalia, large parts of Africa are experiencing drought and famine. According to United Nations estimates, more than 20 million people are affected, making it one of the largest food crises the organisation has faced since 1945. One country understands the dangers to civilian life and is responding with aid: the UAE.
Under the direction of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, a Dh500m “mission of mercy” was launched last week. The aid is earmarked for hundreds of thousands of Somalian children and their families affected by the famine. Sheikh Khalifa, who declared 2017 the Year of Giving, was backed in the call for aid by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The aid campaign includes calls for donations and a countrywide telethon, which raised Dh165 million on Friday. During the Friday sermon last week, the imam encouraged worshippers to donate money to the campaign. “Our brotherly people of Somalia are experiencing a crisis that breaks the heart and makes the eye cry real tears,” the imam said. Make no mistake, delivering aid to a country as unstable as Somalia is not an easy task. Last Thursday, an aid convoy from the Emirates Red Crescent came under attack near Mogadishu. The team was in the capital to determine the immediate needs of people and deliver 10,000 food parcels in aid. There are another 200,000 food parcels for children and 50,000 for families currently making their way to Somalia on a special relief ship.
Thankfully, the bomb attack didn’t result in any causalities. It only served to strengthen the resolve of the UAE in assisting the people of Somalia during their time of desperate need. Given the scale of the crisis across Africa, the UAE’s example will need to be replicated by other countries to save lives on the ground. We look forward to spearheading efforts to help those on the ground and save lives.
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)
Date started: August 2021
Founder: Nour Sabri
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace
Size: Two employees
Funding stage: Seed investment
Initial investment: $200,000
Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East)
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Company%20Profile
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Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Company%20Profile
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Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
Company name: Play:Date
Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day
Founder: Shamim Kassibawi
Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US
Sector: Tech
Size: 20 employees
Stage of funding: Seed
Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund
Bert van Marwijk factfile
Born: May 19 1952
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Playing position: Midfielder
Teams managed:
1998-2000 Fortuna Sittard
2000-2004 Feyenoord
2004-2006 Borussia Dortmund
2007-2008 Feyenoord
2008-2012 Netherlands
2013-2014 Hamburg
2015-2017 Saudi Arabia
2018 Australia
Major honours (manager):
2001/02 Uefa Cup, Feyenoord
2007/08 KNVB Cup, Feyenoord
World Cup runner-up, Netherlands
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
Kill%20
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Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)
Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
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Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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The%20Specs
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
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