Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid is welcomed by President Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid is welcomed by President Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed and President of Iraq discuss two-state solution



President Sheikh Mohamed and Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid discussed the need for a two-state solution in Gaza during a meeting on Wednesday. The discussions took place after Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Mr Rashid at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi during his visit to the UAE.

During the meeting, the two leaders also reviewed bilateral co-operation, particularly in the economic, investment and development sectors, as well as in renewable energy, state news agency Wam reported.

"The discussions covered a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, with a particular focus on developments in the Middle East," state news agency Wam reported.

"Both leaders emphasised the need for a clear path towards a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, and underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts that support the aspirations of the region’s peoples for security, stability, and development."

Sheikh Mohamed "reaffirmed the strength of UAE-Iraq relations and the UAE’s consistent approach in supporting Iraq’s stability".

He also stressed how keen the UAE was to strengthen collaboration and co-ordination with Iraq to serve mutual interests and enhance regional stability and security, especially in light of continuing developments in the region.

Mr Rashid reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to further strengthening co-operation with the UAE "in ways that serve their shared interests and benefit their peoples and the wider region".

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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia

Normal People

Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
 

The biog

Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.

It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.

They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.

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Name: HyperSpace
 
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Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

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Anxiety and work stress major factors

Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.

A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.

Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.

One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.

It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."

Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.

“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi. 

“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."

Daniel Bardsley

Updated: February 12, 2025, 6:35 PM