TRACKING MASK PROGRESS POLLUTION: OF COVID-19 BANE OF THE VACCINES NEW NORMAL
IN THE SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL ISSUE 105 OCTOBER 2020 SPOTLIGHT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
ABRAHAM ACCORD HERALDS A NEW ERA OF PEACE
UAE 5.000 AED KSA 5.000 SAR Kuwait 0.500 DK Bahrain 0.500 BD Oman 0.500 OR
IN THIS ISSUE: UAE POLICE REMIND ABOUT THE LIFE-SAVING ZEBRA CROSSING. LET'S TAKE A PEEK INTO JAYWALKERS’ MIND
Security And Safety For All EDITOR’S NOTE
A landmark month
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Nobody knows the exact
origin of this sentence, but most of us have heard it at some point. And nothing
embodies the spirit of that saying better than what our very own UAE. Amidst all the
news of struggles and uncertainty from around the world, the country has again
shown what leadership and vision can do.
In September 2020, the country made the groundbreaking announcement that
it was authorising a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, with priority given to
medical frontliners to protect them from infection. This announcement was
Amidst all the accompanied by a statement that the Phase III trial of the vaccine, tested on 31,000 news of struggles volunteers, out of whom 1,000 had chronic conditions, had revealed no significant side effects. The number of volunteers who came forward for the trial made this and uncertainty achievement possible. from around A week before these announcements, the UAE launched its National Policy on the world, the Vaccinations, with the aim of strengthening the immunity of its entire population of citizens and expats, fortifying them against any future disease outbreaks. It’s this
country has sort of forward planning that contributes to the country’s sustained progress. again shown In the same month, on September 15, the UAE played a central role in another historic event. This historical achievement paves the way for an overall peace
what leadership process and is a realistic response to the geopolitical changes and the security and and vision can do development challenges facing the region, along with the opening of new avenues for economic prosperity.
Women readers will find this issue of particular interest, as it highlights ways to
make one’s personal and professional life better. October being Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, there’s a special report to empower you with knowledge.
October is also when the global economy’s post-pandemic recovery efforts begin
to crystallise, making this the perfect time for women to take the reins of business,
supported by our feature.
Now is the time to rise above the anxiety of the pandemic and prepare for a year
in which the novel coronavirus would be, hopefully, behind us. We want you to go
out with confidence every day and come back home safely. Our feature on
jaywalking tells you why spending an extra minute or two on reaching the nearest
zebra crossing is the best move for both your health and wealth. The fine for
arbitrarily running across the road is steep, but only because the UAE cares very
much about you.
2 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 4 Security And Safety For All Safety Security And published arereservedfor999. or policyoftheUAE MinistryofInterior. Copyrightsforallthearticles, features, photosandtopics Published articlesexpressthewriter’s opinionsanddonotnecessarily representtheofficialviews Disclaimer: 999 Dhs100 –Companies&government Committee of999Magazine [email protected] SECURITY AND SAFETYFORALL [email protected] Head oftheDevelopment United ArabEmirates www.newperspectivemedia.com Khalil DawoodBadran CONTENTS Ministry ofInterior Fax: +97124194499 Toll Free:8009009 Col. Awadh AlKindi Tel: +97124194488 Tel. 8002220Fax02-6424842 the MinistryofInteriorby Abu Dhabi–UAE Managing Editor Dhs50 –Individuals www.moi.gov.ae P.O. Box: 38999 Published onbehalfof Issam AlSheikh Tel: 02-4917100 Editor-in-Chief Abu Dhabi,UAE Subscriptions PO Box77910 Distributed by TawzeaDistributed Contact Us departments twofour54 Security And Safety For All Safety Security And OCTOBER 2020 Stay connected.Followuson: around theworld closing thatgapandempoweringwomen inclusion. 999delvesintotheimportanceof gender gapintermsofbusinessandfinancial China andIndiacombined.Butthere’s stilla whose growthmarket ishigherthanthatof of womenwouldrepresentaneconomy If theywereacountry, theglobalpopulation 52 WOMEN INBUSINESS humans environment –andeventually, athreattous the seasandbecomeathreatto carelessly tossedawaymasksthatlandupin irresponsibly, itwilljointhemillionsofother shield againstCOVID-19. Butifdiscarded The humblefacemaskisyourlife-saving BANE OF THE NEWNORMAL 44 MASKPOLLUTION: into jaywalkers’ mind life-saving zebracrossing–andtakes apeek restrictions, 999remindsallaboutthe coming outaftertheeasingofCOVID-19 keep pedestriansalive. Withmorepeople Pedestrian crossingsexistforareason:to STRIPES 38 STICKTO THE Police news,people, numbers,andevents 16 UAE NEWSBULLETIN that grabbedpeople’s attention Some numbersandquotationsinthemedia 14 FACTS &FIGURES IMMUNITY OFITS POPULATION. 999TRACKS THEPROGRESSOFTHESETRIALSAS WELLAS 28 THE UAE HAS REACHED AMILESTONE INTHEPHASE IIICLINICAL TRIALSFORACOVID-19 VACCINE, ANDITHAS ALSOLAUNCHED ANATIONAL STRATEGY TO RAISETHEOVERALL OTHER VACCINE CANDIDATES ACROSS THEGLOBE twitter.com/999english PRIDE 58 sly manintodrugtrafficking wealthy parents,ayoungwomanisluredby Without anyrestraininginfluencefromher 78 CRIME&PUNISHMENT murder scenes a spacefordeliciousdelightsintogruesome These incidentshaveturnedwhat’s essentially 74 CRIMEMYSTERIES with thesetips interviews. Make amarkinyouronlineinterview being conductedtoday—thatincludesjob way connectionsandprofessionalactivitiesare The currentglobalscenariohaschangedthe 70 can make thedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath detection andprompttreatmentforthisdisease government wantstoeducatewomenthatearly This BreastCancerAwareness month,theUAE 38 WEAR THE PINK RIBBON WITH PINK WEAR THE TIPS & TRIVIA TIPS facebook.com/999english electronic devices Take apeekatthenewestmust-havehigh-tech 86 GADGETS the UAE mix andcommerceinthelandsthatlaterbecame The bookGulfGuidegivesusalookintothesocial 80 HISTORY 11 impounding law impounding law Abu DhabiPolice implementnewvehicle NEWS 18 COLUMNISTS COVER STORY 26 Ali Obaid Media Incorporated Centre atDubai Head oftheNews TRIUMPH INTHEUAE’S ILLUSTRIOUS RECORD OFPROMOTING PEACE ANDDEVELOPMENT. 999DELVES INTO THE NEWLY MINTEDABRAHAMACCORD, FORMALLY SIGNEDONSEPTEMBER15,2020, ISYETANOTHER THIS PACT THAT SHINESBRIGHTON THEBLEAKLANDSCAPE OFTHEPANDEMIC NEW HORIZONS 36 (FNC), andUAEwriter Federal NationalCouncil Former Memberofthe Maysa Rashed FORPEACE with wordsandnumbers Have somefunandseehowgoodyouare 96 PUZZLES What Octoberhasinstoreforyou 94 HOROSCOPE Keep yourhealthincheck,stayupdated 92 segments ofsocietyforacommoncause Campaign tobringtogetherpeoplefromall 90 ENVIRONMENTNEWS to talesoftransgressions about self-discoveryandmentalhealth Get differentlevelsofthrillwithbooks 88 BOOKS
HEALTH NEWS respected artist Internationally Dr SamarAl-Shamsi 68 78 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETYFORALL Security And Safety For All Safety Security And 5 Security And Safety For All NEWS Security And Safety For All Khalifa issues new law to crack down on financial crimes UAE Cabinet launches national vaccination policy integrity, transparency, accountability covered by Abu Dhabi Accountability CHAIRED by His Highness Sheikh and governance in public offices. Authority: (1) to implement financial Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice WAM Directly working under His Highness monitoring for all respective government President and Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, entities; (2) to ensure they are committing to and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Cabinet Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy their obligations, objectives and activities; approved the National Policy on Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed and (3) to oversee the efficiency and Vaccinations, a multi-sectoral national Forces, the Authority was established by the effectiveness of the electronic monitoring framework for combatting communicable new law as a financially and systems controlling those entities’ finances. diseases and reducing their risks to administratively independent entity, and has Based on Article 31 of this law, entities to individuals and society. the full legal capacity to practise its be monitored by Abu Dhabi Accountability The Policy will act as a coordination activities to achieve its objectives. Authority include: local departments, framework for all parties involved in the The law has expanded the authority’s municipalities, authorities, corporations, immunisation field, in order to support the roles and responsibilities to guarantee councils, general secretariats, courts, police health system in the country and enhance effective financial monitoring and efficient and security entities, centres, offices, the efficiency of provided services. financial operations at companies for universities, institutes, funds, markets, public It also aims to bring together the vaccination services and preventive care sustainability and quality, raise awareness whom 25 per cent plus of their capital is incorporated bodies, companies either non-governmental sector and community nationwide. on their importance, and support PRESIDENT His Highness Sheikh Khalifa owned by the government, compared to directly or indirectly fully owned by members to support the UAE’s fight Some of the most important objectives innovation and research in the field. It bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a law 50 per cent previously. The objective is to government entities or government against communicable diseases by of the National Policy on Vaccinations also includes policies on safeguarding regulating the Abu Dhabi Accountability ensure optimum use of public resources companies, or companies for whom 25 promoting a healthy lifestyle, as well as are the following: to make vaccines public health during health emergencies Authority to enhance the monitoring of across Abu Dhabi. per cent of their capital is owned by the ensuring the delivery of the best quality widely available, ensure their and disease outbreaks. public finances, and to strengthen The law defines three key packages to be government or by government entities. Vice President approves new federal department board, committee heads Khalifa bin Zayed abolishes Israel Boycott Law ahead of peace accord overall development process. Community Development, as President of the PRESIDENT His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin The new appointments followed the latest National Council for Quality of Life.
Zayed Al Nahyan issued a Federal Decree- WAM UAE Cabinet reshuffle and aims to advance Meanwhile, His Highness also approved Law No. 04 of 2020, abolishing the the work of federal councils and promote the appointment of new federal committee Federal Law No. 15 of 1972 regarding their roles in achieving the strategic national heads including HE Suhail Al Mazrouei, boycotting Israel and the penalties thereof. objectives of the federal government. Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, as The federal law came out weeks leading to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Chairman of the Supreme Committee, which the ‘Abraham Accord’ signed between His Rashid approved the appointment of the is tasked to organise the hosting of the World Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin following: HE Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Conference on Automation and Robotics in Sultan Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Climate Change and the Field of Construction 2021. and International Cooperation, who Environment, appointed as President of the HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of represented the UAE Government, and HIS Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al UAE Council for Climate Change and State for Foreign Trade, was appointed as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of Environment; HE Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Chairman of the Foreign Direct Investment hosted by US President Donald Trump in (R) during the historic signing of the Abraham Accord at the White House, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2nd from L), in the presence of US President Donald Trump (3rd from L) and the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Committee, while Saeed Mohammed Al Washington DC. Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani (1st from L) appointment of several new federal department Technology, as President of the UAE’s Suwaidi was named as the UAE’s permanent The new law comes as part of the UAE’s board and committee heads, as part of the Industrial Coordination Council; and HE representative to the International Civil efforts to expand diplomatic and commercial economic aspects. residing in Israel or belonging to it by their government effort to support the country’s Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Aviation Organisation. cooperation with Israel, and by laying out a With the signing of this law, individuals nationality, in terms of commercial, financial roadmap towards launching joint and companies in the UAE may enter into operations, or any other dealings of any cooperation for bilateral relations on various agreements with bodies or individuals nature. VP unveils UAE-NASA deal to train Emirati astronauts HIS Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin signing of an agreement with NASA to came days ahead of the first anniversary Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and train UAE astronauts for potential missions of UAE’s historic journey to the UAE becomes 1st Arab country to grant paternity leave in private sector Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of to the International Space Station, International Space Station. PRESIDENT His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Arab world to have implemented the policy. cohesion and stability, enhance UAE’s Dubai, announced the government’s including space walks and long duration Major Hazza Al Mansouri, the first bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved a new With this, male parents working in the position and competitiveness in the field of signing of an agreement with NASA to station missions,” said His Highness. Emirati astronaut who waived the UAE amendment to the UAE labour law, private sector can take a five-day paid gender balance, and encourage young train Emirati astronauts at its spaceflight “The program will train our youth and flag in space, will join the two-year granting private sector employees paid paternity leave—must be taken within six talents to work in the private sector. training centre in the US for future astronauts for future missions,” His programme. He will be accompanied by paternity leave. months of the birth of their newborn. At present, female employees of the missions. Highness added. reserve astronaut Dr Sultan Al Neyadi. The UAE becomes the first country in the The decree aims to further cement family private sector get a 45-day maternity leave. “We are pleased to announce the The announcement of the agreement
6 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 7 Security And Safety For All NEWS Security And Safety For All UAE offers full scholarships for children of healthcare workers UAE Cabinet issues resolution on mandatory installation of home fire detectors Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the current academic year. It would ensure the UNDER the chairmanship of His Highness departments concerned
UAE Government announced that children education of medical frontliners’ children Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al with issuing licences for WAM of healthcare workers across the emirates until high school, covering the cost of their Maktoum, Vice President and Prime the construction of will be given access to full educational tuition, laptops and transportation. Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, residential homes are scholarships at public schools under a new So far, 1,850 children of frontline the UAE has approved a resolution that directed to ensure that programme called ‘Hayyakum’. healthcare professionals have received the obliges residential homeowners to install fire detectors are Overseen by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin scholarships. fire detectors and link them to the civil installed in houses and Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al defence e-system. the owner has Affairs and International Cooperation and Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of the The Ministry of Interior, through the Civil subscribed to the Chairman of the Education and Human Frontline Heroes Office, conveyed his Defence Departments, was tasked to carry e-system, before Resources Council, the Ministry of deep thanks to His Highness Sheikh out the provisions of the new resolution granting a completion/ Education in partnership with the newly- Mohamed bin Zayed for his dedicated and cooperate with all concerned parties compliance certificate. UNDER the direction of His Highness Sheikh established Frontline Heroes Office support and appreciation to all frontline to facilitate implementation procedures at The federal and local Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown launched the scholarship programme that heroes and caring for their needs and their all levels. governments will bear the costs of installing The policy is in line with the government Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme was made available at the start of the families in these challenging times. The mandatory policy will be applied these devices in homes for people with efforts to protect the lives and properties of to all existing residences or those that are limited income. the UAE citizens and residents, provide the still under or for construction. Owners of existing homes are given a highest amount of public safety, and Mohamed bin Zayed reviews bilateral ties, regional peace efforts with world leaders The federal or local government period of up to three years to comply. protect society from fire hazards. HIS Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed exchanged views on the latest regional the latest developments in the Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and international developments and issues Mediterranean region. They underlined the and Deputy Supreme Commander of the of common concern. necessity of reaching a peaceful settlement UAE honours 5th batch of government accelerators UAE Armed Forces, reviewed ways to These were also the topics discussed to any crises and disputes in the region. (FDF) and HH Lt General community and national authorities to support each strengthen bilateral relations and regional between His Highness and French The two leaders also reiterated the WAM Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al other and cooperate. peace efforts in separate phone President Emmanuel Macron. Additionally, UAE-Israel Peace Accord and its Nahyan, Deputy Prime For his part, HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed thanked conversations with various global leaders. they tackled their countries’ efforts to importance in enhancing peace and Minister and Minister of the UAE leadership’s keenness to empower women In a phone call with Egyptian President support regional peace and stability. security for the peoples of the Middle the Interior, the and reinforce their skills and capacities, making Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, the two leaders talked In another phone conversation with East, and charting a new path government honoured in them true partners in the country’s process of about prospects of further consolidating the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, conducive to achieving development, a virtual ceremony the development and journey of excellence and bilateral relations between the UAE and His Highness reaffirmed UAE’s bilateral ties cooperation, prosperity and brighter fifth batch of government leadership. Egypt across various fronts. They with Greece. The two sides also discussed future in the region. accelerators, which was The government accelerators include 167 launched in partnership members from 34 federal and local authorities and with the GWU, under community organisations working in seven teams to the slogan “Women’s find solutions to challenges faced by women, Mohamed bin Zayed lauds launch of inclusive policy for People of Determination Empowerment and including inclusive employment, gender balance, HIS Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed everyone’s right to participate fully and teams, including: (1) Health and Leadership”. workplaces, and marital dispute resolution. Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi with dignity in our community.” rehabilitation team led by the Department UNDER the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima bint HH Sheikha Fatima lauded the GWU’s role in The fifth batch was launched to find timely and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Meanwhile, His Highness Sheikh Hazza of Health; (2) Education team led by the Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s supporting women empowerment and their solutions to these challenges within 100 days. UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of Abu bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of Department of Education and Knowledge; Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for representation in all aspects of UAE society. In her During this period, 22 workshops and ten cultural Dhabi Executive Council, praised the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said: “Abu (3) Employment team led by the Human Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme speech, Her Highness also pointed out that the events took place involving over 2,000 participants launch of the Comprehensive Strategy for Dhabi’s Comprehensive Strategy for Resources Authority; (4) Social Care team Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation country is approaching a new era that requires the from all segments of the community. People of Determination 2020-2024. People of Determination is an essential led by Zayed Higher Organisation for The strategy, which was unveiled by the step towards further integration and People of Determination; (5) Accessibility Department of Community Development empowerment of this vital community team led by the Department of (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, aims to create an group, to unleash their full potential as key Municipalities and Transport; (6) Enablers Saif bin Zayed addresses graduates of youth empowerment initiative integrated and enabling environment for players in our nation’s development and team led by the Department of Community UNDER the patronage of His Highness Sheikh In his speech, His Highness Sheikh Saif bin summer period. People of Determination in Abu Dhabi. future achievements.” Development. Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince Zayed described the youth as the future and The graduation ceremony was organised by Commenting on the inclusive policy for The Comprehensive Strategy for People These teams are tasked to address of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander hope of a nation. For the Emirati youth Khalifa Empowerment Program, Aqdar, and people with special needs, His Highness of Determination includes 30 initiatives to People of Determination’s needs at all of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Lt participants, His Highness assured them that they Sandhurst Royal College. It was attended by Lt said: “Today’s launch of the be implemented over five years to create stages of life, including health, General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, are always guided and supported by the vision General Sir John Lorimar from the UK Ministry of Comprehensive Strategy for People of an inclusive environment and give People rehabilitation, education, employment, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, of the country’s wise leadership. Defense as Sandhurt College’s representative, Determination re-affirms our commitment to of Determination equal access to rights, social care and social security, as well has addressed the graduates of the “Future The participants— young Emirati and British and Mansour Abdullah Belhoul, the UAE inclusion, equality and empowerment for services and opportunities. as social engagement, sports, culture Leaders Empowerment” Initiative, in a virtual cadets—were trained in five courses related to ambassador to the UK as well as Police College all members of UAE society, upholding It will be implemented by six working and tourism. ceremony. youth leadership and empowerment over the officials and a number of cadets’ parents.
8 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 9 Security And Safety For All NEWS Security And Safety For All Al Sha’far leads international meeting on cybercrime Abu Dhabi Police implement new vehicle impounding law LT General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, of Interior, and his best wishes for success. Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior, He said that regional and international recently inaugurated an online meeting of challenges, along with the current situation experts on organised cybercrime. across the world had led to changes in crime The meeting was held by the Ministry of patterns and methods. He stressed upon the Interior (MoI) in partnership with the United need for preparation to confront this, and for Nations Office on Drugs and Crime countries to work together against these (UNODC) for the GCC countries. It was criminal networks. Institutions and individuals attended by experts and specialists in law must be made aware of these dangers and enforcement in the GCC and MENA (Middle their impacts, he added. East and North Africa), and also 85 experts Referring to the UAE’s strong resolve to representing 31 countries and international deter all crimes, especially cybercrimes, Al organisations. Sha’far spoke of the directives of the wise Al Sha’far conveyed the greetings of His leadership, enhancement of digital security for Highness Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al society, and legislation and policies to protect Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister personal data of individuals and institutions. UAE chairs GCC meeting on traffic safety THE UAE chaired the 36th meeting of the Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Directors General of Traffic in GCC Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister countries, held remotely and discussed and Minister of Interior. ABU Dhabi Police have begun violations in order to deter reckless rash driving are: ways to enhance cooperation in Al Harthy explained that this implementing Law No. 5 of 2020 motorists through strict penalties. Under • A fine up to Dhs50,000 in case a implementing strategies and plans for meeting was held in the context regarding the impounding of vehicles in Law No. 5 of 2020, fines were increased motorist drives in a way that endangers better traffic safety. of the repercussions of the the emirate starting September 9, 2020. in order to decrease traffic accidents and his own life or the lives of others, or Brigadier Engr Hussain Ahmed Al COVID-19 pandemic, stressing Brigadier Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, road deaths in Abu Dhabi, he said. their safety and security; Harthy, Deputy Chairman of the Federal that the UAE is keen on Director of the Central Operations Sector Outlining the types of violations that • Withdrawal of a driver’s licence for 6 Traffic Council at the Ministry of Interior, cooperation in traffic safety. at Abu Dhabi Police, said the vehicle would cause vehicles to be impounded as months, along with a fine, in case the who also stood as head of the UAE The meeting discussed linking impounding law is consistent with the well as the corresponding penalties, Al driver jumps a red light; delegation during the meeting, welcomed traffic violations between traffic unified electronic portal that would have Federal Traffic Law, and that it is being Khaili said that motorists must pay a fine of • A fine up to Dhs10,000 for changing the leaders and members of the directorates and departments in the GCC a GCC database; and the completion of implemented following thorough studies up to Dhs50,000 for deliberately colliding a vehicle’s engine or base (chassis) participating delegations. He conveyed countries; the need to speed up the bilateral linkage between member of accident and traffic violation statistics with a police patrol vehicle or causing without a permit; the greetings of His Highness Lt General completion of the connection through a countries. in the emirate. These studies were damage to it, and they would also have • A fine up to Dhs5,000 for causing an undertaken with the aim of enhancing to pay for the cost of repairing the police accident by speeding, sudden traffic safety and reducing accidents, vehicle. swerving, failure to leave enough given the increase in the number of Motorists would also be fined for driving distance between vehicles, not giving Al Zaabi inspects Ajman Police’s Follow-up Department vehicles, he said. a vehicle with fake, hidden or altered priority to pedestrians, and if a child praised the outstanding efforts of Follow-up Department, and Captain Majid Al Khaili added that the Traffic and plate numbers. Al Khaili said that motorists under 10 years of age sits in the front the Police Follow-up Department Saeed Al Ghafli from the Federal Police Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police must pay traffic fines in full if their value seat, when the speed limit exceeds at Ajman Police. Follow-up Department. He was briefed on the studied the most serious accident-causing exceeded Dhs7,000. Other penalties for 60 kmph. He said this in the context of work mechanism in the Ajman Police department digital transformation in work and the efforts made for the implementation of procedures, in order to achieve the judicial rulings issued by Public Prosecution, the MoI’s strategic objectives of and the smart transformation in the department’s Abu Dhabi Police study gradual increase in traffic penalties enhancing security and customer procedures and processes. BRIGADIER Ahmed Abdullah Al Deterrent measures are necessary to keenness to enhance traffic awareness, satisfaction with the services Al Zaabi lauded the efforts towards switching Shehhi, Deputy Director of the Central enhance traffic safety and curb by conducting specialised workshops provided. from traditional paper-based procedures to smart Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi accidents, said Al Shehhi, stressing the and educating the public about the best Al Zaabi paid an inspection system. The new system allows customers to take Police, stated that the police force is need to spread awareness on safe traffic ways to stay safe, in line with laws and LT Colonel Dr Ali Mubarak Al Zaabi, Deputy visit to the Police Follow-up Department in Ajman their own photos, and put in their digital working on studying the gradual behaviours to protect road users from regulations. These workshops are carried Director of the Federal Police Care and Police, where he was received by Major Salem fingerprint and electronic signature, thereby increase of penalties to control death and injuries. out through Abu Dhabi Police platforms Follow-Up Department at the Ministry of Interior, Moftah Khamis Al Bend, Head of the Police completing procedures in record time. violators on the roads. He affirmed Abu Dhabi Police’s on social media.
10 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 11 Security And Safety For All NEWS Security And Safety For All
Dhahi Khalfan highlights role of youth to society’s progress Al Marri presides security meeting on World Expo in Dubai emphasised the of the most important ways to learn about LT General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, importance of the the future that young people envision for Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police and youth. themselves and their societies. He added Chairman of the Security Council for the He said that that the Association decided to organise this World Expo, confirmed that the Expo they represent the session with the aim of forming a scientific work teams have been working in an wealth of the team to conduct a field study in the UAE efficient manner despite the challenges of future that, if well community; defining the objectives of this COVID-19. invested, would study and the expected outputs; and coming He said this while presiding over a lead the nation up with recommendations, which shall be Security Council meeting to prepare for to prosperity and submitted to the competent authorities. hosting the World Expo in Dubai. success. Also, he The online session was attended by In the meeting, Al Marri reviewed the stressed that decision-makers representing the authorities time frame for completing the country every society is for youth welfare in the UAE at the federal pavilions and construction progress in exposed to its and local levels. light of the pandemic. Also discussed Colonel Musabbah Al Ghafli, General sector’s plan and deploying four smart LT General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy own challenges. At the end of the session, Dhahi Khalfan were topics from past meetings and Coordinator of the Operations Sector, police stations at the event site. Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dr Khalifa Al Suwaidi, board member of thanked the participants for their positive decisions taken earlier. presented field procedures for the Ahmed Al Khatib, Executive Director Dubai and Chairman of the Juvenile the Juvenile Awareness and Welfare interaction, praising the concerted efforts of Colonel Hareb Al Shamsi, General Operations team and the preparedness of Real Estate Development and Awareness and Welfare Association, Association, moderated the session. He the government sector and civil society Coordinator of the Criminal Investigation of the field teams. Delivery at the Expo, presented the attended a brainstorming session where he stressed that field scientific research is one associations. Sector, reviewed the latest updates in the Meanwhile, Lt Colonel Salah developments of the World Expo security plans for the global event, Muhammad Al Marzouqi, General project, expected work completion stressing the sector’s keenness to carry out Coordinator for the Support Sector, spoke dates, challenges as well as COVID-19 Sultan Al Nuaimi applauds smart services the directives of the higher leadership. of personnel training according to the precautionary measures in place. MAJOR General Sheikh Sultan bin Police Centres Department and Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief the El Mina Police Station of Ajman Police, praised the through a visual communication Sharjah Police roll out vehicle safety drive achievements of comprehensive police system. THE Sharjah Police General Command, of the technical inspection section at the drivers on the basic requirements for stations during the first half of 2020, Al Nuaimi also praised the represented by the Traffic Services and Vehicles and Drivers Licensing Department registering and renewing vehicles, in especially in terms of enhancing smart heads of comprehensive police Licensing Centre, launched a campaign of Sharjah Police, stated that a total of accordance with the regulations, including services developed with partners, leading stations and their staff for entitled ‘Vehicle Safety Requirements’, 205,610 vehicles were inspected from examining tyres and making sure of their to a high degree of customer satisfaction. supporting the national agenda which aims to raise awareness on vehicle January 1 to August 31, 2020. Of these, validity dates; checking the lights and seat He said this during his virtual and for their initiatives to develop registration and renewal, and ensuring there were 181,610 light vehicles and belts; keeping a fire extinguisher; and inspection tour of the Comprehensive customer happiness centres. their roadworthiness through safety checks. 24,000 heavy vehicles. properly servicing the vehicle exhaust, Lt Colonel Muhammad Al Mahrizi, head The campaign, he said, aims to educate engine oil and brakes. Al Mualla honours a good civilian in Umm Al Quwain MAJOR General Sheikh Rashid bin their arrest. showed his utmost concern for both the Fujairah Police initiate ‘Safe beaches’ campaign Ahmed Al Mualla, Commander-in-Chief The police commander said that the country and its people. and Public covered important personal security and of Umm Al Quwain Police, honoured cooperation of community members with Al Mualla then called upon all Relations section, safety measures as well as the need for Abdulrahman Al Balushi for his efforts police officers is a national duty and members of society to cooperate with the initiated ‘Safe social distancing in public spaces in light of and cooperation with police officers in evidence of their love for this country. police force to help deter crime and Beaches’ initiative. the COVID-19 contagion. maintain security. reporting suspects and contributing to What Al Balushi had done, he said, With the Major Ahmed Saeed Al Hashemi, Head participation of of the Community Police Department, urges Civil Defence and beach-goers to check the weather forecast; Ali Al Nuaimi inspects happiness centre National abide by the instructions and regulations Ambulance, the related to safety procedures; monitor children MAJOR General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al ceremony early next month. window for all concerned parties. Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ras Al The new centre represents a quantum Alwan Al Nuaimi was accompanied by campaign aims to on the beach and not allow them to go into Khaimah Police, inspected the leap in the services provided to the public Brigadier Abdullah Khamis Al Hadidi, raise awareness the sea alone and/or without a life jacket; comprehensive new customer and staff by reducing the time of the customer Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Ras Al FUJAIRAH Police, represented by the amongst beachgoers on the importance of take precautions while swimming after happiness building, which is being journey and unifying the services of the Khaimah Police, and a number of general Community Police Department and the Youth preventive measures and the steps to avoid sunset; and not leave their belongings finalised in preparation for opening General Command through a single directors and officers. Council, and in coordination with the Media drowning accidents. The campaign also unattended on the beach.
12 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 13 Security And Safety For All FACTS & FIGURES TRADING BE IN THE LOOP > Retail, Projects and Export Interior Minister addresses graduates of activities for ME Group 8 million youth leadership training The number of COVID-19 tests conducted in the UAE, as > ME Group imports products announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the 2nd from Europe, America & Asia. half of September 2020. This illustrates the country’s leading global efforts in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. HOSPITALITY
> Innovative line of electronic hotel locks — including 1st the top-end luxury, upper The UAE becomes the first country outside China to approve HH Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy upscale and limited-service Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, (2nd from L) and the emergency usage of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, in a vote of graduates of a youth leadership training segments. confidence amongst government health authorities in the HH Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime country, following the culmination of the Phase III clinical trials of Minister and Minister of Interior, addressed the Emirati and British youth participants of the “Future Empowerment Initiative” during a Metallic Equipment the first inactivated vaccine in the world. virtual graduation ceremony. His Highness echoed the unswerving commitment of the UAE Government to support the youth, whom he described as the hope and future of a nation. TECHNOLOGY
MoI’s development council pushes for smart > METECH ensures that only services transformation high quality services with 1st most effective solutions are Top spot taken by the UAE in the MENA region on the list of the available to our customers. 2020 Smart City Index by The Institute for Management Development, which measures the use of technology to improve the quality of life for residents. Globally, Abu Dhabi and Dubai ranked 42nd and 43rd, respectively MANUFACTURING
Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaiaili, Chairman of the > ME group’s manufacturing Institutional Development Council at the Ministry of Interior plant in Sharjah is an ISO Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaiaili, Chairman of the Institutional Development Council at the Ministry of Interior 9001:2008 Certified Company. (MoI), discussed with the officers and members of the Council 3 years the implementation of MoI’s smart and electronic services. Grace period given to owners of existing homes in the UAE to The meeting also discussed a number of topics in line with administrative and developmental projects at the Ministry. install fire detectors and connect them to the civil defence e-system, according to a new UAE Cabinet resolution issued in UAE leads 36th GCC traffic dept meeting September 2020. The Ministry of Interior will carry out the provisions of the resolution. Metallic Equipment
PROVIDERS OF QUALITY 3 months ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE MAIN BRANCH Brigadier Engr Hussain Ahmed Al Harthy, Deputy Chairman of The duration (September to October) of the 4th unified traffic HEAD OFFICE/SHOWROOM the Federal Traffic Council at the Ministry of Interior SINCE 1969 Musaffah Industrial, Sector M - 36, awareness campaign launched by the Ministry of Interior, under In the 36th meeting of Directors-General of the GCC Traffic Plot 160, P.O. Box: 548, Abu Dhabi, U A E the slogan “Traffic Safety for School Students”. The online Departments, Brigadier Engr Hussain Ahmed Al Harthy, Deputy Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council at the Ministry of Interior Tel.: +971 2 499 1500 / 555 9921 | Fax: +971 2 555 9931 initiative aims to reach the highest level of traffic safety, in and Head of the UAE delegation, discussed ways on enhancing joint cooperation to come up with strategies that would enhance order to protect students from road risks and to reduce the the level of traffic safety in GCC member states. This virtual DUBAI BRANCH – Shk. Zayed Road, Dubai meeting, chaired by Al Harthy, concluded on the need to speed overall traffic accidents in the UAE. up the adoption of a unified online portal to provide better P.O. Box: 117819 Dubai, U A E coordination amongst traffic authorities in the GCC. Tel : +971 4 380 7878 | Fax : +971 4 380 5828 Y E A R S 14 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OF EXCELLENCE www.megroup.ae Security And Safety For All NEWS Security And Safety For All UAE NEWS BULLETIN POLICE NEWS, PEOPLE, NUMBERS AND EVENTS RAS AL KHAIMAH
ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi Police AJMAN 67-year-old
An Arab woman, 67, is battling for her life after braving
Ajman Police @Twitter Ajman Police a blazing fire in her house in the Khat area – she was badly injured trying to save her sons. One of them was trapped inside the house, and without hesitation, the mother entered the burning portion of the house to 1.5 tonnes rescue him. While she successfully saved him, half of her body sustained second- and third-degree burns. Abu Dhabi Police, in coordination with the Department of 3 minutes Municipalities and Transport, and the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer), seized 1.5 tonnes of The rapid response of police and paramedics, who arrived within 3 minutes, prevented a blazing car from niswar, a banned tobacco product, from a secret lab inside UMM AL QUWAIN an unlicensed factory in the emirate. Four men arrested in exploding and injuring nearby people. The car was being driven by a young individual at a high speed when it hit the raid were referred to the public prosecution. All raw the sidewalk and flipped. The driver and the car’s male POLICE UAQ materials and equipment found in the lab were also seized passenger were able to get out of the vehicle before it and will be destroyed. was engulfed by the fire. Exit No. 90
A critically injured driver, aged 29, who had an accident on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road in Umm Al DUBAI Quwain, was airlifted by a rescue chopper to a hospital. According to a photo released by the police, his vehicle had hit a metal road fence. The driver possibly lost SHARJAH control over the vehicle near Exit No. 90 due to speeding or inattentive driving, as per the initial investigation.
Dhs2 million @Twitter Sharjah Police A Dhs2 million bribe boomeranged on a drug FUJAIRAH peddler after the Dubai Court of First Instance ordered him to pay the same amount in penalty Dhs2.4 million for attempting to buy off an airport police officer. From July to August 2020, the Dibba The 30-year-old Asian man was apprehended at Al-Hisn Municipality has issued the Dubai International Airport in October 2019. Sharjah Police busted an 11-member gang that stole warning notices to at least 22 outlets He will be deported after serving his jail term. 662 laptops worth Dhs2.4 million from the warehouse that were caught not observing of a trading company. The theft was executed in a meticulous manner, without leaving a single fingerprint. COVID-19 precautionary measures. They cut all CCTV connections and stole its digital The municipality stressed that it would storage. But intensive work by the Criminal leave no stone unturned to identify Investigation Department of Sharjah Police led to the erring outlets during its daily arrest of the suspects, and the police were able to inspections and raids. recover all the stolen devices. 22 Some images are for illustrative purposes only
16 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 17 COVER STORY Security And Safety For All Security And Safety For All NEW HORIZONS
THE NEWLY MINTED ABRAHAM ACCORD, FORMALLY SIGNED ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2020, IS YET ANOTHER TRIUMPH IN THE UAE’S ILLUSTRIOUS RECORD OF PROMOTING PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT. 999 DELVES INTO THIS PACT THAT SHINES BRIGHT ON THE BLEAK LANDSCAPE OF THE PANDEMIC
FOR PEACE BY NEIL BIE
18 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 19 COVER STORY Security And Safety For All Security And Safety For All
We have come This peace will Thanks to the For too long, the
today to tell the WAM eventually expand great courage of Middle East has world that this is our to include other Arab the leaders of these been set back by conflict states and ultimately, it three countries, we take and mistrust. Now I’m approach, and that peace can end the Arab-Israeli a major stride toward a convinced we have the is our guiding principle. conflict once and for all. future in which people of opportunity to change Those who begin things This is not only a peace all faiths and background that in the right way, will reap between leaders – it’s live together in bright achievements, a peace peace and with the between prosperity grace of peoples God
The signing of the Abraham Accord at the White House on September 15, 2020: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (R) with US President Donald Trump (C) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) at the White House
and Israel. Also, the Kingdom of Bahrain establish peace within the Middle East, is BAHRAINI FOREIGN MINISTER signed the ‘Declaration to Support Peace’ the first peace agreement that happened in ABDULLATIF BIN RASHID with Israel. the region in the last 26 years since 1994. AL ZAYANI The UAE Government was represented at the White House ceremony by EXTENDING A HAND OF PEACE ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER US PRESIDENT The establishment of direct ties started HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during to turn the wheels of the economy Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and his moving keynote speech at the signing BENJAMIN NETANYAHU DONALD TRUMP between the two nations, with bilateral International Cooperation. US President ceremony said that the agreement has HH SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN agreements that would bring a prosperous Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister realised the innate search of humanity pact is set to change the course of history. NEW BEGINNING OF PROSPERITY economic flow. Areas of growth and ZAYED AL NAHYAN Benjamin Netanyahu are also signatories for peace. He added that it would ring in “Thanks to the great courage of the leaders August 13, 2020, marked a momentous Minister of Foreign Affairs and International of these three countries, we take a major turn in the relations between the UAE cooperation between the UAE and Cooperation to the accord. change towards hope. Israel include investment, tourism, direct The landmark event followed the UAE’s “The search for peace is an innate stride toward a future in which people of and Israel when President Trump, Prime flights, security, telecommunications, he name ‘Abraham’, considered groundbreaking August 2020 deal principle, yet principles are effectively all faiths and background live together in Minister Netanyahu, and His Highness technology, energy, healthcare, culture, to be the patriarch of major supported by diplomatic efforts of the US realised when they are transformed into peace and prosperity,” Trump said. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the environment, as well as the opening of Treligions in the world, took on a administration, secured Israel’s commitment action. Today, we are already witnessing Meanwhile, the pact is “a pivot in history” Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy reciprocal embassies. new meaning on September 15, 2020, to freeze its annexation of Palestinian a change in the heart of the Middle East, for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, since Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed “The accord reached between the when a groundbreaking peace pact territories. The pact, touted as a bellwether a change that will send hope around the it could potentially be the key to put an Forces, released their joint statement on United States, Israel, and the United called the ‘Abraham Accord’ was signed of regional politics and is expected to world,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs said. end on the Arab-Israeli conflict. the agreement towards full normalisation Arab Emirates on August 13, 2020, is a in Washington DC between the UAE normalise relations between nations and “As for us, in the UAE, this accord will “First, because this peace will eventually of relations between the two Middle courageous step towards a more stable, enable us to continue to stand by the expand to include other Arab states and Eastern countries. Palestinian people and realise their hopes ultimately, it can end the Arab-Israeli conflict once and for all; second, because the great
WAM for an independent state within a stable WAM and prosperous region. This accord economic benefits of our partnership will builds upon previous peace agreements be felt throughout our region; and third, signed by Arab nations with the state of because this is not only a peace between Israel. The aim of all these treaties is to leaders – it’s a peace between peoples. work towards stability and sustainable Israelis, Emiratis and Bahrainis are already development,” His Highness added. embracing one another.” In the end, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif highlighted, “We have come today to tell bin Rashid Al Zayani, also echoed the the world that this is our approach, and that same view. “For too long, the Middle peace is our guiding principle. Those who East has been set back by conflict and begin things in the right way, will reap bright mistrust, causing untold destruction and achievements, with the grace of God.” thwarting the potential of generations of For his part, US President Trump, who our best and brightest young people,” he said. “Now I’m convinced we have the The Abraham accord was signed in four copies: two in Arabic, one in Hebrew, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, opened the historic Abraham Accord and another one in English during his keynote speech on the signing of the Abraham Accord in Washington DC ceremony, underscored that the peace opportunity to change that.”
20 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 21 COVER STORY Security And Safety For All Security And Safety For All integrated and prosperous Middle East. It This decisive It carries with it This agreement carries with it the promise of new bridges that will serve to de-escalate existing freeze on the the promise of new immediately puts
conflicts and prevent future conflicts,” said annexation of Palestinian bridges that will serve an end to Israel’s plans WAM Jared Kushner, Senior Adviser and Middle territories is a significant to de-escalate existing for the annexation of East Chief Adviser to President Trump. In the UAE, President His Highness diplomatic achievement conflicts and Palestinian lands and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan then in enhancing prevent maintains the viability of issued a federal decree abolishing a the region’s future the two-state solution. 40-year-old law now enables individuals and companies in the UAE to enter security conflicts Many experts noted into agreements with those who reside and that this could provide in Israel on commercial, financial, and stability an opportunity for the other operations. The new decree opens up thousands of potential avenues of Palestinians and Israelis collaboration for progressive development. to restart meaningful Lior Haiat, Spokesperson for the Israel discussions Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (L) with US President Donald Trump (C) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) at the country welcomed the move, calling it a JARED KUSHNER HE DR ANWAR GARGASH Senior Adviser and Middle East Chief Adviser to White House “historic” act that “showed real leadership”. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs US President Trump He praised the UAE’s intent to break down HE Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE’s harmonious conversations with other walls and build bridges between people. declaring its sovereignty on specific areas direct and constructive role in enhancing Ambassador to the US, said that the nations will result in more diplomatic “We hope that [the normalisation] would of Palestine, in order to establish ties with the region’s security and stability,” said Dr agreement represented an opportunity to breakthroughs, similar to what has be a quick process and within a few weeks the Arab and non-Arab Muslim countries in Gargash. avoid conflict and begin discussions for a happened with the UAE. or months, we would be able to see the the region. He also reiterated the UAE’s ongoing more peaceful solution. “This agreement Kushner express his optimism that all 22 fruits of this process. The UAE and Israel HE Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of support for the Palestinian people’s immediately puts an end to Israel’s plans Arab states could soon normalise ties with are two of the most innovative countries State for Foreign Affairs, stated that the aspiration to establish their own nation. HE YOUSEF AL OTAIBA for the annexation of Palestinian lands Israel, following in the footsteps of Egypt in the region. There is a lot of potential for “decisive freeze” on annexation marked “The UAE’s policy is unchanged, as it UAE Ambassador to the US and maintains the viability of the two- (1978), Jordan (1994), and now both UAE cooperation in science and research, and a diplomatic triumph by the Arab nation, supports the efforts to solve the Palestinian state solution. Many experts noted that and Bahrain (2020). “There are a thousand also in trade and tourism,” said Haiat. affirming the UAE’s belief that peace could issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict, to establishing relationships with Arab this could provide an opportunity for reasons why it should happen, and very On the cusp of the normalisation born be achieved through tolerance, talks and achieve peace and stability in the region. countries. “Israel has agreed to suspend the Palestinians and Israelis to restart few reasons why it shouldn’t happen. My out of the Abraham Accord, the first ever deeper conversations amongst nations. This is one of the solid foundations of the annexation, to suspend applying Israeli meaningful discussions,” said Al Otaiba. hope and prayers are that the leaders will symbolical direct commercial passenger “The UAE has secured Israel’s commitment the UAE since its establishment by the law to [West Bank] areas for the time have the strength and courage to make the flight between the UAE and Israel rolled to halting the annexation of Palestinian late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, being. But in the future, I am sure it is a PEACE ACROSS ARABIA right decisions and to not be discouraged out in August. It was a salute to the territories in order to sustain efforts to who said, ‘Our support for the Palestinian discussion that will be had. But not in the All the accord signatories are optimistic by the vocal minorities,” said Kushner. opportunities emerging from this historic achieve a two-state solution. This decisive people will continue until they achieve their near future,” he said. that Israel’s actions on engaging in pact, which can now create a new network freeze on the annexation of Palestinian aspiration to establish an independent GLOBAL SUPPORT of multi-lateral ties in diplomatic, economic, territories is a significant diplomatic country,’” recalled the minister. The historic Abraham Accord received full and technological advancements. achievement and comes in furtherance of The US administration’s Senior Advisor support from countries around the world, WAM the UAE’s belief that establishing normal Kushner said that the focus for now including Hungary, Greece, Germany, ANNEXATION HALTED relations with Israel will enable it to play a would remain on Israel’s steps towards Japan, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Bahrain, One of the salient points in the peace France, Belgium, India, Italy, Oman, accord was Israel’s suspension of Japan, Austria, Britain, along with Egypt and Jordan, the two countries that had normalised ties with Israel decades ago. On the cusp of the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated that the joint normalisation born announcement by the UAE, US, and Israel, out of the Abraham Accord, effectively suspending Israeli annexation of several territories in Palestine, was a the first ever symbolical fulfilment of its call for peace in the said direct commercial area. “[The agreement] will create an opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian passenger flight between leaders to re-engage in meaningful HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the UAE and Israel rolled spearheading the UAE delegation to the signing of the Abraham Accord negotiations that will realise a two- state solution, in line with relevant UN out in August
22 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 23 COVER STORY Security And Safety For All Security And Safety For All resolutions, international law and bilateral achieved a more peaceful future for Dr Mohammed Matar Salem Al Kaabi, agreements,” said Guterres. the following generations. “In the name Chairman of the General Authority of Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the of the Council and all its members and Islamic Affairs and Endowments, said that FOREIGN AFFAIRS: HE Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister
UN Secretary General, affirmed that the partners, we congratulate His Highness this was a heartfelt gesture of the UAE’s WAM of State for Foreign Affairs, has reviewed prospects for UN would support efforts to promote Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, spirit that promoted love and peace in the consolidating bilateral cooperation with Meir Ben-Shabbat, peaceful dialogues. “Peace in the Middle Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy world. He said, “The UAE has translated National Security Adviser and Head of the Israeli National East is more important than ever as Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed words into action by announcing the Security Council. Top diplomats from the UAE and Israel the region confronts the grave threats Forces, for this historic diplomatic peace accord with Israel, in exchange for discussed the development of strategic ties and reviewed of COVID-19 and radicalisation. The milestone, which will chart a more secure suspending the annexation of swathes of regional and international developments of concern. Secretary General will continue to work and peaceful future for the people of the Palestinian territories and implementing Meir Ben-Shabbat, National Security Adviser and Head of the Israeli with all sides to open further possibilities the world, and realise development, the two-state solution, according to relevant National Security Council (L) discusses development of strategic ties with for dialogue, peace and stability,” said prosperity, and a decent life for the whole international laws and the Arab Peace HE Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (R) during Dujarric. humanity,” said Ahmad bin Mohammad Initiative, as well as permitting Muslims to the former’s inaugural visit to the UAE The Global Council for Tolerance Aljarwan, President of the Global Council pray in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and promote and Peace stated that the UAE had for Tolerance and Peace. peace in the entire region.”
COMMENCING COOPERATION FOOD AND WATER SECURITY: One of the top priorities of countries these days is achieving food and water security. In the days after the accord was announced in August, the UAE and Israel Following the peace agreement, HE Mariam Al Mheiri, UAE began engaging in talks across different growth areas. They are as follows: Minister of State for Food and Water Security, and Alon Schuster, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of INVESTMENT: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Israel, held a virtual meeting, pledging collaboration in areas Invest in Israel began discussions on how Israeli firms can WAM such as aquaculture, agricultural technology, research and tap the UAE’s vibrant global business ecosystem. There was development, and related fields. an initial virtual meeting between Ziva Eger, Chief Executive of Invest in Israel, and Monira Hisham Al-Kuttab, who leads ADIO’s international promotional activity. Israel also pledged help from its ecosystem, providing fresh insights across BANKING AND FINANCE: The UAE and Israel have sectors such as agricultural technology, energy, life sciences, WAM formalised deals with the signing of a Memorandum of and clean technology. Agreement (MoA) that stipulates future cooperation in
Monira Hisham Al-Kuttab, who leads ADIO’s international promotional the banking and financial sector. The MoA, signed by activity (L) speaks with Ziva Eger, Chief Executive of Invest in Israel (R) Abdulhamid Saeed Alahmadi, Governor of the UAE Central through a virtual meeting to discuss potential collaboration on investments Bank, and Ronen Peretz, Director General of the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, mandates the creation of a working group as well as a bilateral committee to facilitate and HEALTH: The two nations have pledged to face the establish banking between the UAE and Israel. COVID-19 pandemic together by strengthening their cooperation in medical research and pharmaceuticals. HE Abdulhamid Saeed Alahmadi, Governor of the UAE Central Bank (R-front), Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Al Owais, UAE Minister and Ronen Peretz, Director General of the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (L-front) sign a memorandum of agreement to formalise deals in UAE and of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) and Minister of State Israel’s banking and financial sector for Federal National Council Affairs, had a telephone call with Israeli Minister of Health Yuli Edelstein, discussing partnerships on vaccine trials, and treatment for the novel coronavirus disease.
BUSINESS: One of the landmark achievements was the launch of the first Israel operations by a UAE-based WAM business organisation. The company is Abu Dhabi’s Group 42 (G42), a leading Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing firm, which has established a wholly-owned DEFENCE: A phone call between HE Mohammed bin subsidiary in Israel, enabling further collaboration in Ahmad Al Bawardi, UAE Minister of State for Defence technology, research and development. Affairs, and Benny Gantz, Defence Minister of Israel, affirmed the bilateral commitment to enhancing regional security and safety.
24 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 25 Security And Safety For All COLUMN
THE TREASURE OF CONTENTMENT IS NOT EASY TO ATTAIN Ali Obaid is a veteran Emirati commentator and As we have seen during the pandemic and its economic fallout, it is writer on local issues; he currently heads the News Centre at Dubai Media Incorporated hard to uplift one’s spirits when one’s life is weighed down by penury
rue richness is the richness of the soul” – this acceptable, but is hard to achieve. phrase has been repeated to us since childhood. Statistics reveal that rich people get richer and the poor get “TWhile we were in primary school, our teachers poorer. This does not apply to individuals alone, but also to would try to convince us that money was not everything. We countries, according to the book Capital in the Twenty-First grew up memorising this saying, and we would also bear in Century by the French economist Thomas Piketty. The book is mind, that “contentment is a treasure that never perishes”. based on research that Piketty and several other economists However, as the years pass, the innocence of our childhood conducted over a decade, digging deep into the details of begins to dwindle away. We face the demands of life and our historical changes that have occurred around income and obligations towards our work and family. wealth. We recalculate things, trying to balance The worldwide economic contraction in the ideals we were brought up on and the In practical terms, the recent months, the travel restrictions, urgency of life’s demands upon us. the huge losses incurred by major I read a few days ago that MacKenzie some see it as companies in most business sectors, the Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon’s CEO Jeff preferable if the bankruptcy of small business owners, all as Bezos, the richest man in the world, had a result of the spread of COVID-19, make topped the list of the world’s richest richness of the us reconsider many theories that were in women with a fortune of $68 billion soul comes with our lives before the novel coronavirus (Dhs249.56bn), surpassing the $66.8bn the richness of came along. Empty bank accounts and wealth of Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, safes put pressure not only on our pockets, the heir to L’Oreal who manages 33% of the pocket. This but also on our nerves. And when the the world’s largest cosmetics company. is theoretically nerves are exposed to this tremendous I expected that Scott had earned this pressure, our memories may become fuzzy fortune in a field such as oil trade and acceptable but is and we may forget the ideas that we other professions that few people are hard to achieve. believed in when we were young. good at. Instead, I discovered that this Going back to what we started with, wealth was the result of her divorce settlement from Bezos. and to Scott, who is at the top of the list of the world’s richest Now, she ranks No. 12 on the global rich list, after Bill Gates of women, we remember other sayings that we learned while Microsoft, and Elon Musk of Tesla, and Mark Zuckerberg of growing up. One such saying was that “Life is all about destiny” Facebook. – and we see that nothing stands in the way of destiny when a Is it true that richness is the richness of the soul, and that person who has one raffle ticket wins the draw, and the one contentment is the greatest treasure, just like what we learned who had a thousand vouchers won nothing. from our teachers in school? It is true that contentment is a treasure, but it may perish for Ideally and morally, this is correct and unquestionable. In some when the troubles of life are too much for a person to practical terms, some see it as preferable if the richness of the bear. The important thing here is to be convinced that true soul comes with the richness of the pocket. This is theoretically richness is the richness of the soul, as we were taught in school.
The views expressed by 999 columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry of Interior
26 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 Security And Safety For All PUBLIC HEALTH Security And Safety For All COVID-19 VACCINE TRACKER THE UAE HAS REACHED A MILESTONE IN THE PHASE III CLINICAL TRIALS FOR A COVID-19 VACCINE, AND IT HAS ALSO LAUNCHED A NATIONAL STRATEGY TO RAISE THE OVERALL IMMUNITY OF ITS POPULATION. 999 TRACKS THE PROGRESS OF THESE TRIALS AS WELL AS OTHER VACCINE CANDIDATES ACROSS THE GLOBE
BY NEIL BIE
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This emergency approval of the vaccine was given upon meeting a set of criteria and we are working closely with the vaccine’s developers
DR NAWAL AL KAABI Head of the National Clinical Committee for Coronavirus its place among the top 10 nations in the Approved by the Cabinet, the National he COVID-19 crisis brings with it a and Prevention, and Minister of State The vaccine would world to conduct sufficient tests per 1 Policy on Vaccinations is summarised as vital lesson: each country needs to for Federal National Council Affairs, taking part in the vaccine trial. She said million population. a multi-sectoral national framework for be available for Twork on increasing its population’s announced that people authorised to that this gave hope for the UAE’s vaccine Just a week before its announcement combating communicable diseases and immunity through a strategic programme take the COVID-19 vaccine for emergency first-line-of-defense candidate for the novel coronavirus (aka on vaccine authorisation, the UAE reducing their risks to individuals and that’s proactive and not reactive. purposes include nurses, doctors, and heroes, who are most at SARS-CoV-2). Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh society. The policy is essentially a battle September 2020 has been a very eventful other medical frontliners, whose very “This emergency approval of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice plan not only for COVID-19 but also for month in the worldwide fight against nature of work put them at a highest risk risk of catching COVID-19, vaccine was given upon meeting a President and Prime Minister of the UAE anything that may come after it. this pandemic, especially with regard to of contracting the viral disease. protecting them from any set of criteria for this specific purpose and Ruler of Dubai, launched a policy with Also in September, the United Nations, finding a vaccine, and the UAE has played “The vaccine would be available for and we are working closely with the tremendous foresight on public health. speaking on behalf of the World Health a stellar part in it. first-line-of-defense heroes, who are most danger that they may be vaccine’s developers,” Dr Al Kaabi said. The country, which has one of the best Organisation (WHO), called upon the On September 14, in a landmark at risk of catching COVID-19, protecting exposed to “The evaluation was performed under records in enabling global cargo movement international community to come forward announcement, the UAE government them from any danger that they may be a license for emergency and limited of medical kits; of repatriating people and raise $35 billion (Dhs128.45bn) authorised the emergency use of the exposed to due to the nature of their due to the use, considering target groups, product stranded due to the pandemic; of testing more for WHO’s Access to COVID-19 COVID-19 vaccine, revealing that the work,” Dr Al Owais said. “This emergency nature of characteristics, clinical studies data, and people for the novel coronavirus; and of Tools (Act) Accelerator. The Accelerator vaccine caused no complications for use of the vaccine is completely their work all relevant available scientific evidence.” attracting tens of thousands of vaccine trial programme aims to provide for the individuals with chronic diseases. compatible with the regulations and laws In addition, the UAE has reached 8 volunteers, launched its National Policy on production of 2 billion vaccine doses, HE Dr Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad that allow a faster review of licensing million COVID-19 swab tests, cementing Vaccinations on September 7. 245 million treatments, and another bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health procedures.” 500 million tests to halt the spread of the viral disease. WHO needs $38bn in the immediate term – a period of three HE ABDUL RAHMAN AL OWAIS months – to attain its goals. Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister The funding appeal, made by UN of State for Federal National Council Affairs Secretary-General António Guterres in an online meeting, was followed by a He added: “These steps are taken with the goal of preserving the lives of millions of people and providing health care for The National Policy the infected.” The same day, Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, Head on Vaccinations of the National Clinical Committee for is summarised as a Coronavirus and principal investigator for the Phase III of clinical trials of the multi-sectoral national COVID-19 vaccine, said that 1,000 out framework for combating of the 31,000 trial volunteers in the UAE were individuals with chronic illnesses, communicable diseases and none of these 1,000 volunteers and reducing their risks to suffered from any complications after individuals and society
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One of the most important features of the National Policy on Vaccinations is providing equal opportunity for all to gain access not just to the COVID-19 vaccine, but to vaccination for other communicable diseases as well pledge by more than 30 heads of state and ministers to fully fund the programme. “We acknowledge the urgency of catalysing a step-change in political support and financing for the ACT-Accelerator in order to enable it to deliver on its mission of health care; and issuing guidelines on effects. And while time is of the essence, accelerating the discovery and deployment protecting public health during similar haste and missteps may lead to disastrous of new COVID-19 tools to all people, disease outbreaks and other related consequences, similar to the polio everywhere,” they said in a statement. health emergencies. vaccine that infected 40,000 children in a western country in 1955 instead UMBRELLA POLICY GLOBAL COORDINATION of immunising them. However, despite The UAE Cabinet has affirmed to the This is the first time that the whole safety and efficacy concerns, producing public that it would leave no one behind world’s researchers are working and procuring a vaccine against through the approval of the National simultaneously and sharing knowledge COVID-19 remains a top priority amongst Policy on Vaccinations, which serves as generously to find a vaccine. Such governments worldwide, as the pandemic an umbrella for pulling under it all kinds coordination is not only desirable but has crippled economies, tourism, of resources and organisations that would indispensable, because the pandemic businesses, and society as a whole. work together on the COVID-19 vaccine, knows no borders. and then expand the scope of preventive Thanks to all countries joining hands, the ACCELERATED AVAILABILITY health care. The plan is to bring together world has witnessed incredible speed in The UAE has proven that it is one with the non-governmental sector and the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, humanity with the ongoing success of community members to support the UAE’s from the launch of Phase I and II tests on the world’s first inactivated COVID-19 fight against communicable diseases, by limited numbers of individuals to Phase III vaccine trials – 31,000 brave individuals in promoting a healthy lifestyle; as well as tests on thousands of volunteers. the country have joined thousands more ensuring the delivery of the best quality The fast-paced development of the around the world, taking the initiative of vaccination services and preventive COVID-19 vaccine is not without its risks, of volunteering for clinical trials. If the care nationwide. with many health scientists and experts vaccine is finally approved and goes into One of the most important features of voicing their concerns and calling upon manufacturing, the volunteers would be the National Policy on Vaccinations is pharmaceutical companies to be very amongst the first to receive it. providing equal opportunity for all to gain careful during the human trials. After the Phase III trials are done and access not just to the COVID-19 vaccine, Statistically, if even one of 10,000 pharmaceutical companies get the green but to vaccination for other communicable individual volunteers suffers from a light from the food and drug bureaus in diseases as well. The goal is to immunise serious adverse reaction, it could mean their respective countries, the final step the entire population of citizens and expats. that if 1 billion individuals take the will be manufacturing enough of these The policy would also look into the quality vaccine, there might be 100,000 or more vaccines to ensure global distribution. and sustainability of all types of vaccines. individuals who would experience the The majority of the pharmaceutical Alongside, the policy covers promoting same side effects. companies target the end of 2020 for the a healthier lifestyle amongst the public; History points out that it takes experts initial availability of a vaccine, pledging to generating awareness on the importance several years to measure if vaccines are produce hundreds of millions of doses for of vaccines; supporting research and truly effective for the targeted diseases, the global population, with billions more to innovation in vaccine development and along with checking for possible side be produced in 2021.
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COVID-19
VACCINE TRACKER GAMALEYA NATIONAL CENTRE OF 999 presents some of the vaccine candidates currently EPIDEMIOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY being tested across the globe: NAME: Sputnik V
ORIGINS: Building upon over a century of leading the Sputnik V with two different types of adenovirus vectors: SINOPHARM world in medical research, the Gamaleya National Centre (rAd26 and rAd5) for the first and second vaccination, to NAME: None of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia has produced boost the efficacy of the vaccine. the world’s first registered COVID-19 vaccine. It is named ORIGINS: China’s Sinopharm entered its initial clinical trials The 31,000 volunteers in the UAE who received doses STATUS: Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the in April 2020. Its inactivated vaccine uses a dead virus to from July to August 2020 included two health officials – ‘Sputnik V’ after Russia’s successful launch of the first space said vaccine on August 11, 2020, revealing that one of his implant an immune cell memory. This induces an immune Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of satellite in 1957. daughters had received the vaccine and was feeling well after response against the novel coronavirus when it attempts to the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH), and Dr Jamal The Sputnik V vaccine works through adenovirus vectors, enter and affect the body. Experts state that the vaccine has Al Kaabi, Acting Undersecretary at DoH – reinforcing the getting sick during the first few days. which are vehicles that can induce a genetic material from several advantages, including mature production processes leadership’s commitment. Sputnik V is funded by the Russian Direct Investment Fund another virus into a cell. The gene from adenovirus, which and wide-ranging protection backed by controllable, high “This achievement would not have been possible without and is being eyed to produce less than 1 million doses by the causes the infection, is removed, while a gene with the code quality standards. the support of our wise leadership and its continuous support end of 2020 after Phase III trials in a number of countries. of scientific research in the health care sector. [The successful of a protein from another virus spike is inserted, thereby STATUS: Following Sinopharm’s successful Phase I and Mass production of Sputnik V is being eyed to start in March- trial] will place our country at the forefront of global research helping the immune system generate antibodies against the II trials in China, a huge campaign was launched in the April 2021. efforts to confront this pandemic,” said Al Hamed. UAE to conduct the world’s first inactivated COVID-19 novel coronavirus disease. Russian scientists developed At this point in time, all vaccinated UAE volunteers have vaccine trials, led by the Department of Health in Abu completed more than 60 days since receiving the first Dhabi, in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Artificial Intelligence shot. All volunteers will continue to be monitored through and cloud computing company Group 42 (G42) and telemedicine and face-to-face check-ups over the next year. Sinopharm’s China National Biotec Group (CNBG). MODERNA THERAPEUTICS CANSINO BIOLOGICS NAME: mRNA-1273 NAME: AD5-NCOV
PFIZER-BIONTECH VACCINE ASTRAZENECA-OXFORD VACCINE ORIGINS: Moderna, a biotech company based in ORIGINS: One of China’s vaccine candidates involves NAME: BNT162b2 NAME: AZD1222 / ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Massachusetts, United States, has collaborated with the use of a weakened version of the adenovirus as a ORIGINS: The collaboration between Germany’s ORIGINS: As announced in April 2020, AstraZeneca and the National Institutes of Health to create a vaccine vehicle to introduce the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 BioNTech and global pharma major Pfizer since March the University of Oxford teamed up to create their own candidate that relies on injecting harmless parts to the body. Preliminary results published in The 2020 has led to a vaccine candidate that is a type version of the COVID-19 vaccine, called ‘AZD1222’. This (mRNA) of the coronavirus into human cells. The Lancet state that the vaccine produced “significant of messenger Ribonucleic acid (mRNA). It stimulates vaccine uses a replication-deficient chimpanzee viral cells within the body to produce viral proteins that are vector based on a weakened version of a common cold process helps train the immune system to recognise immune responses” across a majority of the vaccine recognisable by the immune system. With a small part virus (adenovirus) that causes infections in chimpanzees the presence of the virus. recipients from a single dose. of the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus STATUS: Moderna’s mRNA-1273 is currently in Phase STATUS: The vaccine was in Phase II of its trials when the mRNA helps generate an immune system response spike protein. After vaccination, the surface spike protein against the virus, thereby combating COVID-19. is produced, priming the immune system to attack the III of trials. Preliminary findings show that healthy the Chinese government approved its use, exclusively SARS-CoV-2 virus if it later infects the body. volunteers, even the elderly ones, produced sufficient for the military, for one year only from June 25, 2020. STATUS: To date, Pfizer and BioNTech have over 120 amount of coronavirus antibodies, along with a In essence, CanSino was noted as one of the first clinical trial sites spread over 3 countries, with over STATUS: Preliminary results from the trials of AZD1222 25,000 individuals enrolled for the vaccine programme. showed a strong immune response with increased reaction from T-cells, which is another part of the companies in the world to receive limited approval to Pfizer and BioNTech plan to seek regulatory review in antibodies and responses from T-cells with reported minor human body’s immunity response. use the vaccine for humans. As of August 15, 2020, the US and Europe respectively in October 2020, to side effects, including fatigue and headache. The pharmaceutical company aims to deliver 500 Petrovax, a biopharmaceutical company in Russia, obtain approvals from the authorities. If approved this Trials have resumed in the United Kingdom after two million doses per year from 2021 as part of its deal revealed that it had launched Ad5-nCoV’s Phase III month, they target producing over 100 million doses voluntary pauses, when two of their volunteers suffered a with Swiss manufacturer Lonza, which will ramp up clinical trials. before the end of 2020, scaling up to over 1.3 billion suspected serious reaction in unrelated incidents. AstraZeneca production to 1 billion doses per year. doses by the end of 2021. and University of Oxford plan to produce at least 3 billion doses.
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SOCIAL MEDIA AND OUR SOCIAL LIFE Maysa Rashed Ghadeer is a It is a story of transformation, and not necessarily with a happy ending – prominent UAE writer interested in local affairs and a former member of how online connections have made our real relationships wither away the Federal National Council (FNC)
espite all the positives of social media in our daily completely been replaced? life, its contributions to creating virtual relationships Today, we know many individuals and families whom we Dbetween strangers, strengthening and developing have never met. Through social networks, we began to see existing relationships, and despite its role in bridging distances what we were not familiar with, and we became accustomed to and connecting people from all around the world, one negative watching people trying to hide their faults from our eyes and makes us forget all the positives — we cannot avoid social from anyone who might criticise them. media at any time. We became more materialistic, liking the things that the In fact, we miss our real social life, people we follow on social media which is unfortunately forgotten by the like. Our thoughts are stuck in what majority because of social media. These we read and follow in a virtual online platforms are created for people Our thoughts are society, where we do not know the to socialise, yet they connect us in stuck in what we truth of its people and the real depth communities and in a world to which we read and follow in of the things they say or share. do not belong. a virtual society, Now, there is no conversation we In the past, the world in which we were enjoy, nor a meeting to make us truly connected was small, in a circle limited to where we do not happy. Twenty years ago, when TV family, friends and neighbours. We used to know the truth of channels appeared, we had big enjoy our meetings full of laughter and its people and the concerns, as they became one of our quarrels, as these gatherings were our sources of education and knowledge. source of joy. And we do not exaggerate if real depth of the Today, social media has imposed we say that they were also the largest and things they say or even more dangers compared to deepest source of knowledge and a guide share those we used to fear from TV. to our behaviours. Perhaps some people are still Our old way of meeting and connecting represents our true immune to social media, but how do we protect generations desire of developing the relations that bind us together. We that have become attached to this technology-based form of were happy and content with everything we had. communication, and are most affected by its content? This is The memory of everyone who was not born in the time of one of the questions faced by parents who do not have the social media is still full of screams of our parents whom we power to control what happens on social media. Is there a used to annoy through our actions. The question is: how did way out? This is what we hope, although it is one of our we arrive at this point wherein our old way of socialising has biggest concerns.
The views expressed by 999 columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry of Interior
36 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 Security And Safety For All TRAFFIC Security And Safety For All STICK TO THE STRIPES
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS EXIST FOR A REASON: TO KEEP PEDESTRIANS ALIVE. WITH MORE PEOPLE COMING OUT AFTER THE EASING OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, 999 REMINDS ALL ABOUT THE LIFE-SAVING ZEBRA CROSSING – AND TAKES A PEEK INTO JAYWALKERS’ MIND
BY MARK NITUMA
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A person hit by a car moving at 30kmph has a 10 per cent risk of dying, but if that car is moving at 64kmph, then the risk of dying is nearly 90 per cent - Ministry of Interior jaywalking—due to lack of safe zebra fatality rates to 3 per 100,000 people ne late evening in September morgue and the accident file was referred Abide by the crossing or unsafe behaviour of pedestrians. by the year 2021. To achieve this target, 2020, a 28-year-old Asian man to the authorities concerned for legal consistent “A jaywalker does not accept the reality authorities in the various emirates are on jaywalkers and will maintain zero Oin Ras Al Khaimah already had procedures,” said Brigadier Ahmad Al Sam that the human body is more vulnerable than laying a strong emphasis on responsible tolerance against offenders. A number of at the back of his mind — just as many of Al Naqbi, Director of the Traffic and Patrols reminder of the UAE metal during a collision,” said Major General pedestrian behaviour. pedestrians ignore traffic lights and the us do — the perils of crossing a road at Department of RAK Police. police forces to everyone, Eng Expert Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen, traffic when they cross the roads, exposing an undesignated area. Still, he hurriedly Talking to the media about the incident, cross at a designated Dubai Police Assistant Commander-in-Chief, FOLLOW THE ‘SAFETY PATH’ themselves and others to the risk of being crossed a part of Al Wakalat Road without the officer repeated a warning that the and Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, Now that the foggy days of cooler run over,” said Abu Dhabi Police. the universally familiar zebra stripes for police give to people throughout the area only. Always bear back in 2018. He said that a person hit by a months are almost upon us — the UAE’s The police force added that the goal pedestrians. Before reaching the other year. He said, “[Abide by] the consistent in mind that car moving at 30kmph has a 10 per cent risk National Centre of Meteorology issued of reduced road fatalities could certainly side of the road, he was hit by a car. The reminder of the UAE police forces to one wrong of dying, but if that car is moving at 64kmph, a fog warning on September 19 — the be achieved at a much faster rate, if only collision killed the pedestrian on the spot; everyone, cross at a designated area then the risk of dying is nearly 90 per cent. country’s police forces are ringing the people would sincerely abide by road he would have lived had he spent a few only. Always bear in mind that one wrong step at In other words, the greater the speed of the alarm bells for jaywalkers. Through rules. From October until the end of winter, more minutes on finding a designated step at the wrong place can be deadly. All the wrong vehicle hitting the pedestrian, the bigger an awareness initiative to sensitise pedestrians are warned that the number area for crossing. pedestrians should ensure that the road is place can the impact, and the higher the risk of that pedestrians against the dangers of the of fatalities rises amongst jaywalkers, The accident was reported around clear before crossing.” pedestrian’s death. J-habit, Abu Dhabi Police launched in as drivers have difficulty spotting them 10:15pm, a time when it would have been This kind of news is the last thing that be deadly Abu Dhabi Police said that 48,000 September 2020 a very timely campaign through the fog or at night. It has also been difficult for the car driver to spot anyone the authorities want to hear in the midst of people had been fined or detained in called the ‘Safety Path’, which calls upon observed that many people cross the road running across the street. Police patrols and tackling a pandemic. Following the easing 2019 for ignoring the zebra crossing and residents to only use footbridges, tunnels, at traffic signals even if the light remains paramedics arrived in the shortest possible of mobility restrictions related to COVID-19, crossing roads at undesignated places. and zebras, and to follow the traffic lights red. The police forces are emphasising that time, but they couldn’t revive the man hit by more and more people are stepping out of Most of the people penalised were at intersections when crossing the streets. everyone needs to follow traffic signals at the vehicle. “The body was shifted to the their house and moving around the cities. BRIGADIER AHMAD those who dodged speeding cars and “Traffic police will keep a close eye intersections at all times. AL SAM AL NAQBI blindly raced from one side of the road Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department to the other. As for the other emirates, of RAK Police the statistics vary, but the problem of the Abu Dhabi Police careless pedestrian remains. launched in When the UAE government has gone to The grim fact is that most of the run-over such lengths to keep people alive and cases in the UAE were entirely avoidable September 2020 a very well during a global crisis, fatal accidents —they occurred due to jaywalking timely campaign called caused by jaywalking are amongst the or motorists failing to give priority to the ‘Safety Path’, which most undesirable things. pedestrians. It was such a serious matter While people generally acknowledge the that, when new regulations came into effect calls upon residents to dangers of bad driving, fewer people are on July 1, 2017, amending the Federal Traffic only use designated areas ready to concede that jaywalking can be Law No. 21 of 1995, the fine for jaywalking and to follow the traffic just as much a reason for road deaths. The was doubled from Dhs200 to Dhs400. result is also a pandemic of grief, as more The Ministry of Interior’s Vision 2021 is to lights at intersections than 270,000 pedestrians lose their lives on place the UAE on top of the list of safest when crossing the streets the world’s roads every year, according to countries in the world, by reducing traffic the World Health Organisation. This includes Abu Dhabi Police
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POLICE IN PLAINCLOTHES NEW TECHNOLOGY, PROJECTS Asian expat shared one instance from an experience that burns a hole in my On the subject of jaywalkers fined or detained in 2019, Abu on their smartphones, its features include high-resolution 2019 when he was caught jaywalking by pocket,” Alex said. Dhabi Police said that aside from traffic patrols’ vigilance, the imagery that can catch people queue-jumping, speeding and a plainclothes police officer. Showing the ‘catch’ was also the direct result of a new traffic radar that could jaywalking, amongst others. ticket issued to him bearing a Dhs400 fine, detect people darting through vehicles. In Sharjah, four footbridges in some of the busiest districts Alex (name withheld) said, “I happened to The new smart system of Abu Dhabi Police, called ‘Hather’, of the emirate were unveiled in August 2020 by the Sharjah be running late for work that day. It would is equipped with two cameras: one for the vehicles that are Urban Planning Council. These pedestrian bridges, built only take me less than a minute to walk to approaching the zebra crossing; another one for pedestrians, at a cost of Dhs100 million, were constructed to prevent the nearest zebra crossing, but for some to detect jaywalkers. The camera pointed at the vehicles jaywalking, and ultimately to protect lives. The bridges reason, I chose to cross in front of our monitors licence plates; the other camera captures visuals of are located in King Faisal Street, King Abdulaziz Street, Al accommodation building. people for identification. Ittihad Street, and Al Nahda Road. They are complete with “I did not realise that it would also cost Dubai Police have also adopted a smart controller that isn’t overhead shades; have a clean, modern look; and are well me my first fine in six years of stay in the any old radar. Operated remotely by officers, using an app lit at night. country. A plainclothes officer approached me and showed me his police badge. It turned out that he was an undercover police patroller who was tasked to spot jaywalkers.” Dhs400 ticket fine for jaywalking The police officer took Alex’s Emirates ID and gave him a ticket. Alex was directed Police officers in civilian clothes are to settle the fine at the police station so An expat shows a fine ticket that a plainclothes police office issued to him for carrying out random inspections and he could take the ID card back. “Never jaywalking slapping jaywalkers with a hefty fine. An will I do that J-habit again, because it was
Abu Dhabi’s new smart system is equipped Dubai Police have adopted a smart controller Footbridges in Sharjah’s busiest districts with two cameras: one for the vehicles that are whose features include hi-res imagery that can unveiled in August 2020 by the Sharjah Urban approaching the zebra crossing; another one catch people queue-jumping, speeding and Planning Council for pedestrians, to detect jaywalkers jaywalking EXCUSES FOR THE TRAFFIC CHEAT
Jaywalking is a practice of people trying to cheat in the traffic by quickly cutting across a road when they shouldn’t and WALK SAFELY NOW, CHILD from where they shouldn’t. Meanwhile, behind the wheel, a motorist is constantly processing a range of information all at once — speed, other cars, the condition of the road, distance. The motorist does not expect the pedestrian to suddenly appear out of nowhere and get in the vehicle’s way. An 11-year-old Indian boy mothers running with their little kindergarteners holding one The common excuse of jaywalkers is that they’re in a hurry and are trying to save a little time — therefore, they avoid the in Dubai had his request hand and an infant carried on the other arm.” inconvenience of finding the nearest designated spot to cross the road. Talking to rule-breakers, 999 has uncovered what’s granted by the Roads and When the zebra crossing was implemented, it was a huge in their mind: Transport Authority (RTA) relief for these parents and their young children. “It’s really “ZEBRA CROSSINGS ARE TOO FAR sprint across the road. According to them, the red traffic 1 this year. His request: to a wish come true for all the residents in this FROM OUR PLACE” light, in most cases, took up too much of their time, and designate a pedestrian area, especially the children who go This is the most common answer that 999 got from they didn’t think it was necessary to leave home early or crossing in his locality, to school,” Ali said, conveying his pedestrians. They said that having to walk the distance plan their day better. which has three schools. thanks to RTA. from the doorstep to the designated place to cross the road Nehan Naseem Ali sent Asked about how he drives them to jaywalk. Others said that they hesitate to use 4 “I ONLY FOLLOW THE OTHER PEDESTRIANS” overbridges, citing the difficulty in climbing the steps as an This kind of pedestrian is dictated by humanity’s an e-mail to the RTA, telling thought of suggesting excuse. oldest survival instinct: herd behaviour. Sometime during the them about the difficulty 11-year-old Nehan Naseem Ali this idea to the RTA, the sent a request to RTA to put a wait, somebody in the crowd decides that there’s enough of little children like him zebra crossing for the safety of boy said, “I have always seen “NOT THINKING OF RISK WHEN IN A HURRY” distance between the cars for them to sprint across. Once as well as their parents, children walking their way to the UAE rulers encouraging 2 and from school Some people said that they no longer think of the the ‘leader’ sets off, the other pedestrians follow. who admittedly braved fast youngsters and their innovative perils of jaywalking when they were in a hurry, especially cars when crossing the street on their way to school. “I and ideas. They have motivated little when they are already running late for work or an 5 “NO DRIVER WOULD WANT TO KILL SOMEONE” many other students of these three schools used to cross children with small gestures like appointment. Several jaywalkers are confident that drivers would the road daily while going to and returning from the school,” waving their hands or giving the be afraid to run over or kill a pedestrian, and that all said Ali. “We used to jaywalk in batches so that drivers children a smile.” “RED TRAFFIC LIGHT TAKES TIME TO CHANGE” drivers would stop for anyone crossing the road. They are 3 might stop their vehicles for us. I also used to see a few A number of pedestrians look at the traffic and do also convinced that the responsibility of their lives is on a quick mental math that tells them that they can trot or the motorist.
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BANE OF THE
THE HUMBLE FACE MASK IS YOUR LIFE-SAVING SHIELD AGAINST NEW NORMAL COVID-19. BUT IF DISCARDED IRRESPONSIBLY, IT WILL JOIN THE MILLIONS OF OTHER CARELESSLY TOSSED AWAY MASKS THAT LAND UP IN THE SEAS AND BECOME A THREAT TO THE ENVIRONMENT – AND EVENTUALLY, A THREAT TO US HUMANS
BY MARK NITUMA
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n the early months of the COVID-19 Due to COVID-19, the pandemic, as human activity came to a general population Istandstill globally, planet Earth rested for a while and pollution levels plummeted. have all taken the But by the time this year rolled into the precaution to wear surgical Oceans Asia second half, the fallout of the pandemic in the environment became clear on the masks. When you suddenly seabed and shorelines. have people wearing one A face with a protective mask on – to keep out the novel coronavirus – is to two masks per day, the now the most common sight around
Opération Mer Propre @Facebook amount of trash the world. People in many countries are using disposable surgical masks (made generated is from lightweight synthetic fabric) for what going to be they believe is added protection. That’s substantial all very well, but a significant number of these disposable mask wearers aren’t so considerate towards nature and seem to care little about protection for the Surgical masks and latex gloves are one of the most common trash that Opération Mer Propre environment. (Operation Clean Sea) often finds in their beach clean-up operations since the onset of COVID-19 Viral photo of Gary Stokes, co-founder of Oceans Asia, showing a bunch of face masks that had These surgical masks are often pandemic GARY STOKES been washed up on the shoreline of an Asian city discarded irresponsibly and end up in Co-founder of Oceans Asia the sea, adding variety to the existing Mask pollution, therefore, is the bane of when lined up, it can almost cover the pile of man-made trash on the seabed the new normal. distance from the UAE to the US; or they the streets, parking lots, beaches, etc their a bunch of face masks that had washed they were all along the high tide line and and in the sea waters. Thousands of can be more than 13,600 times the height huge garbage bin. up on the shoreline of an Asian city. The foreshore, with new arrivals coming in on masks, along with latex gloves and hand VISUAL EVIDENCE of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower. Opération Mer Propre warned in its man in the viral photo was later identified the current. Due to COVID-19, the general sanitiser bottles, are polluting the marine As per estimates of the World Health More than 75 countries have made the post: “[If] nothing changes, it will become as Gary Stokes, co-founder of the marine population have all taken the precaution to environment around the world. Laurent Organisation (WHO), 89 million medical use of masks mandatory for people when a real ecological disaster and maybe conservation group Oceans Asia. wear surgical masks. When you suddenly Lombard, founder of the French non-profit masks are needed globally every month they step out of the house, in a bid to limit even a sanitary disaster.” The post was Stokes and his team regularly visit have… people wearing one to two masks group Opération Mer Propre (Operation while the coronavirus pandemic lasts. To the coronavirus infection. That’s not the accompanied by a series of photos that that island, carrying out plastic pollution per day, the amount of trash generated is Clean Sea), wrote on social media that give you an overview of the humongous main problem, though; rather, the problem went viral. research and looking for clues to the going to be substantial.” “soon we’ll run the risk of having more scale of these face masks, this lot can cover lies in humanity’s disregard for all other As early as March, when countries began origin of water pollution in the area. On masks than jellyfish in the Mediterranean”. the whole Arabian Gulf more than 11 times; species on the planet when they make enforcing social distancing and border that visit in March, the team easily noticed TIP OF THE ICEBERG closure, and mask-wearing became a one item: discarded face masks, many The humble face mask has become one COVID-19 FACE MASKS AT A GLANCE basic precaution, its fallout had become of them, in the water bodies. He said, of the most sought-after commodities obvious. In the first viral photograph of “Over time, the team has seen the odd during this pandemic. People of all ages mask pollution, a man was seen holding mask here and there; however, this time are donning this piece of protective face covering, but its use reveals far more than it hides. #WorldMaskWeek, a global movement to inspire more people to wear face coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19, was celebrated in August. Besides, more and more companies are now manufacturing them, as a response to the initial global shortage of masks. There’s no doubt that face masks can limit the impact of the pandemic but
If nothing changes, it will become a real ecological disaster and maybe even a sanitary disaster —Opération Mer Propre
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Abu Dhabi Police are well aware ARAB WORLD’S 1ST OF ITS of the hazardous health and KIND FACE MASK TESTING environmental risks that such dumping IN UAE acts can pose to the community as a whole. Those who would be caught
The UAE has rolled out in August a mechanism to test Dubai Municipality face masks which involves a layer of scientific analysis throwing used masks and gloves to ensure not only their quality, safety and efficiency, but from their vehicles would get a fine of also their heavy metal contents. High content of heavy metals such as lead and Dhs1,000 and 6 black points mercury in face masks is harmful to both humans and —Abu Dhabi Police Health and Safety Committee the environment. Considered the first-of-its-kind in the Arab world, UAE now subjects all cloth masks in the market to testing in order to check masks would remain in the environment POLICE HAVE AN EYE ON YOU mask, Al Ghafli said, is to place it in a the Consumer Products and Commodities Laboratory their quality and safety for humans and the environment as pollutants. “The materials found in The UAE Government has made face used bag and then put it in a dustbin. Section in Dubai Municipality’s Dubai Central Laboratory This testing is now also being conducted in a few countries most PPE are non-biodegradable and masks mandatory in all public places. “People should also wash their hands after (DCL) announced that it is now subjecting all cloth including South Korea, Thailand, China and France. oftentimes contain fibres such as micro- What’s worth praising is how the UAE law handling used masks,” he stressed. masks in the market to a 15-way test to ensure that the The 15-way test includes analysis of the pH level, heavy metals plastics that are extremely harmful to the enforcement is strictly monitoring those manufacturing is based on the latest carefully developed and formaldehyde contents, air permeability, as well as color environment,” said Al Marashi, explaining who throw their used face masks on the UAE’S INNOVATIVE FACE MASK international standards. stability for wet and dry friction. that face masks are partially plastic, which road. Pedestrians caught doing this by To address the global shortage of face could take hundreds of years to degrade. patrol policemen face a hefty fine and masks and also curb the one-time use of The responsibility, she said, lays heavily on other punishment. this essential item, New York University The materials found Economic Forum, the global market for around 10 million to 115 million, by the end the discipline of all segments of society. In their ongoing initiative to spread (NYU) Abu Dhabi, in coordination with disposable masks ballooned to $75 billion of February; production has expanded 12- As much as we want this pandemic a culture of safety amongst residents, Mubadala Healthcare and Cleveland Clinic in most PPE are (Dhs275.25bn) in the first quarter of 2020, fold since the pandemic took hold. to end and have a sense of normality Abu Dhabi Police and Ajman Police are Abu Dhabi, has designed a hard-wearing non-biodegradable and and it is expected to grow at a rate of over In the UAE, one supermarket alone said restored, the environment must not be urging the public to be responsible while face mask, similar to an N-95 mask, but oftentimes contain fibres 50 per cent for the next seven years. in March that it was sourcing 1.6 million compromised due to our carelessness. disposing of their used PPE. one that can be reused after sterilisation. At the start of the outbreak, US officials face masks daily, on an average. It doesn’t take a very keen eye to spot “Abu Dhabi Police are well aware of the “The idea is to do it locally, in the UAE,” such as micro-plastics that estimated that the country needed If even a fraction of these masks finds irresponsibly discarded face masks hazardous health and environmental risks said Ramesh Jagannathan, Vice Provost are extremely 300 million face masks to cope with their way into the sea because of negligent – when you do the shopping at a that such dumping acts can pose to the for Innovation and Entrepreneurship COVID-19. Since then, a US-based humans, the word “disaster” simply couldn’t supermarket, chances are you’ll see one community as a whole,” said Lt Colonel and Managing Director of startAD, harmful manufacturer, which made 550 million cover the scale of the fallout. discarded in the shopping cart itself. Mohammad Mubark Al Ghafli, Head of the NYU Abu Dhabi’s innovation and to the masks in 2019, said that it would produce This usually blue-coloured PPE is also the Abu Dhabi Police health and safety entrepreneurship programme. “Right now, an eyesore at parking lots and on sandy committee. “Those who would be caught masks are disposable — you wear them environment 2 billion masks in 2020 at its plants around EXTREMELY HARMFUL EFFECTS the world. That’s almost a 400 per cent Since they are lightweight, face masks beaches or shorelines. People just dump throwing used masks and gloves from and toss them out. Ours is better in terms increase year on year. could be carried by the wind from land them everywhere without a thought for the their vehicles would get a fine of Dhs1,000 of sustainability and cost effectiveness.” In France, 2 billion disposable masks have and landfills, said Habiba Al Marashi, health and safety of others, especially the and 6 black points,” he added. The 3D face masks are treated with heat been ordered by the authorities as part of Chairperson of Emirates Environmental street sweepers and sanitation workers. The correct way to dispose of a face in order to achieve a smooth surface, and its measures to protect citizens. China’s Group, a non-government entity focused then breathing filters are placed on the daily production of all types of masks had on sustainability, speaking to the media. mask, straps are tightened, and a simple HABIBA AL MARASHI increased by more than 100 per cent, from She added that most of these lightweight layer of recyclable, environment-friendly Chairperson of Emirates polyurethane is placed on its boundary. It Environmental Group is made of plastic, predominantly of tough Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biocompatible depending on the irresponsibility level NYU Abu Dhabi material that bio-degrades into Lactic Acid of their wearers when disposing of the (LA). As the mask is recyclable, it also masks, these can lead to another human minimises pollution caused by waste. The and animal health crisis. mask is made of a soft material, with a Mask manufacturing and use will disposable filter. It can be sterilised using continue, and maybe increase, as UV light, heat, or chemical treatment. economies keep slowly re-opening. So, the only way to avert an ecological disaster HOW UAE TREATS COVID-19 WASTE is for people to realise that their careless The UAE Government ensures only the disposal of masks would eventually best environmental practices in treating become a danger to themselves. The 3D face masks invested by NYU Abu Dhabi is made of predominantly polluted waste, which now includes The mask-making business is certainly tough Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biocompatible material that bio-degrades into COVID-19 medical waste, such as single- booming. According to the World Lactic Acid (LA) use PPE.
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Medical waste possibly contaminated with COVID-19 is sterilised upon arrival at the facility Dubai Municipality Purchase a directly, and have priority property in HANDOVERSOON in treatment over other Living Gardens and medical receive net waste for 8% disposal return. Price starts from just AED 425,000.
ENG ABDUL MAJEED SAIFAIE Director of the Waste Management Department at Dubai Municipality Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak until the end of April 2020, the Jebel Ali Hazardous Waste In Dubai, for example, the municipality Treatment Facility has treated more than 350 tonnes of medical waste, at a rate of 5-6 tonnes per day is managing medical waste taken from public and private clinics, hospitals, health 350 tonnes of medical waste, at a rate of upon arrival at the facility directly, and Net Guaranteed! care centres, and laboratories, and then 5-6 tonnes per day. have priority in treatment over other transporting that waste directly to the Eng Abdul Majeed Saifaie, Director of medical waste for disposal.” 8% Jebel Ali Hazardous Waste Treatment the Waste Management Department at He added that all equipment, vehicles, Facility. There, the medical waste is Dubai Municipality, said, “All medical waste and the entire facility were completely treated on a daily basis, using a central is dealt with technically, according to the sterilised on a regular basis to avoid any Living Garden offers luxury apartments with treatment system. Since the start of the highest levels of occupational health and infection amongst the staff. Now, all that bespoke and high-quality finishing COVID-19 outbreak until the end of April safety, except that medical waste possibly we need to do, as laypersons, is dispose 2020, this facility has treated more than contaminated with COVID-19 is sterilised of our masks correctly. An external façade with aluminium vertical elements and glass windows TIPS TO DISPOSE OF MASKS PROPERLY Interiors are finished with porcelain tiles and counter tops During the 23rd edition of the Emirates Recycling Awards held through Bathrooms are fitted with high-quality bathtubs, a webinar in June, Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of Emirates and have a spacious and luxurious feel Environmental Group, gave important tips on how people should dispose The lighting, apartment palette, and ceiling of the used face masks and other PPE items. finishing keep in mind the tastes of our residents • Commonly used PPE such as gloves and masks should be disposed of in a trash bin as soon as you remove them, to ensure that they do not end up elsewhere in the environment. Living Gardens is Lootah’s latest development. Located in JVC, the building takes pride of place amongst our community, a modern façade makes • After a shopping trip, remove your gloves immediately and discard a confident bold statement, promising residents not just a home, but a them into the waste bins outside provided by the municipality. lifestyle. The development contains studios and 1-bedroom apartments, and • Do not mix PPE waste with recyclable waste. Practise separating your a host of state-of-the-art amenities. used gloves and masks from other common household waste when disposing of them. • Although some disinfectant wipes are labelled as flushable, do not flush them down the toilet. This can cause clogging and hazardous Bay Avenue, Block B, Mezzanine Floor, F62, Business backups and overflows to occur in the sewage system. Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the items. BOOK NOW 50 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 E-mail: [email protected] Call: +971 58 176 9889
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Women IF THEY WERE A COUNTRY, THE GLOBAL POPULATION OF WOMEN WOULD in REPRESENT AN ECONOMY WHOSE GROWTH MARKET IS HIGHER THAN THAT OF CHINA AND INDIA COMBINED. BUT THERE’S STILL A GENDER GAP IN TERMS OF BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION. 999 DELVES INTO THE IMPORTANCE OF CLOSING THAT GAP AND EMPOWERING WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD Business BY JAMILLE DOMINGO
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Eight out of 10 women are now involved in small businesses around the world. There is a growing number of women starting businesses in order to igh finance and business have logistics company United Parcel Service Today, one in three provide for their family, always been associated with men (UPS) in the Indian Subcontinent, Middle start-ups in the Hin C-level positions, their palpable East and Africa (ISMEA), one in three especially those presence seemingly reflecting their start-ups in the region is founded or led Middle East is founded whose spouses dominance in the sector. But there actually by a woman — that’s a higher percentage or led by a woman – a exists — on the sidelines — a massive and than in Silicon Valley, California, one of the lost jobs due to growing number of women showing just global hubs of entrepreneurship. higher percentage than in the pandemic the same level of business acumen. “Today, one in three start-ups in the Silicon Valley. This number entrepreneurship world is critical because COVID-19, Panggabean added that gender Contrary to popular belief, female Middle East is founded or led by a is expected to continue it drives innovation, creates new products equality in financial inclusion is needed entrepreneurs already have a vital woman – a higher percentage than in and services, increases competitiveness, now more than ever, especially as more role in the world economy and can Silicon Valley. This number is expected growing as women economic diversification and ultimately and more women were setting up their contribute much more; their contribution to continue growing as women economic growth. This is particularly enterprises and needed funding. “Eight entrepreneurs ELWYN SANSIUS PANGGABEAN is absolutely crucial to ensure global entrepreneurs leverage the Internet important following the damaging impact out of 10 women are now involved in financial stability. According to data and turn to digital channels to enter the leverage the Women’s World Banking Southeast Asia Advisory Lead of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on small businesses around the world. There released by Harvard Business Review, workforce and start their own businesses. Internet to global economies,” she said. is a growing number of women starting women actually represent a growth This number is expected to continue as well as a balanced understanding of start their own Women’s World Banking Southeast businesses in order to provide for their market larger than China and India growing as women entrepreneurs all business issues, internal or external. Asia Advisory Lead Elwyn Sansius family, especially those whose spouses combined, possibly twice the size. Their leverage the Internet and turn to digital businesses “Statistics indicate that companies run by Panggabean stressed that closing the lost jobs [due to the pandemic],” he said, participation in the global economy is channels to enter the workforce and start women are more profitable. Therefore, gender gap in product access across the adding that 70 per cent of these small also expected to increase worldwide GDP their own businesses,” she said. more women in world entrepreneurship will retail banking sector could unlock at least business owners were currently struggling by $28 trillion (Dhs103 trillion) in 2025, bring more resources into the global market, $50 billion (Dhs183.7 trillion) in additional with getting access to adequate finance. as per a report by the World Economic URGENCY OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION generating increased revenue and more annual revenue. Forum (WEF). While women have been proven CHRISTINA STRULLER money spent in local economies,” she said. Analysis by the Goldman Sachs Global WOMEN ARE GREAT BORROWERS Even in the Middle East, women have essential in bolstering the global economy, VP of Public Affairs UPS in ISMEA Struller also noted that women now have Markets Institute in October 2019 also Ever wonder why, despite male been surging forward at the business it is no secret that gender gap still exists, unique opportunities to benefit from new noted that decreasing gender disparity in professionals seemingly dominating the arena. According to Christina Struller, hindering many female entrepreneurs achieving greater heights in business. This trends in global trade, specifically the rise credit access could improve developing business sector, the wives and mothers Vice President of Public Affairs for global from reaching their full potential and is especially evident in terms of access in services, global value chains, and the world growth rates by 1.1 per cent. are the ones tasked with managing the to financial services, even as simple as digital economy. “Women’s inclusion in the With the socio-economic effects of household budget? Apparently, they’re banking. Data from the non-for profit organisation Women’s World Banking show of the 1.75 THE NUMBERS billion women across the globe who have bank accounts, 57 per cent (1 billion) are 8 OUT OF 10 57 PER CENT Number of women currently involved in small businesses The number of women with bank accounts across the globe that underbanked or underserved, and only around the world in order to provide for their family, especially are underbanked or underserved, according to Women’s World 20 per cent (335 million) have active bank those whose spouses lost jobs due to the pandemic Banking accounts. The organisation also cited that there is still about $1.7 trillion (Dhs6.2 DHS103 TRILLION DHS6.2 TRILLION Expected participation of women in the global economy by Amount of unmet credit demand for women-owned Micro, Small trillion) worth of unmet credit demand for 2025, as per a report by the World Economic Forum & Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the world, as cited by Women’s women-owned Micro, Small & Medium World Banking Enterprises (MSME). 1 OUT OF 3 This only shows that there is still a huge The ratio of start-up businesses in the Indian Subcontinent, 1.1 PER CENT Middle East and Africa (ISMEA) led by a woman, as per United Expected world growth rate if gender disparity in credit access need for empowering women around Parcel Service could be reduced, according to analysis by the Goldman Sachs the world, according to Ruth Yu-Owen, Global Markets Institute in October 2019 Co-Founder of Connected Women. She 20 PER CENT said that women’s inclusion in finance The number of women with bank accounts across the globe that and entrepreneurship would bring about are active, according to Women’s World Banking increased global productivity and revenue
54 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL 55 Security And Safety For All CAREER Security And Safety For All better at managing finances. Experts Technology is a reveal that women have a better knack for monetary management, and that game-changer for female-controlled finances increase women as it levels the welfare of the family. playing field and opens up According to the 2020 research released by Women’s World Banking, Experts reveal that more opportunities. Our women manage to save on an average women have a key advocacy 10-15 per cent of their earnings despite low and often unpredictable incomes, better knack for monetary is technology although their inadequate access to management, and that adoption financial instruments forces them to save in informal and unreliable ways. female-controlled finances for remote Women were excellent borrowers as increase welfare of the and flexible well, stressed Panggabean. The same work report by the organisation stated that family. female borrowers had a very low rate of non-performing loans (NPLs) i.e. a loan that’s close to being in default. “Some of RUTH YU-OWEN our partners report to us that in terms of Co-Founder of Connected Women the NPL percentage of men and women, And then, there are the additional family to bolstering companies, especially men have the higher rate,” he said. responsibilities. The onset of COVID-19 exports. According to the World Trade entering the workforce to offset job The institution has been increasing its engagement group of G20, in order to “Hopefully, this indication can motivate and the work-from-home system put an Organisation, there are now 97 per losses in the family. However, even activation and engagement for women, “develop policy recommendations for financial institutions to focus on providing extra burden on women, said Yu-Owen, cent of Internet-enabled SMEs that are as digitisation of financial services is launching initiatives such as marketing governments and private sector, to help women more access to finance.” pointing out that women entrepreneurs engaged in exporting. This is also the growing significantly, he saw women as and communications strategy for their eliminate gender inequalities in areas now also had to handle “online classes reason the pandemic has accelerated the less connected, less confident, and less business, assistance in operational of digital trade, finance, labour, and CHALLENGES THEY FACE and elder care, while working from home”. shift to e-commerce, as stores have been prepared than men to use these services. procedures, and advocacy campaigns. decision-making”. Women entrepreneurs encounter various forced to close their doors due to social “There remains a large gender digital “We know that bringing women to Establishing partnerships across the hurdles, from inadequate financial support TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES distancing and containment measures. divide. Women are 14 per cent less likely the forefront of the financial sector can globe is another initiative from UPS to and lack of flexible career opportunities to COVID-19 has meant unique challenges “Digital trade strategies will be critical to own mobile phones, and 43 per cent reduce poverty, increase equality, and support women. The company has already cultural issues in several parts of the world. for emerging markets, especially for for women entrepreneurs’ success. This less likely to engage online than their have long-lasting intergenerational effect. forged alliances with the International Struller said that these challenges are the women entrepreneurs. They have been is a worldwide trend, as illustrated by the male counterparts,” he said. This is why We provide security, prosperity, and Trade Centre’s SheTrades initiative, reason why only one out of five businesses impacted by the crisis in three key areas: projected $596.8 billion (Dhs2.1 trillion) it was imperative for organisations and empowerment to women,” he said. Dubai Exports, The World Bank’s Women in the export industry is led by a woman. health, economic, and social. However, in year-over-year growth of the global governments to support women in terms Speaking of her organisation’s Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) “Women entrepreneurs face many barriers there are also various opportunities that e-commerce market,” said Struller. of increasing their digital and financial support for female entrepreneurs, programme in the Middle East and North to finding resources to help them launch they can explore in this new normal. She added that while it is difficult for capabilities, he said. Struller cited the Women Exporters Africa, and WEConnect International. and grow successful businesses. These One opportunity is fortified digitalisation developing countries to get access to the He added that another trend that Programme, launched by UPS and Struller said, “Those initiatives help often prevent women from having the same in all aspects of business and finance. Internet to facilitate orders and payment would arise from this crisis was renewed the UPS Foundation as part of the connect women buyers and sellers in the opportunities as men to start and develop There are various analyses that show collection, once digital connectivity and resilience amongst women. Since women company’s efforts to promote diversity global supply chain and provide trainings businesses,” she said. that this digital connection is integral the resulting tools are available, they could are particularly vulnerable to economic and inclusion. The organisation has also on how to expand their business in the offer “leapfrog” opportunities for women’s shocks due to their inadequate access to joined Women 20 (W20), the official international marketplace.” economic empowerment. finance, they’ll become even tougher and Yu-Owen also stressed upon the more motivated to manage finances and importance of advocating technology save in the post-crisis era. adoption in the transformed world, a reason the Connected Women community EMPOWERING INITIATIVES is designed to help its members digitally Initiatives undertaken to close the connect and work with each other. gender gap in business and finance “Technology is a game-changer for women provide hope that the potential of women as it levels the playing field and opens up entrepreneurs would be unlocked, giving more opportunities. Our key advocacy them the chances as men. is technology adoption for remote and Women’s World Banking, according flexible work,” she added. to Panggabean, had been powering Panggabean was of the view that economies for four decades by the pandemic would spur women into implementing advocacy-led strategies to becoming full-fledged professionals, financially assist women, especially low- stressing that more women were now income women, in emerging markets.
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WEAR THE WITH PRIDE
THIS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, THE UAE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO EDUCATE WOMEN THAT EARLY DETECTION AND PROMPT TREATMENT FOR THIS DISEASE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
BY JAMILLE DOMINGO
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or around two years now, UAE- based expat Gie Drew, 60, has The biggest Fbeen celebrating what she challenge for describes as her “second chance” in life. women with breast The year 2001 began on a bleak note for her, as she was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer is to gain breast cancer; till 2018, her ordeal went competence on, as the cancer returned and was in stage 3. She has come out stronger from and to have a her painful and occasionally dispiriting quality of life treatment, and now feels grateful and determined to spread the message of awareness about breast cancer. Recalling the time when she got the first diagnosis, Drew said that she had never felt so depressed in her life — the upsetting news felt so unreal. “I was so upset the first AILEEN VILLANUEVA General Practitioner at Mediclinic AlNoor time I was diagnosed, because I had very Hospital in Abu Dhabi and the chairman of little understanding about breast cancer Shades of Pink Society of Sharjah from March to April 2017 UNCONTROLLABLE RISK FACTORS said that breast cancer was the most GENETICS AND HEREDITARY during that time,” she said. 1 Her first surgery, called lumpectomy, I started losing my hair.” But she survived had cancer,” she said. UNDERSTANDING BREAST CANCER frequently diagnosed cancer in females RISKS was performed in the UK — that day was the killer disease and cherishes each day. Drew and Monteiro are amongst the Similar to other forms of cancer, breast amongst UAE citizens (32.16 per cent) Dr Mai Sultan Al Jaber, Medical Director her birthday. Following the operation, Meanwhile, another breast cancer many women who have suffered from cancer is an illness wherein cells in and non-citizens (41.41 per cent). The at Healthpoint, Abu Dhabi, said that she was diligent in taking care of herself, survivor Nanny Monteiro, 55, felt like she the grave effects of breast cancer — not the breast grow out of control. Aileen study added that women in the UAE tend individuals who had family members but faced the same ordeal once again as was detached from reality when she first just physically, but also emotionally and Villanueva, General Practitioner at to develop this type of cancer at least a suffering from cancer are more likely to the cancer returned in a more advanced found out in 2013 that she had breast mentally. Breast cancer is a major public Mediclinic AlNoor Hospital in Abu Dhabi decade earlier than their counterparts in develop cancerous cells due to their genes, stage. “This has been the most painful cancer, especially since she didn’t have health concern in many countries, both and the chairperson of Shades of Pink Western countries. particularly the well-known gene mutations experience that I’ve had to go through in any family history of the disease. “When rich and poor, impacting millions each Society, a non-government organisation referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women my life. I nearly gave up, stopped eating the doctor told me I had cancer, it didn’t year and causing the greatest number that advocates breast cancer awareness in COMMON RISK FACTORS with these genes, or those whose mother and drinking because everything I would sink in immediately. At that moment, I of cancer-related deaths amongst the UAE, told 999 that breast cancer could There are a number of contributing or sister was affected, are at a higher risk of take, I’d just throw up,” said Drew. “The froze. I just couldn’t believe I have it, as women globally. start from different parts of the breasts. It factors for breast cancer. Experts believe breast and ovarian cancer. most distressing moment I had was when we’ve never had anyone in our family who The latest data released by the World can begin in the ducts (that carry milk to that one way to stay ahead in the fight is 2 Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed the nipple), in the glands (that make breast to understand each and every factor, so as AGE that breast cancer affects 2.1 million milk), and in other tissues in the breast. to plan the right prevention or treatment In an interview with 999, Dr Jemini THE NUMBERS women in the world each year. In the “The biggest challenge for women with approach. Experts in the UAE and around Abraham Paul, Head of Specialist Obstetrics UAE, the country’s National Cancer breast cancer is to gain competence and the world have laid out the most common and Gynaecology department at NMC Registry revealed their 2015 data that to have a quality of life,” she said. risk factors of breast cancer, some of Medical Centre in Deira, said that the risk 1ST breast cancer, which recorded 113 deaths Research undertaken by the which cannot be changed, while others of breast cancer increases with age. The Rank of breast cancer amongst the leading causes at that time, was the leading cause of Department of Medicine in the University can be managed. US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of cancer deaths in the UAE, according to the 2015 cancer deaths. said that most breast cancers are found data collated by the National Cancer Registry Progress in lines of treatment has been in women aged 50 and above, while Yale 2.1 MILLION tremendous, but what’s equally important Medicine said it occurs in men aged 60 to The number of women being diagnosed with breast is awareness about what this type of 70. This type of cancer is very rare in men, cancer every year, according to the latest data cancer means; ways of early diagnosis, but the risk does exist, and so awareness released by the World Health Organisation including self-inspection; and rebuilding amongst both genders is equally important. 3 OUT OF 10 life after surgery. According to the US-based National Breast Ratio of female UAE citizens amongst the total Since 1985, October has been observed Cancer Foundation: “Less than 1 per cent number of breast cancer patients in the country, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, of all breast cancer cases develop in men, according to a research of the University of the result of the global goal to increase and only one in a thousand men will ever be Sharjah from March to April 2017 attention, highlight the importance of diagnosed with breast cancer.” 4 OUT OF 10 early screening and treatment, and Ratio of non-UAE female residents amongst support proper treatment. This annual PERIODS, PREGNANCIES, AND the total number of breast cancer patients in the 3 campaign aims to broaden the discussion MENOPAUSAL FACTORS country, according to a research of the University of Women who might have begun their Sharjah from March to April 2017 about this illness to stand in solidarity with patients, empower survivors, and periods early in life (as young as before 12 advance research that could potentially years old) or menopaused at an older age save thousands of lives every year. (as old as after 55) have increased risks
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Women who had the importance of getting checked once abnormalities are noticed in the breast. first pregnancy after “My advice to my fellow survivors and to the age of 30, and those all the women and men out there is to who never had a full-term screen themselves. It’s very important to always self-exam your breast,” she said. pregnancy are at a higher DON’T BE ‘TOO SCARED’ Apparently, not everyone can muster the risk of getting courage to step into a hospital or clinic breast and get themselves checked — about 30 per cent of women in the UAE admitted cancer that they would be “too scared” to visit a doctor if they suspect they have breast cancer, according to a YouGov survey DR JEMINI ABRAHAM PAUL in 2018. That’s not going to help. Even if Head of Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology you’re scared of undergoing tests right department at NMC Medical Centre in Deira away, make sure to talk to a medical professional for information and advice on of developing breast cancer, according to because it could mean more connective signs of breast cancer, and this can be important as it provides the best chance the next course of action. 2 Dr Paul. tissue than fatty tissue, making it hard to ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS done through self-examination or at of effective treatment, increased survival, “If you’re nervous about getting a “Also, women who had the first pregnancy see tumours on a mammogram. The importance of pushing for a green screening centres. and improved quality of life. That’s why it’s mammogram or other screening, that’s after the age of 30, and those who never society is truly evident on all fronts, even “This is a national public health important for women above 40 to have a understandable. I recommend having had a full-term pregnancy are at a higher CONTROLLABLE RISK FACTORS in preventing breast cancer. Experts say concern [but] many women wait until once-a-year mammogram,” she said. a general chat with your doctor first to 1 risk of getting breast cancer,” she said. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE AND that being exposed to certain elements in they experience symptoms before Survivor Drew also stressed upon the discuss any health risks and to decide if Not breast-feeding has also been shown OBESITY the environment could increase the risk consulting with their doctor. Education and to increase the risk. Dr Paul said that lifestyle adjustments, such of cancer. awareness are very important. Women WHAT THE SURVEY SAYS? Source: YouGov survey in 2018 as proper diet and regular exercise, play a need to know their family’s medical history 3 PRE-EXISTING BREAST crucial role in minimising the risk of cancerous REPRODUCTIVE FACTORS and their susceptibility to the disease, and 4 CONDITIONS cells in the body. She added that women who Dr Paul said that women who became they need to understand that, in many 43% Experts have observed a trend that are not physically active and/or consumed pregnant after the age of 30, who chose cases, symptoms of breast cancer will not Never taken steps to check for breast cancer women who have had some other too much unhealthy food and drinks, as well not to breastfeed, and who never had a appear until the disease has progressed medical conditions in their breasts are also as those who are overweight or obese, have full-term pregnancy should watch out for to a more advanced stage. That’s why 30% vulnerable to breast cancer, especially those a higher risk of getting breast cancer. early signs of the disease. regular screening is important,” said Dr diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ “Physical inactivity is a well-established Suhaila Alameeri, Consultant Anatomic “Too scared” to visit a doctor if they suspect they have (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia of the breast. risk factor for several types of cancer. 4 TOBACCO Pathologist at the National Reference breast cancer Having dense breast tissue also puts Several reasons have been proposed Smoking puts one at a much higher risk Laboratory and member of the National 40% one more at risk of this disease, according on how physical activity reduces breast of not only lung cancer but also of breast Taskforce for the Breast and Cervical to the US Centers for Disease Control, cancer risk,” she said. cancer. The chemicals from tobacco can Cancer Screening Programme, speaking Not aware whether cancer treatment in general was imbalance women’s hormones, according to the media. covered in their health insurance policy to a 2017 study published in Breast Cancer Indeed, breast cancer patient Monteiro Research, a respected international journal credits her survival to early detection, 52% in this field. The study authors stressed saying that she immediately went to the Believe that wearing a tight brassiere could be a cause of breast that smoking significantly increases the hospital when she discovered a lump cancer—one of the biggest misinformation about breast cancer risk of breast cancer, especially for those in her left breast. “Early detection is who began puffing during adolescence or 36% had a family history of the disease. About 30 per cent of Believe in the myth that the use of aerosols and deodorants could be contributing factors to breast cancer SCREENING AND DETECTION women in the UAE 13% The importance of screening and early admitted that they would detection of breast cancer cannot be Believe in the myth that using stressed enough — this is women’s best be “too scared” to visit microwave is linked to breast cancer weapon against the disease. Discovering a doctor if they suspect breast cancer at an early stage of 0 to 1 10% they have breast cancer, leads to an almost 100 per cent rate of Believe in the myth that using mobile cure, according to experts. according to a YouGov phone is linked to breast cancer It’s very important to know the warning survey in 2018
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Cancer taught They journeyed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi Corniche, me to appreciate NNC Marina Mall, Sheikh Zayed Grand everything and everyone in Mosque, reaching Healthpoint, where my life. I am so blessed for they concluded their nationwide journey that had begun in Sharjah. getting a second chance to Malath’s mother Mona expressed her live my life surrounded by deepest pride in her daughter, saying, “I call it the ‘Hope Caravan’ — it’s a ride that my loving family saves lives, literally. People should be and friends. I aware of breast cancer and the need to be am stronger checked regularly, not only for women but for men as well.” now She added that her medical condition wouldn’t let her be part of the Pink Caravan, so she was happy that her daughter took the march forward. “As a person who has undergone treatment, I use of aerosols and deodorants could be breast cancer is detected early, and The Pink Caravan Ride in Abu Dhabi, organised in March 2020 by know what breast cancer entails and the GIE DREW contributing factors; and 13 per cent and adequate diagnosis and treatments are Friends of Cancer Patients organisation woes that come with it,” she said. “That’s Founder of Shades of Pink Society why my daughter is on horseback; I want and a breast cancer survivor 10 per cent, respectively, thought that the available, it is a very curable condition.” use of microwaves and mobile phones With this aim, the government calls upon Ride (PCR) in Abu Dhabi, organised in her to raise greater community awareness and share our story of cancer so that any tests need to be done,” said Dr Nairah were linked to the illness. LIFE-CHANGING CHALLENGE everyone to get tested as early as possible. March 2020 by the non-profit Friends people take heed and get their screenings Rasul-Syed, Health Medical Director and The survey revealed that 40 per cent Drew said that one reason she founded The country also promotes and invests in of Cancer Patients (FOCP), the teenager done on time.” Consultant in Family Medicine. of the women were not aware whether the Shades of Pink Society was because advanced cancer research and treatment. pitched in as an equestrian volunteer — Another equestrian volunteer, Mira Ahli, The survey, undertaken by global health cancer treatment in general was covered she understood a patient’s ordeal. “Being In June 2020, researchers from Gulf she did so in the name of her mother, was herself a breast cancer survivor. insurance provider Aetna International, in their health insurance policy. Such data diagnosed with breast cancer can be Medical University (GMU), in collaboration Mona Abdulrahman. “Every member of society should know put its questions to 358 women in the highlight the need to build breast cancer overwhelming, so it is important to seek with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) “My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 how just a short amount of time spent UAE aged 18-60 years. Besides the “too awareness in the UAE. help and support. Patients can do this by of the United States, created a novel breast cancer, which made the treatment on a checkup can potentially save lives, scared” factor, it also found that 43 per “[During] Breast Cancer Awareness joining a support group like the Shades compound that can inhibit the growth of hard on both her and our family,” said reduce the treatment burden and the cent of the respondents had never taken Month, we urge people to think seriously of Pink Society. I formed the organisation cancer cells. In various laboratory testing Malath. “If she had been detected earlier, hardships associated with it,” said the steps to check for breast cancer. about this, to look out for any signs and to because as a survivor, I know how procedures, these experts designed and the treatment process would have been 30-year-old. Misinformation is another hurdle. The check what their policy covers, especially important it is to provide the help that chemically synthesised this compound, easier on her. Getting regular screening She added, “You’re never too young study showed that 52 per cent of the if there is a history of cancer in the family,” patients need,” she said. which has the ability to block the growth tests is the most reliable way to find to be screened. Both men and women women believed that wearing a tight said David Healy, CEO of Europe, Middle About her own experience, she said, “It of several different types of cancer breast cancer early, and that’s why I am should not think twice or delay getting brassiere could be a cause of breast East and Africa for Aetna International, was a difficult struggle. And even now, cells (e.g. leukaemia, breast cancer, and here at the Pink Caravan Ride, to take this themselves checked, because diagnosing cancer; 36 per cent believed that the following the survey. “We know that when every time I think about my fight with colon cancer cells) by inhibiting one of message far and wide to the community.” breast cancer, I can’t help myself but cry.” the enzymes implicated in the abnormal She and several other equestrian a disease early improves outcomes The feared disease has changed growth of cancer cells. breast cancer advocates mounted their greatly. Our goal, through PCR, is to urge her perspective. “Cancer taught me to The study was led by Dr Ahmed horses and fanned out across Abu people to step forward and take action by appreciate everything and everyone in my Thabet Negmeldin, GMUS’s Assistant Dhabi, covering a distance of 14km. visiting the free clinics for screening.” life. I am so blessed for getting a second Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, and Dr chance to live my life surrounded by my Ahmed Al-Abd, Associate Professor of REDUCING THE RISK loving family and friends. I am stronger Pharmacology. now,” said Drew. Over your lifetime, a lot of contributors can influence your risk of having breast Monteiro said, “My message to other YOU, TOO, CAN SPREAD HOPE cancer, and while you cannot change some factors, you can definitely make patients is: you’re stronger than you think, In the awareness drive against breast beneficial lifestyle choices. According to Dr Jemini Abraham Paul, Head of Specialist never give up and always look at the bright cancer, everyone has a part to play. Obstetrics and Gynaecology department at NMC Medical Centre in Deira, these are side. With faith in God, prayers, love and Whether you’re a fighter yourself or some of the things you can do: you know someone going through this support from family and friends, you will win • Maintain a healthy weight the battle over cancer. You can defeat it.” disease, your role in advocating early • Keep an active lifestyle detection and prevention measures is • Eat several servings of vegetables and fruits per day UAE’S CANCER STUDIES crucial. • Consult with your doctor before taking certain hormone replacement drugs The UAE has always been committed to Emirati student Malath Al Ameri • Breastfeed your children, if possible combating breast cancer. The leadership’s recognised at an early age of 16 her • For those with a family history of breast cancer, consult your doctor about ways goal is to reduce cancer mortality as part responsibility in promoting the fight to lower your risk of its National Agenda and Vision 2021. against breast cancer. In the Pink Caravan
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EFFORTS IN THE UAE AGAINST CANCER BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS IN
SCREENING PROGRAMMES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH THE UAE The department offers the Breast Screening Programme, which includes a mammogram every two years and annual clinical breast exam. The programme BREAST FRIENDS Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai goal is to reduce mortality from breast cancer, through early detection and Contact: Dr Houriya Kazim treatment. Tel: 04 332 7117 Email: [email protected] | DONATION INITIATIVES OF FRIENDS OF CANCER PATIENTS [email protected] FOCP encourages people to donate in order to fund its programmes for FRIENDS OF CANCER PATIENTS cancer patients, including entertainment for children with cancer, psychology Sharjah programmes, birthday celebrations, and treatment for those who can’t afford it. Contact: Dr Sawsan Al Madhi | Mrs Horia Ahmed (Beneficiary Executive) THE PINK CARAVAN OF FOCP Tel: 06 506 5555 or 06 506 5542 Email: [email protected] | [email protected] | Pink Caravan offers awareness talks as well as free checkups across the [email protected] emirates. Data released by Pink Caravan in 2019 revealed that its 64,000+ free www.focp.ae clinical examinations done in the past nine years helped detect 73 positive cases. “We have accomplished a lot, but more needs to be done. To this end, we urge ANGELS OF MERCY Location: Tawam Hospital, Al Ain more organisations to come forward and promote a stronger culture of corporate Contact: Sandy Jaloudi | Seham Manna | Sine social responsibility in the UAE,” said Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of MacDonald FOCP and Head of the Pink Caravan Ride Medical and Awareness Committee. Tel: 03 707 4234 Email: [email protected] | Seham3g@ msn.com | [email protected] SHADES OF PINK SOCIETY www.angelsofmercyuae.wordpress.com The organisation provides programmes that help patients manage their stress as well as cancer awareness sessions, including monthly Zumba sessions, seminars PURE HEART PROGRAMME on how to maximise their quality of life after cancer, and the annual ‘Walk for Dubai Contact: Rana Al Khatib | Aisha Abdulla | breast cancer’. Rania Amer “In order to help out patients, our organisation is supporting them physically, Tel: Rana: 050 654 5284 | Aisha: 055 856 financially, spiritually and emotionally, giving them the power to choose a happy 6337 | Rania: 050 913 1032 and normal life after cancer,” said Dr Aileen Villanueva, chairperson of Shades of Email: [email protected] Pink Society. www.purehearttoday.com
BOSOM BUDDIES ENGAGING MEETINGS OF NMC MEDICAL CENTRE Café Arabia, Abu Dhabi (15th Street and Dr Mohanad Diab, Head of the Department and Consultant Medical Oncologist Airport Road) at NMC Royal Hospital in Abu Dhabi, told 999 that they usually held board Contact: Melanie Gobert | Gehan Wheeler Tel: Melanie: 050 668 7815 | meetings once a week in order to talk about advance treatment for tumours. Gehan: 050 662 4716 For patients and survivors, they organise events and gatherings to keep them Email: [email protected] | engaged and feel supported. [email protected]
MOAZZARA - EMIRATES ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER SUPPORT Headquartered in Abu Dhabi-Al Ain City Abu Dhabi-Al Ain City, P.O. Box: 87123 Contact: Dr AfraAlMarri Tel: 037804595; Mobile: 0509044288; Fax: 037852797 Email: [email protected]
Source: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
66 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 Security And Safety For All COLUMN
THORNS OF THE PAST, ROSES OF THE FUTURE Dr Samar Al-Shamsi is an internationally respected artist who is We will never find our way unless we savour the beauty renowned for her commissioned portraits of high-profile individuals, including the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE President His Highness of each past, present, and hope-filled future Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, US President Barack Obama, and others.
ur past is like the walls of Pharaohs’ temples, a beautiful. Every single stage has its own people. The bottom record of inscribed past, present and future. We are line is that it is all about us, not the past, present or future O naturally nostalgic; we yearn for the scent of the days. past, for sailing aboard memories’ ship, reminiscing about Past suffering is a garden of thorns. The present is a days that are long gone. heartwarming fragrant scent. Future The sweet-smelling present and the ambitious dreams are a path to walk roses of the future might be fragrant, amongst roses. It is wrong to but the thorns of the past are contemplate what have past, present or nevertheless always longed for; thorns When we are future days done to us. We should that embrace them both. sluggish, we blame rather ask: what have we done with our As the ship of time takes us back to days? where we had once dwelled, the our past for its Many people had marked the days of amount of suffering and neediness our time and shall be recognised as becomes futile, for we had coped with thorns. When we are women and men of this or that period, them, we had convinced ourselves of hopeful, we picture or women or men who changed history. coping with them despite all the pain. It It is not the fault of the past, the mark of is as though we tend to forget or turn a a rosy future the present, nor the hope of the future blind eye to the fragrant present and as we claim. It is the fault, mark, and the rose-filled future. Willed and hope that come from us, the humankind. determined, we can, each on our own, succeed in times of When there is a will, there is a way. When we are sluggish, technology and advancement and reach heights that even a we blame our past for its thorns. When we are hopeful, we bunch of people cannot reach. picture a rosy future. In between, our present is lost. We will Is nostalgia a rejection of the present and an escape from never find our way unless we savour the beauty of each past, the future? present, and hope-filled future. It is only then that the beauty Truth lies not in the beauty of the past, in the present, or in of life will be revealed to us, free from past thorns and the fear of the future. Every single period of our time is welcoming future roses.
The views expressed by 999 columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry of Interior
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7 ways to ace a virtual
THE CURRENT GLOBAL SCENARIO HAS CHANGED THE WAY CONNECTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE BEING CONDUCTED TODAY — THAT INCLUDES JOB INTERVIEWS.interview MAKE A MARK IN YOUR ONLINE INTERVIEW WITH THESE TIPS
BY JAMILLE DOMINGO
fter some time searching for new career norm today, accelerated by the novel coronavirus disease opportunities, you finally get a call for a job (COVID-19) and the need for social distancing. Increased Ainterview. Hooray! However, there’s a catch: it use of technology and lockdown measures have given will be done through a video call. How do you deal with rise to virtual meetings via Zoom and Teams, webinars, it, knowing that your usual ways to impress a potential and the like. Gone are the days of walk-in interviews employer will be greatly restricted? and dropping by unannounced to submit your CV. Body language matters a great deal in physical Almost everything now has to be done online, even job interviews, but in a video interview, it’s not quite as interviews. effective. So, your strategy will need to be revised. So how to do you actually impress a potential employer This kind of scenario is becoming more and more of a through your computer screen? Check out these tips.
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1 TEST YOUR INTERNET SPEED AND GADGETS WELL IN 5 PRACTISE ADVANCE The importance of practising for a job interview — virtual or in-person — cannot be stressed The perfect recipe for a disastrous online job interview includes poor Internet speed and an enough. Have a mock interview with your friend or a family member and rehearse with inefficient tablet/computer/mobile phone. Wi-Fi or Internet connectivity is the very first thing them the questions that the employer may ask you in general, as well as icebreakers you should assess to make sure you’re set up for success. Take the time also to check your and other topics that you can open up to further generate the employer’s interest in camera and microphone (if the image is grainy, or if there is an annoying echo coming from you. You don’t want to sound robotic throughout the engagement, so make sure you your mic) to make sure the interview goes through without a hiccup. Remember, these are your practise your communication skills in such a way that it comes off smooth and not only weapons to propel yourself towards a real employment opportunity. awkward. Don’t do these checks just five minutes before the interview, or you could be stressed with all the Make sure you practise as well to eliminate extra words from your sentences, such last-minute hassles and you might even get late for the interview. Technical glitches during the interview as “um” and “uh” or “like.” Perfect your grammar at all costs. also sends the wrong impression, as it can make the recruiter think you’ve come unprepared, or worse, not interested in the job enough to fix the problems prior to the online appointment.
2 PROFESSIONALISE YOUR HOME SETTING 6 LOOK AT THE CAMERA Do you really want your online interviewer to see your messy bed and your piled-up Since the setting has been greatly restricted in a virtual interview, all the more laundry, with your latest Netflix binge visible in the background? Make sure you fix up the that your recruiter will pay attention to your body language. Amongst the no-no’s home setting in a professional manner, i.e. a tidy home office or desk, as well as a blank are slouching, yawning, or fidgeting. wall or a neat bookshelf behind you. An organised bookshelf creates an atmosphere of To exude an ambiance of confidence and professionalism, make sure to sit up intelligence and interest in learning. straight, smile, look at the camera while answering their questions so as to maintain From this setting, eliminate all distractions like TV, radio, mobile phone, and noise an illusion of eye contact. Some experts believe that recruiters will likely remember from the outside. If you have pets, put them somewhere to prevent an unannounced what you said if you maintain your eye contact, so make sure to look at the camera and appearance during your interview. not on the image of your potential employer when talking. Also, because you won’t have the benefit of a face-to-face connection, your body language becomes even more obvious — and important to manage — in a virtual interview. 3 DRESS TO IMPRESS 7 Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can face your recruiter looking E-WRITE A THANK-YOU LETTER like you just rolled out of bed. Dressing formally for your online interview shows Within a day after the interview, send a thank you e-mail to your interviewer to let them know your appreciation for them taking their time to accommodate you, as well as your interest in that you are serious about the position, and it can even exude confidence your position. Doing this shows that you genuinely want to become a part of their team, and during the entire interview process. will increase your chances of getting remembered. It also provides you an opportunity to resell Treat your online interview like it’s an in-person interview. For men, this yourself and talk more about your strengths you were not able to address during the interview. means polo, blazer, and chinos; and for women, this means dress or a blouse Keep it concise yet engaging in order to leave a lasting impression. and a skirt. Make sure you put on makeup as well.
4 RESEARCH IS KEY Google is within reach so make sure you research about the company prior to your interview, so that you can appear focused and ready to answer their Did you know? questions. The physical distance between you two won’t allow your recruiter to sense your eagerness for the job. The only way to impress them is to show In a research by recruiting software Jobvite in May 2020, 58 off your knowledge about the company, and to talk about why you are the one per cent of recruiters are now turning to LinkedIn, Facebook, and deserving the position. Draw them in with your passion for the company. even Instagram in order to connect with applicants as well as do In addition, don’t just be prepared to answer their questions. Be ready to also make professional queries, such as what does a typical day in the life of this role background checks on people who can be part of their team. In seem like, their goals, the hiring process, their ideal candidate, and so on. addition, 84 per cent of them are now using video calls to screen and interview candidates, while more firms have started using analytics tools and AI to easily scan CVs and narrow down their applicants.
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KITCHEN KILLERS
THESE INCIDENTS HAVE TURNED WHAT’S ESSENTIALLY A SPACE FOR DELICIOUS DELIGHTS INTO GRUESOME MURDER SCENES
BY NEIL BIE
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DATING RIDDLE STRAY BULLET
WHERE: COWAN, INDIANA, US WHERE: BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, US AL.com WHEN: MARCH 2008 WHEN: JUNE 2020
Wrestling coach Garth Rector, 48, lived alone in a small rented house in Muncie, Indiana, after being separated from his It was a regular, peaceful midnight for 64-year-old wife. While people saw him as a wildly popular coach, his Bernice Taylor, as she casually walked through her kitchen friends and family remember him going through a midlife crisis. to get something for the night. But that turned out to be On March 21, 2008, Rector arrived home with his bag of her final moment when a stray bullet fired outside came in groceries and a soda. As he stepped inside, someone was through the kitchen window and struck her. already waiting for him with a gun in his hand. Screengrab from True Crime Daily Youtube Her 33-year-old son, Demetrius, called the emergency “Looks like he just sat a grocery bag and a cup down and hotline to report that Taylor was shot. When officers the next thing you know, he was getting shot at,” said Kurt arrived at the scene, he told them that Taylor was already Walthour, Delaware Co. Sheriff’s Department in a media report. wounded and unresponsive due to a gunshot wound. Investigators revealed that Rector was shot five times, even married during their affair. Authorities speculated that the “I was sleeping in my bedroom and I heard about four or execution-style, in his own kitchen. It was the victim’s landlord who murder might have been linked to a robbery gone wrong or five shots. I woke up and looked out of my window to see found the body. The cops found evidence that there was forced perhaps a jealous lover seeking revenge. Neither of these has where it came from. I went to check on my mother. I entry, but they were puzzled about the motive of the crime. been proven true. looked in the kitchen, and she was on her back. Once I Then, the investigators found out that Rector had been To date, the case remains unsolved, the killer is still on the saw her body, I just freaked out. I kept saying, ‘Mama, dating several women at the same time – one of them was loose. Mama,’” recalled Demetrius. wrong time as no arrests were made immediately after the Birmingham Police Department officials state that shooting. several shots had been fired at the parking lot outside Demetrius said, “She went to work, and she came home. Taylor’s apartment. The fatal bullet that struck Taylor She was sweet, very, very sweet. She was a hardworking STABBED COUNSELLOR seemed to be a mere case of the wrong place and the mother who raised us to be good people.” WHERE: WORCESTER, NORTH CAROLINA, US WHEN: MAY 2020
police have charged a suspect, but her mother has more KITCHEN BURIAL questions about the case. WHERE: KANCHARAPALEM, VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA At the age of 16, Swan moved from North Carolina to WHEN: FEBRUARY 2013 Massachusetts during her junior year in high school. White met her boyfriend whom she eventually married – a man stationed several stab wounds and that one of her hands was at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. missing. While she initially dropped out of senior high school, Swan Her body was placed within kitchen planks commonly
Dianna White via Patch.com found a job together with her mother at the Dodge Park Rest used by locals to store LPG cylinders. The killer apparently Home in Worcester, where she worked for the next seven sealed the area with cement after killing Arramma. years. There, she earned her GED and eventually became a Arramma’s relatives shared that she had a small-time Certified Nursing Assistant through tireless efforts. finance business aside from her business of selling fish. Swan became a mom herself when she turned 24. Her They recalled that she gave a loan of Rs 50,000 motherhood years also became her time to shift jobs towards (Dhs2,480) to a certain person named ‘Vasu’; when it was becoming a counsellor for teens who were battling addiction. Photo for illustrative purposes only time to repay the loan, Vasu defaulted. Arramma was said Authorities said Swan was stabbed at her own kitchen when to have had an argument with Vasu, who then promised to she was trying to mediate between a man and 29-year-old pay her in February 2013. Then Arramma mysteriously Naomi Lawrence, whom Swan knew for around six years. A vanished after heading towards Vasu’s home. When she neighbour called 911 after the voices in the argument grew Local residents complained of a particular foul smell that failed to return home, her family lodged a missing person louder and louder. emanated from a house located in Kancharapalem, complaint in the area. A few days later, the local residents Traci Swan lived a fulfilling life of helping teenagers recover Lawrence has been charged with battery with a deadly Visakhapatnam in India. When authorities began to dig complained of the foul smell and Arramma’s body was from addiction – up until her untimely demise on May 26 – weapon and assault – but White still thinks that there are from the freshly-cemented area in the kitchen, they found uncovered. marking the first homicide at Worcester, Massachusetts, this details missing as regards the death of her daughter. a woman’s body buried underneath. The police arrested Vasu, and a murder case was year. “When it came to other people fighting, she would do her The bizarre incident revealed the killing of 45-year-old lodged against him. Swan’s mother Dianna White, along with her family and best to diffuse it. I have so many questions about it,” said White, Vasupalli Arramma, who was one of the fisherfolk within Arramma’s death caused a clamour amongst the women friends, are still puzzled as to who could have committed the who is still left wondering what really transpired in her the community. Police found that Arramma’s body had in her area, with calls for severe action against her killer. gruesome murder of stabbing Swan at her own kitchen. The daughter’s final moments.
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ampered by her parents and “Unfortunately, it was this request that places with Hamad. I don’t know how showered with gifts, 23-year- destroyed my life. In an intimate meeting the police knew about it but, eventually, old Hanadi had turned into a with Hamad, he explained to me that Saqer, Hamad and I were arrested all Prather spoiled individual. Her the easiest way to earn money was drug together.” parents gave her money, jewellery – trafficking. In the beginning, I rejected As she was fascinated, Fawzia said, anything and everything – without ever this idea, and also expressed my fear “Tell me about the moment you got asking any questions, such as “When did and panic about what he was saying and caught.” Remembering the anguish of you go out? Where have you been? Why where it could lead us. He then bluntly that time, Hanadi said, “Those moments are you so late?” told me that this was the only way for us were very difficult. I looked like a weak In the absence of any parental bird with a clipped wing, and Hamad restraints, Hanadi lost the ability to tell appeared at that time weaker than a fly, right from wrong – and so began the frightened and terrified. downward spiral of her life. “That day, the Drug Control She began an affair with a 30-year- Department knew beforehand that we old man named Hamad, who faked his While I spend my would receive large quantities of drugs, love and dragged her into the trap of time in jail, I will from one of the stores that sold nuts narcotics. He seduced her and fooled and spices and was owned by Saqer – it her with common-law marriage. The seek God’s pardon, was located in one of the old markets beautiful Hanadi didn’t have the sense in the emirate. We found ourselves to protect herself. and will leave those surrounded, with no ways to escape.” From the use of narcotics, Hanadi was reckless deeds Fawzia then asked how Hanadi’s ADDICTED soon pushed into drug trafficking by parents reacted when told about their Hamad. It was a terrible path that she behind me daughter’s arrest and how she felt upon was treading; eventually, it led to the being sentenced to prison. humiliation and punishment of being to be high and earn money.” A distraught Hanadi said, “It was a arrested and jailed. Listening to this story, Fawzia asked huge shock for my parents when they In a conversation with her 25-year- Hanadi how she took her first steps into were summoned to the police station, TO EXCESSES old friend Fawzia, the misled Hanadi the world of drug trafficking and whether where they saw their only daughter, described how she allowed Hamad to she succeeded in her first attempt. thrown into one corner of the place, destroy her future. Hanadi told Fawzia, “Yes, we crying and regretting her deeds. They WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINING INFLUENCE FROM HER Hanadi recalled that the worst part succeeded. This success obliterated cried painfully, too, as if they knew deep WEALTHY PARENTS, A YOUNG WOMAN IS LURED BY A SLY of their relationship began when my fear and made me feel stronger. It inside that they had over-indulged her, she became addicted to the use of without asking her about the secret of MAN INTO DRUG TRAFFICKING instilled reassurance in my heart, and I narcotics and also to the excesses of became good in this field, as it became her frequent absence from the house.” BY WAGIH HASSAN overspending. She said, “After I became easy to earn money out of it.” About her trial, she said bitterly, addicted to drugs, it was my beloved So, then, what got her and Hamad “That’s when I cried so badly, cursing my Hamad who dragged me into this path. arrested, asked the friend. Hanadi life and Hamad. I regret the days during The money that I received from my said, “We thought that we were very which I was tempted with money and parents wasn’t enough for me, especially smart, and that we could compete with could not see the disaster I was walking after Hamad could no longer buy me everyone in drug trafficking, and that we into.” material things. He asked me to support would never fall into the net of police. Crying while telling Fawzia the story, him financially and stand by his side in But the truth is: we were monitored all Hanadi concluded, “While I spend my this difficult time.” the time. The police also had an eye on time in jail, I will seek God’s pardon, and Taking a deep breath, shaking Saqer, who used to supply us with drugs. will leave those reckless deeds behind her head several times, she added, I was seen frequently visiting suspicious me.”
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EARLY DAYS The historic Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain e have been exploring the Albu Amim (number is not mentioned), Al Middle East through the Khmarah (375 people), and Al Halamah Waccounts of John Gordon (75 people). There is also the tribe of Lorimer, a British political resident in the Baharnah, in addition to an Iranian and town of Bushehr, Persia and author of the The population of the Hindu community. OF THE 1908 book Gulf Guide, reprinted in 1970. “Abu Dhabi residents earn from pearl Abu Dhabi may reach The geographical section in the second diving, fishing and simple commercial part of Gulf Guide contained news and about 6,000 people, exchange. They do not have agriculture descriptions of some areas in Iraq, Oman, half of them from and palm trees are very few. There are as well as the UAE. 750 camels and 85 horses; all belong to About Abu Dhabi, Lorimer wrote: “Abu Bani Yas and the rest the sheikh and his family except for five EMIRATES Dhabi is one of the Arab emirates on the of them. Internal trade is not significant Gulf coast and the largest. The main areas from other tribes and takes place only with Al Buraimi (Al of Abu Dhabi from west to east include: Al Ain). In the city, there are about 70 stores, earth. To the south of the city, there is the Majn, Sabkhat Matti, Al Dhafra, Liwa, and 40 of them for Persians, nine for Hindus, large, shallow Khor Al Bateen Lake. Al Khatim. The islands of this emirate are: and 10 for Arabs. Hindus import cloth, “The population of the Abu Dhabi Arzana, Deeneh, Dalma, Das, Qarnain, Yas, rice, coffee, and sugar. They also deal THE BOOK GULF GUIDE GIVES US A LOOK INTO THE SOCIAL MIX may reach about 6,000 people, half of and Zirkuh. As for the capital, it is the city in pearl trades. Commercial interests of them from Bani Yas and the rest from AND COMMERCE IN THE LANDS THAT LATER BECAME THE UAE of Abu Dhabi and is located in Al Jazirah. the Hindu community whose members other tribes. The tribes of Bani Yas are The largest building in it is the Sheikh Fort. are from Tata region in Sindh. Most of as follows: Albu Falaj (40 people), Al BY DR FALEH HANDHAL There is also a separate market for Indian them accompany their families to India on Kubaisat (380 people), Al Muharba (300 merchants, the port is located 2 miles vacation once a year, and their number people), Albufalasah (200 people), Al away, and behind the city there are some doubles in the pearl season. Qamzan (250 people), Albomhair (500 palm trees. Water is extracted from a place “In the sheikhdom, there are about people), Al Sudan (375 people), Al Murar that is 3-4 miles away from the city, at a 410 pearling ships; 50 of them are in Al (200 people), Al Thumairat (120 people), depth of 4-5 feet from the surface of the Bateen and the rest are located along the
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The ruler is Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa, the most powerful figure in the Trucial Coast of Oman at the time. His influence Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding not only prevails in Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding the region, but also extends to Al Buraimi and to the town of A group of Bedouin play music outside a house Ibri in Oman of Oman to the Sheikh to maintain have a number of ships that they keep the security of the region: $3,000 in the port of Radeem and Marfa. The coast, as well as in the islands. There are (Dhs11,018) population of Al Dhafra is estimated at Tradition dhows used in the UAE for pearl trade about 10 ships going to Bahrain, Lengeh, Thus, the total reaches about $750,000 about 6,500 people.” Basra, and Muscat. The ruler is Sheikh (Dhs2.8 million) annually. which is Deira – it is located on a 20-feet- countries arrive on an opportunity basis. Zayed bin Khalifa, the most powerful “Speaking of Al Dhafra, it is a large A GLIMPSE OF DUBAI high land tongue, and has a palm farm. Local exports are pearls, shells, and dried figure in the Trucial Coast of Oman at the area that includes several separate areas, Then, Lorimer described Dubai. He “In Deira, 1,600 homes are resided in by fish, while imports are dates brought from time. His influence not only prevails in namely Al-Taf, Bainounah, and Liwa. The wrote: “Dubai is an independent Arab Arabs, Persians, Baluchis, and others, and Most of the residents Basra, Minab, and Al Batinah. The imports the region, but also extends to Al Buraimi water from Al Dhafra’s wells is of a good sheikhdom located between Sharjah and its market has 350 stores. There is also Al also include rice, wheat, spices, minerals, and to the town of Ibri in Oman. As for quality, and the wells are all fenced with Abu Dhabi. It is connected with Sharjah Shindagha area, which is closer to the sea of Fujairah are from fibre ropes and wood from India. In the the ruler’s financial resources, they are palm leaves. The population of Al Dhafra through the coast of Abu Hail and with and has 250 houses. All its residents are Al Hafeetat, and city, there are about 400 shops and 300 calculated as follows: is limited to two tribes, the Bani Yas and Abu Dhabi through Ghanadhah creek. Arabs, and Indians are not allowed to live stores, and there are 23 Hindu merchants • Taxes on pearls: $57,000 the Manasir. Bani Yas are a settled tribe, Jebel Ali is located inland for long miles, there. As for the city of Dubai, it contains they earn from palm and 7 Khaja residents.” while the Manasir are wanderer Bedouins. and it is the only mountain on the coast 200 houses, 50 stores, the main mosque, (Dhs209,400) cultivation, some • Taxes on pearls of Dalma island: Both tribes live in Liwa in villages called with a height of 220 feet. The village and some ruins that are said to be the OTHER PARTS OF THE EMIRATES $5,000 (Dhs18,364) Al Wahidah, and the houses are similar of Jumeirah consists of 15 houses built remains of a Portuguese castle. Most of tobacco and grains, After Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Lorimer • Taxes on Liwa’s agriculture: $2,500 to huts made of palm leaves and fronds. of palm fronds, all of whose people are the Indians live in this neighbourhood, described the other lands that form (Dhs9,182) Al Dhafra is the main pasture area for Al fishing. And the sheikh has about 100 and transport boats operate between and pearl diving present day United Arab Emirates. His • Taxes on Al Ain’s dates: $5,000 Manasir, while Bainounah is the preferred armed men with rifles. Deira and the city. Also, the people of follow the Maliki school of thought. There accounts are as follows: (Dhs18,364) pasture area for the Bani Yas, who “As for Dubai city it lies on both sides Deira cross on Fridays for free to perform are also 67 Hindus and 23 Khaja residents. FUJAIRAH: “It is located 15 miles south • The financial aid given by the Sultan participate in pearl-diving operations and of a shallow creek, whose entrance prayers in the grand mosque. Dubai has 400 palm trees, but their crops of Khor Fakkan, in a place close to Wadi stretches several miles in the southeast “Dubai’s water is safe for human are minimal. The number of pearling ships Ham along the shore and 2 miles from direction. There is a dock for ships consumption and the depth of its wells is 135, in addition to 50 fishing ships and 20 the sea. Its castle is located to its south and the city is divided into three is between 5 and 30 feet. The city was sanbuk and Badan ships. Also, between 10 and at a distance of 7 miles from the sea, neighbourhoods, the most important of surrounded by a wall, but it no longer and 12 ships are annually built. and the number of palm trees in Fujairah exists. On the opposite side of the land, “Dubai’s trade is significant and is is about 3,000. The city is surrounded there are a number of towers to defend expanding very quickly, thanks to the by a 4-feet-high wall, and fresh water is the city. The population of Dubai is 10,000 policy followed by former sheikh Maktoum found in wells at a depth of 4 feet. There people, perhaps more, and they are from bin Hasher and as a result of the severe are also 150 houses, most of them made As for Dubai city it Albu Falasa of the Bani Yas tribe with 440 customs restrictions applied by the of mud, stones and a little bit of cement. houses; Albu Mhair, with 400 houses; “During the date harvest season, lies on both sides of a Imperial Customs Administration in Lengeh. and different tribes, especially from Al Merchants of Lengeh have immigrated to residents set up makeshift villages. Most shallow creek, whose Mazarei and Al Sudan with 250 houses; Dubai, which has established its position as of the residents of Fujairah are from in addition to Al Murr, with 30 houses. the centre of foreign trade in the UAE. Al Hafeetat, and they earn from palm Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding entrance stretches “There are some people from Kuwait and “Indian and Persian ships frequently cultivation, some tobacco and grains, and several miles in the Bahrain, and they have 400 houses, and visit Dubai, while the British visit once pearl diving. Fujairah has been ruled by the Baluchis have 250 homes. All of them every two weeks, and ships from other Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Sharqi Camel caravan in UAE desert southeast direction
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Al Dhaid is ruled by IMMERSING YOU a wali who receives orders from the IN NATURE Sheikh of Sharjah and his mission is to
maintain security and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding discipline since 1901. The subordinate divisions belong to Fujairah, namely, Al Bathna, Al Gharfa, Mirbah, Qadfa, and Sakamkam. In addition, the Sheikh has a good relationship with the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi.” KHOR FAKKAN: “Khor Fakkan is located on the southern shore of a sandy A man smoking a shisha pipe in an open market in Dubai while selling lemons bay that is 2 miles wide and 1 mile deep and open towards the northwest, and AL HAMRIYAH: “It consists of 300 and they are irrigated by a rich well has a port suitable for docking. There houses and a castle, several towers, with a width of about 3 feet and a depth is an island with a height of 240 feet, and six shops. The residents include of 2 feet. Its water can be counted in which is known as Sira Al Khor. In Khor the sheikh from Al Darawshah family preparation for the irrigation process. Fakkan, there are also farms that contain of the Naim tribe, with some from the The water is fresh and transparent; it 5,000 palm trees, and there are about Tanij tribe. They have 117 pearling has a strong flow and is distributed 150 houses for Al Naqbi tribe and some ships and 1,000 palm trees, 60 cows carefully, and the person responsible for Persians. Its population is about 800 and 150 goats. As for the sheikh, he is distributing water is the representative people who cultivate palm trees, wheat Abdul Rahman bin Saif, and he is not of the Ruler of Sharjah. Also, palm and and dive for pearls. Also, there are about recognised as an independent sheikh wheat are grown on farms. 4 or 5 ships that are used for travelling by the British government, and not “Al Dhaid is ruled by a wali who to Muscat. As for the ruler of the city, he given an official salute, and the Sheikh receives orders from the Sheikh of is Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed, the cousin of Sharjah usually accompanies him to Sharjah and his mission is to maintain of the ruler of Sharjah.” meet with British officers. This sheikh security and discipline. He resides in the RED ISLAND: “It is also called Zaab collects about $4,520 (Dhs16,000) a year Sheikh’s castle and raises the flag of the Island, located 12 miles southwest of Ras as pearl tax and has farms in Al Dhaid as Trucial Oman coast on the northwestern Al Khaimah. The island is 2 miles long well.” tower. The revenues of the Sheikh of and is almost connected to the mainland AL DHAID: “[It is] an isolated town Sharjah from Al Dhaid are around 100 from its southwestern tip, and when located in the heart of Ru’us al-Jibal pods of dates. He also receives about the tide is low in the bay separating the and belongs to the emirate of Sharjah, $228 (Dhs840) as fees for the water island and the land, it can be crossed and [is] located about 30 miles to the used by farmers. Al Dhaid belongs to the on foot. It consists of 500 houses for east and 33 miles to the south of Ras Al ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Salem bin the Zaab tribe, and it is divided into Khaimah. Sultan, the uncle of the ruler of Sharjah, Cityland Group is the developer behind some of the world’s most recognized and unique leisure and two neighbourhoods: one in the north, “It is a centre of some political and as well as the sheikhs of Ajman and entertainment destinations for the whole family in the UAE. Our unique combination of project which is small and called Umm Oweimer; geographical importance. Al Dhaid Hamriyah own some palm farms in there. development experience and unique agricultural and landscaping expertise distinguishes us in the market and the second in the south, which is contains about 140 houses, of which “According to a report, Al Dhaid can and has made us known for one-of-kind developments like Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Butterfly large and called Al Manakh. Residents 70 are for the Tanij tribe, 40 for Bani be the best location that British and Garden, Al Ain Paradise and the upcoming, hotly anticipated retail development Cityland Mall known as the World’s first Nature-inspired Retail and Entertainment destination in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. have about 100 camels, 150 cows and Qatab, and 30 for Al Khawater from Indian forces can land in, if needed. 500 goats, and they have 25 pearling Al Naim tribe. Each of the tribes has a The water there is fine and abundant, Nature has been a core part of our business and the main inspiration to build a world class facility that ships and 100 small vessels to bring fortified tower, and on the eastern side and there are a lot of camels and offers unique experiences which is fresh to the UAE and the region at large. Cityland has redefined how firewood and sell it in Sharjah and Dubai. of the town, there is a castle with four other animals. Also, it is possible to residents and visitors in the UAE interact with nature and enjoy time with their loved ones. We provide Generally, the people of the Red Island towers for the Sheikh of Sharjah. The reach Al Dhaid from Ras Al Khaimah by the best entertainment and leisure experience to people in the communities by bringing nature one-step earn from pearl diving.” palm farms form an area of about 1 mile carriages.” closer to people with every developments we do.
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86 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 Security And Safety For All BOOKS
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Personal Management Title: Improve Your Health and Wellbeing (Super Quick Skills) Author: Kaye Rabel Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd Price: $9.99 (Dhs37) (Paperback) The only way to live a balanced, happy life is to manage your health and wellbeing, as this book discusses. In this guide, readers will learn more about the best resources for a healthy mind, and how to cultivate healthier relationships with friends and loved ones. Highlighting the essential factors that will improve your life and professional skills, this guide underscores the need to set and achieve personal goals in order to succeed and enjoy life.
Purposeful life Back from Title: Build Your Best Life: Key Strategies to Help You Start retirement Today, Not Tomorrow Title: The Searcher Author: Robert Pop Author: Tana French Publisher: Robert Pop Publisher: Viking Enterprises Price: $27.15 (Dhs100) Price: $7.90 (Dhs29) (Kindle (Hardcover) Edition) Cal Hooper, a former detective, Ditch the toxic and decides to live a quiet life in counterproductive mindsets that a remote village in Ireland — prevent you from achieving your signing off forever from his police duties. But when a local boy dreams. Learn more about self-discovery strategies that will asks for help in finding his brother, he once again feels that unleash your full potential. This book helps you find the courage restless itch. However, as he digs deeper into the case, he to pursue your destiny and discover your real personal power, starts to discover that something is off with his new community. teaching you key life skills that will assist in cultivating your own Hooper realises that the only way to know for sure is to unleash personal brand, enrich your goals, and live a fulfilled life driven by again the detective in him — even if it jeopardises his safety. purpose and dreams. Discovering mysteries Title: The Hollow Places Author: T. Kingfisher Publisher: Gallery/Saga Press Price: $16.99 (Dhs62) (Paperback) This novel follows the life of Kara, a young woman who discovers a strange portal in her uncle’s house. As she decodes the cryptic words on this hidden hole, Kara discovers just how powerful and mysterious the portal is — it can lead her to places she never imagined existed in her universe and reality. But as compelling as these places can be, they also have creatures that seem to feed on fears. And as Kara delves deeper into the portal, she must find a way to defeat her fears, in order to prevent these foes from taking hold of her.
88 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 Security And Safety For All ENVIRONMENT UAE’s aquaculture industry sees rise in yield
THE UAE witnessed a growth in fish catches during the first half of 2020 across certain species of economic importance, buoyed by the implementation of seasonal fishing and trade bans. Arabian safi (emperor) catch saw a 30.8 per cent increase while sheri (rabbitfish) catch witnessed an increase of 17.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. HE Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), praised the compliance observed amongst fishermen and businesses, stating that the for ensuring the sustainability of the fishing in the country. seasonal fishing and trade bans had been occupation in the UAE, and the extent of their The Ministry will also aid in the rehabilitation effective in both the regulation and propagation compliance and cooperation with the Ministry of several marine habitats through the of the UAE’s aquatic resources. and concerned local authorities,” said Al Nuaimi. installation of 3,200 artificial caves, an initiative “Achieving food security and sustainability is He highlighted that MOCCAE intends to to plant 30,000 mangroves, fish hatchery a strategic priority for the Ministry. Therefore, further boost these numbers and introduce projects in select coastal areas, and coral we work to develop all local food production new initiatives to motivate fishermen for their culture. sectors, including fisheries. Our success in this contributions with subsidised equipment such To date, there are 12 aquaculture farms regard depends on the awareness of fishermen as boat engines, and collaboration with local registered with MOCCAE. They produced about the importance of fishing regulations authorities to develop fishing ports and facilities 3,223 tonnes of fish in 2019. Drones put UAE at the forefront of food security—eco protection integration
methods being practised for millennia. In partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, FEDS had undertaken a massive drone seeding initiative in 2019 that saw the planting of 250,000 Ghaf seeds and 6 million Samar seeds in 150 square kilometres of land in a few days—a process that used to take decades to complete through traditional farming methods. This feat has made the UAE one of the very first countries in the world to conduct a drone-planting project on such an expansive scale. “With the changing calls of our time, such as the repercussions of COVID-19 ringing in amongst THE UAE’s adoption of drones in agriculture Earlier, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin nations to produce more of what they eat, has made it one of the firsts in the world to Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi countries see the need to explore newer solutions integrate technology in food security and and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE to boost their agricultural sector. If we look at the environmental protection, according to Falcon Eye Armed Forces, also stressed the value of utilising future of farming in the UAE, drone systems would Drones Services (FEDS), the Middle East’s leading agricultural technology approach—also known be as common as tractors, unleashing the benefits and one of the world’s top Drone-As-A-Service as AgTech—to enhance home-grown food of precision agriculture to ramp up farming,” Bou (DaaS) companies. production. Rashid said. FEDS’ statement comes on the heels of Underscoring how the UAE has been a pioneer He added that drones’ ability to conduct the announcement of His Highness Sheikh in the region for massive drone-planting initiatives, seeding, land surveying initiatives will propel Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice FEDS CEO Rabih Bou Rashid emphasised how the UAE’s goal of environmental protection and President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler drones are revolutionising the agricultural sector National Food Security Strategy 2051. The country of Dubai, that the UAE is amongst the first in the in response to rapidly evolving needs of our time ranks 21st globally in the latest Global Food region to prioritise environmental protection and and how technology-driven projects in the country Security Index 2019 report, achieving a 10-place climate change as part of its food sustainability have proven that drones are a more cost-effective leap from 2018, and besting other nations in the programme on a national scale. and faster alternative to traditional farming West and in the Middle East.
90 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 Security And Safety For All HEALTH NEWS UAE surpasses target number of volunteers for COVID-19 vaccine trial for those receiving the second shot of the inactivated vaccine. Commenting on the achievement of securing this many volunteers, HE Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, said, “From the very onset, the UAE leadership was totally committed to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic through a global collaborative effort. The public-spirited nature of citizens and residents and their willingness to volunteer is a powerful endorsement of the proactive approach the UAE has taken in what is a world-leading inactivated vaccine trials programme. “Everyone involved in the trials, THE UAE’s Phase III trial of inactivated The Department of Health – Abu from the volunteers to the clinical and vaccines for COVID-19 has set a new Dhabi (DoH) confirmed in the latter administrative staff, can be enormously global record after recruiting 31,000 part of August that there was already a proud of what has been achieved already, volunteers, surpassing the required target sufficient number of volunteers required showing once again the sense of unity of 15,000 – that’s more than 200% of the to complete the clinical trial, so no new and shared purpose that has driven the goal met. registrations would be accepted. The nation for the past five decades.” Participants in one of the largest vaccine centres at ADNEC and Al Qarain The vaccine passed the first two phases vaccine trials in the world were from more Centre in Sharjah have stopped receiving of clinical testing without causing any side than 120 nationalities. volunteers. They remain open, however, effects to the volunteers. University of Sharjah gets grant to develop COVID-19 antiviral drug THE University of Sharjah has won financial backing for its bid to develop an antiviral drug against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The university received grants for two projects that aim to alleviate the spread of COVID-19. It also undertook a sponsored agreement with a UAE enterprise fund named Sandooq Al Watan to support their research. Led by Dr Sameh Soliman and co- investigators Dr Ahmed Almehdi, Dr Rania Hamdy, and Dr Mohamed Haider from the University of Sharjah, the initiative is expected to produce a dual-inhibitor antiviral drug to combat the transmission and presence of the disease. Researchers aim to do it through blocking the enzymes necessary for viral infection. Ahmed Fikri, Acting Director General of Sandooq Al Watan, said, “As a national caused by the novel COVID-19 outbreak to support national efforts to curb the spread initiative supporting research projects for have made it even more imperative that we of the virus and ensure business continuity in the post-oil era, the recent major disruptions aid innovative and forward-thinking projects the UAE.”
92 999 SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL OCTOBER 2020 FLATS TUBULARS Mild & High Tensile Plates Seamless Pipes HOROSCOPE Security And Safety For All High Strength & Low Alloy Steel (HSLA) ERW Pipes Structural Offshore Qualities Hollow Sections (Circular, Rectangular & Square) Shipbuilding Grades Abrasion Resistant/Armor Ballistic Plates VALUE ADDED STEEL PRODUCTS Galvanized, Alu Zinc and Stainless Sheets & Coils Profiled Roofing Sheets Pre-Painted G.I. / A.Z. / AL. Coils Sandwich Panels Cold Rolled Coils & Sheets Z&C Purlins WHAT THE MONTH Aluminium & Stainless Steel Perforated Sheets Decking Sheets HAS IN STORE LONGS Wide Flange Beams & Columns (UB, UC, HEA, HEB, IPE, W, JIS) Channels (Taper & Parallel) Angles (Equal, Unequal & Inverted) Flat, Square & Round Bars Bulb Flats Sheet Piles Reinforcement Bars and Wire Rods G.I. & Self Colour Gratings Aries (March 21 – April 19) Libra (September 23 – October 22) Mild Steel and Stainless “It takes a lot of courage to be the same person on the outside Seventy-nine-year-old Libran poet Robert Pinsky has had a triumphant life. that you are on the inside.” Author Barbara De Angelis made that He has published 19 books, including his own poems and essays, as well as observation. During the coming weeks, you may be strongly tempted translations of Italian and Polish poetry. Get in touch and commune with to be different on the outside than you are on the inside. In fact, you may ultimately create
the primal roots of the things you love to do. Reconnect with the original expressions of your PRODUCTS CORE more congruence between your inside and outside than you have in a long time. passion for life.
Taurus (April 20 – May 21) Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) “People who deny the existence of dragons are often eaten by dragons. Author Gore Vidal wrote, “Since no one can ever know for certain whether or From within.” Fantasy author Ursula K. Le Guin once said. Acknowledge not his own view of life is the correct one, it is absolutely impossible for him the existence of metaphorical dragons; locate where they hang out in to know if someone else’s is the wrong one.” Blessings will flow your way if your inner realms; study them and get to know them better; and devise a strategy for dealing you follow your heart. As you refrain from questioning your own opinions, you will generate good with them safely. fortune for yourself.
Gemini (May 22 – June 20) Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) “Don’t let them tame you,” advised Gemini dancer Isadora Duncan. In “It’s a rare gift, to know where you need to be, before you’ve been to all accordance with astrological omens, Gemini, take a survey of what influences the places you don’t need to be.” Author Ursula K. Le Guin wrote that. In might wish you were more docile, mild, or manageable. And then meditate on the coming days, you don’t have to engage in endless evaluations of the how you could consistently express the healthiest kind of your imagination. numerous possibilities. Your clear, strong gut hunches will tell you exactly where you need to be and how to get there.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) The heart organ that pumps blood through our bodies is called okàn. Within Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) the okàn is the second heart: a power center that regulates the flow of Novelist Henry Miller described himself as being “in love with love, always in emotions. It’s called ègbè. Your ègbè will be exceptionally strong and clear and search of the absolute, always seeking the unattainable.” Feelings like those generous in the coming weeks, Cancerian. Your capacity to feel deeply and truly will be a gift to all are why your astrological symbol is the mountain goat. At your best, you’re those with whom you share it. determined to keep striving for the brightest, the strongest, the truest. At the Core is Steel Leo (July 23 – August 22) Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Supplied with the pride of 50 years by DBMSC Ancient Greek philosopher Plato once said, “Do not train children to learn “Go catch a falling star,” wrote poet John Donne in his poem “Song.” He went by force or harshness; but direct them to what amuses their minds, so that on to say, “Teach me to hear the mermaids singing.” He wasn’t being literal, UAE BAHRAIN INDIA OMAN QATAR you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the but rather was indulging in poetic fancy to stretch his readers’ imaginations. genius of each.” The same principle applies to all of us adults who are committed to the goal of Aquarius, you’re ripe to transcend your limited notions about what’s plausible and implausible. life-long learning. KEY SECTORS
Pisces (February 19 – March 20) CONSTRUCTION & ONSHORE OFFSHORE MARINE Virgo (August 23 – September 22) Our body naturally produces at least one quart of mucus every day. You Petrochemical Complexes Fixed Platforms Shipbuilding & Repairs Author Frederick Buechner writes, “We are commanded to love our might not be aware of it, because much of it glides down your throat. Steel, Power & Aluminium Plants Jack Up Rigs FPSO Conversion Oil Refineries Tension Leg Platforms neighbors as ourselves.” Let’s make his thought your keynote for the next Regard mucus as your prime metaphor in the coming weeks. Be on the Airport Terminals & Hangars Semi-Submersibles two weeks. As you do attend to this poignant work, be generous with each alert for influences and ideas that might empower you even if they’re less than beautiful and Kitchen Equipment OIL & GAS of your old selves. Forgive them for their errors and praise their beauty. pleasing. Manufacturing Industries Railway/Metro Stations Exploration & Production of Oil & Gas Bridges & Tunnels (Oil Wells, Gas Wells & Pipelines) Horoscopes by Rob Brezsny (freewillastrology.com) Horoscopes by Rob High Rise Towers
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ACROSS DOWN 1 Consumed crystal (6) 2 Fossil fuel (8) 5 Delicate material (8) 3 Newspaper editor (8) 9 Pill vessel (8) 4 Academic translation (9) 10 Kingdom painting (5-1) 5 German poet (15) 11 Defeated party (8) 6 Tree gone astray (7) 12 New car (6) 7 Summer festival (3,5) 13 Radio broadcast (8) 8 Gypsy gentleman (8) 15 Year off (4) 14 Passed examinations (9) 17 English nest (4) 15 Copenhagen music (8) 19 Quality measures (8) 16 Marine speech (8) 20 Hoarding money (6) 17 Oriental cosmetic (8) 21 Winchester fire (8) 18 Substituted note (2,6) 22 Enjoy the taste (6) 19 Worshipper (7) 23 Marriage first (8) 24 University call (8) 25 Tied series (6)
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