The UN says 12 million people in Ethiopia, 5.6 million in Somalia and 4.3 million in Kenya are 'acutely food insecure' after years of drought. All photos: Eduardo Soteras / AFP
The UN says 12 million people in Ethiopia, 5.6 million in Somalia and 4.3 million in Kenya are 'acutely food insecure' after years of drought. All photos: Eduardo Soteras / AFP
The region's people, many of them herders and subsistence farmers, are enduring their fifth consecutive poor rainy season
The region's people, many of them herders and subsistence farmers, are enduring their fifth consecutive poor rainy season
The UN says 1.7 million people have been driven from their homes by a lack of water and pasture
The UN says 1.7 million people have been driven from their homes by a lack of water and pasture
The Horn of Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, and extreme weather events are occurring with increased frequency and intensity
The Horn of Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, and extreme weather events are occurring with increased frequency and intensity
Eight of the 13 past rainy seasons have brought below average rainfall, according to the Climate Hazards Centre in the US
Eight of the 13 past rainy seasons have brought below average rainfall, according to the Climate Hazards Centre in the US
That has brought hardship for millions
That has brought hardship for millions
The last famine was declared in Somalia in 2011, when 260,000 people - half of them children under the age of six - died of hunger, partly because the international community did not act fast enough, says the UN
The last famine was declared in Somalia in 2011, when 260,000 people - half of them children under the age of six - died of hunger, partly because the international community did not act fast enough, says the UN
Crops were ravaged by a locust invasion between 2019 and 2021. They have since been wiped out, while livestock has also suffered
Crops were ravaged by a locust invasion between 2019 and 2021. They have since been wiped out, while livestock has also suffered
UN humanitarian agency OCHA estimated in November that 9.5 million cattle had died
UN humanitarian agency OCHA estimated in November that 9.5 million cattle had died
The war in Ukraine has contributed to soaring food and fuel costs, disrupted global supply chains and diverted aid money away from the region
The war in Ukraine has contributed to soaring food and fuel costs, disrupted global supply chains and diverted aid money away from the region
Somalia has been hit hardest, with the drought affecting more than half of its population - about 7.85 million people
Somalia has been hit hardest, with the drought affecting more than half of its population - about 7.85 million people
In December, OCHA said the nation was not yet in the grip of full-blown famine thanks to the response of aid agencies and local communities
In December, OCHA said the nation was not yet in the grip of full-blown famine thanks to the response of aid agencies and local communities
But people were nevertheless suffering "catastrophic" food shortages, it said, and if assistance was not scaled up, famine could be expected in southern Somalia as soon as April
But people were nevertheless suffering "catastrophic" food shortages, it said, and if assistance was not scaled up, famine could be expected in southern Somalia as soon as April
Rural people in Baidoa and Burhakaba districts, and displaced people in Baidoa town and the capital Mogadishu were most at risk
Rural people in Baidoa and Burhakaba districts, and displaced people in Baidoa town and the capital Mogadishu were most at risk
OCHA said that by June, the number of people at risk of starvation was expected to more than triple to 727,000 from October
OCHA said that by June, the number of people at risk of starvation was expected to more than triple to 727,000 from October
According to the UN children's agency Unicef, almost two million children across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia require urgent treatment for severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of hunger
According to the UN children's agency Unicef, almost two million children across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia require urgent treatment for severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of hunger
It said in September that 730 children had died between January and July in nutrition centres in Somalia, but that the real numbers were likely to be much higher
It said in September that 730 children had died between January and July in nutrition centres in Somalia, but that the real numbers were likely to be much higher
Lacking water, milk and food, and often living in squalid conditions, the youngest become so weak they are vulnerable to diseases such as measles and cholera
Lacking water, milk and food, and often living in squalid conditions, the youngest become so weak they are vulnerable to diseases such as measles and cholera
Unicef said 2.7 million children had stopped going to school
Unicef said 2.7 million children had stopped going to school
'There is no end in sight for the hunger crisis and hope is slowly fizzling out,' said Xavier Joubert, Ethiopia director for the British charity Save the Children
'There is no end in sight for the hunger crisis and hope is slowly fizzling out,' said Xavier Joubert, Ethiopia director for the British charity Save the Children
'There's no doubt that the need has grown to an enormous scale,' he said, in an urgent call for funding
'There's no doubt that the need has grown to an enormous scale,' he said, in an urgent call for funding
Only 55.5 percent of the $5.9 billion sought by the UN to tackle the crisis has been provided
Only 55.5 percent of the $5.9 billion sought by the UN to tackle the crisis has been provided
Early humanitarian action averted a famine in Somalia in 2017
Early humanitarian action averted a famine in Somalia in 2017

MENA

UAE and US join call for calm after Somaliland violence

UK, Qatar, Somalia and Turkey have also expressed concern after fighting in the region killed at least 34

Reuters

March 01, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Representatives from the UAE, US, UK, Qatar, Somalia and Turkey met on Tuesday and expressed concern at the conflict brewing in Somalia's northern breakaway region of Somaliland, Washington said.

At least 34 people were killed and 40 wounded in clashes between soldiers and anti-government fighters in the town of Laascaanood earlier this month.

“The partners expressed concern about the ongoing conflict … and called on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire, de-escalate, allow unhindered humanitarian access and engage in constructive and peaceful dialogue.” the US State Department said.

Somalia’s national security adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali tweeted to say the Washington gathering was “a very productive meeting."

The region's government said on Twitter that armed men attacked army bases and state offices in Laascaanood early on February 6. It accused unnamed “traditional leaders” of recruiting the attackers and said it had thwarted the assault, just the latest clashes between the administration and groups that reject its authority.

Its government has faced particular opposition in Laascaanood and surrounding areas, where some clan leaders are seeking to rejoin federal Somalia and have accused the Somaliland authorities of failing to tackle insecurity.

Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained widespread international recognition for its independence.

The clashes in Laascaanood, the administrative centre of Sool region, came a day after a committee of local leaders, religious scholars and civil society groups said they did not recognise the Somaliland administration.

The group said it represented the interests of people in the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC).

“We have decided that the Federal Republic of Somalia will administer the regions until federalisation of Somali territory is completed,” the committee said.

Ahmed Elmi Karaash, vice president of the neighbouring semi-autonomous region of Puntland, said his region supported the committee's resolutions. Puntland has also claimed the town for itself in the past.

The statement came as the US also stepped up military assistance to Mogadishu to fight Al Shabab.

Sixty-one tons of weapons and ammunition arrived Tuesday in the Somali capital, as the country sees success in battling what the US calls “the largest and most deadly Al Qaida network in the world.”

Somali forces have recaptured dozens of communities held by Al Shabab in a major offensive launched in August.

The participants of the international meeting expressed concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia caused by the worst drought on record.

While food security experts recently said that six million people are at risk from the drought, they no longer expect the country to face famine.

The latest assessment released Tuesday by the UN and partner organisations notes “very high mortality rates” in the worst-affected populations which include people who have fled to Mogadishu and the south-western city of Baidoa.

The new food security assessment says nearly 500,000 children in Somalia are likely to be severely malnourished this year.

The extent of the disaster depends, however, on the extent of rain in the coming weeks and the ability of the international community to mobilise aid.

Representatives of the six countries agreed to meet again within three months.

Cry Macho

Director: Clint Eastwood

Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam

Rating:**

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: eight-speed PDK

Power: 630bhp

Torque: 820Nm

Price: Dh683,200

On sale: now

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
While you're here
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UAE currency

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

Things Heard & Seen

Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton

2/5

The Year Earth Changed

Directed by:Tom Beard

Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough

Stars: 4

Saudi National Day
Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
SPEC SHEET

Display: 6.8" edge quad-HD  dynamic Amoled 2X, Infinity-O, 3088 x 1440, 500ppi, HDR10 , 120Hz

Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200, 8-core

Memory: 8/12GB RAM

Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB

Platform: Android 12

Main camera: quad 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 108MP wide f/1.8, 10MP telephoto f/4.9, 10MP telephoto 2.4; Space Zoom up to 100x, auto HDR, expert RAW

Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, full-HD@60fps, HD@30fps, super slo-mo@960fps

Front camera: 40MP f/2.2

Battery: 5000mAh, fast wireless charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC

I/O: USB-C

SIM: single nano, or nano and SIM, nano and nano, eSIM/nano and nano

Colours: burgundy, green, phantom black, phantom white, graphite, sky blue, red

Price: Dh4,699 for 128GB, Dh5,099 for 256GB, Dh5,499 for 512GB; 1TB unavailable in the UAE

Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Rating: 2/5
 
Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

MO
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Day 1, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Dimuth Karunaratne had batted with plenty of pluck, and no little skill, in getting to within seven runs of a first-day century. Then, while he ran what he thought was a comfortable single to mid-on, his batting partner Dinesh Chandimal opted to stay at home. The opener was run out by the length of the pitch.

Stat of the day – 1 One six was hit on Day 1. The boundary was only breached 18 times in total over the course of the 90 overs. When it did arrive, the lone six was a thing of beauty, as Niroshan Dickwella effortlessly clipped Mohammed Amir over the square-leg boundary.

The verdict Three wickets down at lunch, on a featherbed wicket having won the toss, and Sri Lanka’s fragile confidence must have been waning. Then Karunaratne and Chandimal's alliance of precisely 100 gave them a foothold in the match. Dickwella’s free-spirited strokeplay meant the Sri Lankans were handily placed at 227-4 at the close.

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Whiile you're here
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UAE's role in anti-extremism recognised

General John Allen, President of the Brookings Institution research group, commended the role the UAE has played in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

He told a Globsec debate of the UAE’s "hugely outsized" role in the fight against Isis.

"It’s trite these days to say that any country punches above its weight, but in every possible way the Emirates did, both militarily, and very importantly, the UAE was extraordinarily helpful on getting to the issue of violent extremism," he said.

He also noted the impact that Hedayah, among others in the UAE, has played in addressing violent extremism.

Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital

On Women's Day
Updated: March 01, 2023, 9:15 AM
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