Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, said on Friday that “the interests of the Palestinian people must take precedence” over those of Hamas as efforts intensify to safeguard the Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Dr Gargash, posting on social media platform X, said he supported the “rational call” by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League for the group to relinquish its control over the Gaza Strip.
“The rational call by the Brother Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, for Hamas to step down from the administration of Gaza is appropriate, as the interest of the Palestinian people must take precedence over the interest of the movement,” said Dr Gargash.
“Especially in light of the calls to displace the Palestinians from Gaza, and the war that resulted from its decisions that destroyed the Gaza Strip and tore its human and social fabric.”
The remarks come as a fragile truce between Hamas and Israel – agreed on January 19 and due to last for six weeks – comes under mounting pressure.
Hamas said on Thursday it would continue to implement its ceasefire agreement with Israel, including releasing hostages as scheduled.
The group spoke two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to resume fighting unless Hamas released the hostages being held in the Gaza Strip within days.
Mr Aboul Gheit said Hamas should stand down if such a move benefited the Palestinians, in comments made in an interview with regional media this week.
Tension in the region remains high after US President Donald Trump last week said he wants America to buy and own Gaza, but could allow parts of the land to be rebuilt by states in the Middle East.
Mr Aboul Gheit said at the World Governments Summit in Dubai this week that Mr Trump’s plans could spark further instability. “US President Donald Trump is moving towards dragging the Middle East into a new cycle of conflict between Israel and the Arab world, jeopardising peace and everything we have worked to build in the region,” he said
More than 48,200 Palestinians have been killed and 111,676 wounded since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023.
The conflict has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, with citizens facing chronic food shortages and limited access to healthcare, with homes and buildings reduced to rubble by persistent air strikes.
Call for two-state solution
President Sheikh Mohamed stressed the importance of securing a “just and comprehensive peace” in the Middle East during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, state news agency Wam reported on Wednesday.
The UAE leader underlined the need to maintain security and stability in the region, based on a two-state solution.
Sheikh Mohamed shared similar sentiments during meetings with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Abu Dhabi this week.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
Results
2.15pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Hello, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihi (trainer).
2.45pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Right Flank, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,000m
Winner: Leading Spirit, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
3.45pm: Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 Dh575,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,400m
Winner: Ode To Autumn, Patrick Cosgrave, Satish Seemar.
4.45pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh125,000 1,200m
Winner: Last Surprise, James Doyle, Simon Crisford.
5.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,200m
Winner: Daltrey, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihi.
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
