High in the Hajar Mountains, southwest of Fujairah, is a little known region of high ridges that a friend of mine, geologist and naturalist Gary Feulner, has nicknamed the "Olive Highlands".
Crowned by clouds for much of the year, reaching up to just over 1,000 metres and covering a mere 13 sq km, the highlands are home to distinctive plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the Emirates. Among them are around 500 specimens of wild olive trees. Only two other are known elsewhere in the country, high on the slopes of nearby Jebel Jabsah.
The plants and animals found here, my friend argues, represent the survival of species that would have flourished in the wetter climates of the past, perhaps 6-10,000 years ago, during what has been called the "Climatic Optimum". As the climate changed, plants, butterflies and reptiles migrated upslope into a shrinking habitat.
The "Olive Highlands" are our own local laboratory for studying the effect of historical climate changes. There are many other places like them.
The evidence of climate change that we see today is not unique. These processes have happened earlier and they have been documented long before it could have been possible to blame humans.
Climate change is not a figment of overexcited imaginations. Increasing desertification; the retreating of glaciers; the collapse of Arctic and Antarctic ice-shelves, the small but detectable rise in sea level – these are a reality.
By accepting the reality of climate change, it is also necessary to recognise that it has the capability to alter our living environment. The potential negative effect could be enormous, from rising temperatures that could devastate global food production to changes in sea levels that could flood the homes of countless people, including here in the Emirates.
Climate change is not a figment of overexcited imaginations. What action can we take?
What action, though, can we in the UAE take to deal with this? How can the UAE, a small, hot and arid country, take meaningful action that can contribute to a slowing down and then, perhaps, to a reversal of the global process?
An assessment of the affect of man-made causes comes into play here and we need to tackle those issues and find solutions. The use of clean energy, such as solar power and the development of other forms of new technology to reduce emissions of harmful gases is especially relevant.
As a leader in the field, the UAE has an important role, helping develop technologies that can also be used by other countries. Recently hosting a regional meeting on climate action, Abu Dhabi is helping to galvanise the region in this effort.
People in their individual capacities can also contribute, like by planting more trees, including mangroves that can act as a carbon sink, or by adopting any number of energy-saving habits. Whether it is switching off lights when they’re not needed, or taking other steps towards a more environmentally-friendly way of living, there is a need for all to play a part.
Action on the broader topics requires commitments from governments and industry. While action in the former may have the greatest direct effect on a global scale, smaller steps can inspire others to follow suit.
The extent to which individual states and populations will view the climate challenge as urgent will vary from country to country. For example, a rise in sea levels is more of a threat for small island-nations in the Pacific or for those who live in our coastal cities than it is for, say, Switzerland, Nepal or Bolivia. Equally, the affect of increased desertification will be felt more in the Arabian peninsula or in the sub-Saharan belt of Africa than in the Congo basin. And a decision to move away from reliance on fossil fuels will affect Detroit or Rio de Janeiro or Dubai more than remote rural areas where motor vehicles are still relatively uncommon.
Ultimately, the responsibility for taking action will fall on countries that are more advanced. The UAE recognises our share of that responsibility and is right to be taking the issue seriously.
As we move towards the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference, Cop26, due to be held in the Scottish city of Glasgow in November, the future of the "Olive Highlands", and much else besides, depends on the action we take today.
Peter Hellyer is a consultant specialising in the UAE’s history and culture
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
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Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
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The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry
Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
PROFILE
Name: Enhance Fitness
Year started: 2018
Based: UAE
Employees: 200
Amount raised: $3m
Investors: Global Ventures and angel investors
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
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SPECS
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