Insight and opinion from The National’s editorial leadership
April 17, 2023
It is perhaps appropriate that it was during Ramadan – traditionally a month for giving – that news emerged of a major UAE charitable organisation helping more people last year than ever before.
Dubai Opera House was the setting last week for the announcement of results of a review of the annual report from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). In it, the group, which includes dozens of organisations and initiatives, revealed that it collectively spent Dh1.4 billion ($381 million) in 2022, helping 102 million people in 100 countries – the largest number of beneficiaries in a single year.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the meeting of the initiative’s board of trustees, said: “Alleviating the suffering of fellow humans, regardless of their origin, ethnicity comes first and foremost, and is part of our moral duty.”
Indeed, morality has underpinned the organisation’s remarkable story, which is one that has revealed the benefit of working in a cohesive way to help as many people as possible. In 2015, MBRGI brought together dozens of charity and humanitarian institutions sponsored by Sheikh Mohammed. Since then it has raised and spent millions of dirhams in humanitarian aid, becoming one of the largest systems for relief, development and community work in the region.
The group spent $381 million in 2022, helping 102 million people in 100 countries
Its approach has been an intelligent and insightful one. As well as encouraging a culture of giving and volunteering, and meeting struggling people’s immediate needs for food, clothing and shelter, it has also supported many education initiatives to ensure the next generation has a chance of fighting its way out of poverty. MBRGI spent Dh213 million on its knowledge and education programmes last year, helping 55.1 million people — up 6.7 million on 2021.
This combination of immediate and long-term support can be seen particularly in the One Billion Meals Campaign, which has developed an endowment system to not only feed the hungry but allow the principal sum to grow, meaning that vital aid can be delivered in a sustainable way. The campaign reported on Thursday that it raised Dh750 million in 20 days, thanks to contributions from 120,000 donors including individuals, businesses and private and public organisations.
Although the numbers of people being helped in different ways is new, the tradition of humanitarianism in the UAE is not. Under the rule of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s humanitarian and development aid totalled more than Dh90.5 billion, benefitting more than 117 countries. The long-lasting impact of this work can be seen in the large number of hospitals, schools, universities and cultural centres around the world that bear Sheikh Zayed’s name, such as the Zayed Centre for Research in Rare Diseases in Children in London and the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Centre in the Louvre, Paris.
As a fundraiser, organiser and tool for social solidarity, the organisation has made its mark. By establishing practical and targeted ways to help those in need, it is redefining how charity can help people in the long term. Ramadan may last for one month, but the efforts of thousands of donors, organisers and volunteers will last much longer.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
All matches in Bulawayo Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
Jewel of the Expo 2020
252 projectors installed on Al Wasl dome
13.6km of steel used in the structure that makes it equal in length to 16 Burj Khalifas
550 tonnes of moulded steel were raised last year to cap the dome
724,000 cubic metres is the space it encloses
Stands taller than the leaning tower of Pisa
Steel trellis dome is one of the largest single structures on site
The size of 16 tennis courts and weighs as much as 500 elephants
Al Wasl means connection in Arabic
World’s largest 360-degree projection surface
Fixtures
Sunday, December 8, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v USA
Monday, December 9, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – USA v Scotland
Wednesday, December 11, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v Scotland
Thursday, December 12, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v USA
Saturday, December 14, ICC Academy, Dubai – USA v Scotland
Sunday, December 15, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v Scotland
Note: All matches start at 10am, admission is free
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
The fake news generation
288,000 – the number of posts reported as hate speech that were deleted by Facebook globally each month in May and June this year
11% – the number of Americans who said they trusted the news they read on Snapchat as of June 2017, according to Statista. Over a quarter stated that they ‘rarely trusted’ the news they read on social media in general
31% - the number of young people in the US aged between 10 and 18 who said they had shared a news story online in the last six months that they later found out was wrong or inaccurate
63% - percentage of Arab nationals who said they get their news from social media every single day.
Series result
1st ODI Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets
2nd ODI Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
3rd ODI Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
4th ODI Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets
5th ODI Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Results
3pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m, Winner: Lancienegaboulevard, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Fawzi Nass (trainer).
3.35pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Turf) 1,600m, Winner: Al Mukhtar Star, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
4.10pm: Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
March 15 - Australia, Melbourne; March 22 - Bahrain, Sakhir; April 5 - Vietnam, Hanoi; April 19 - China, Shanghai; May 3 - Netherlands, Zandvoort; May 20 - Spain, Barcelona; May 24 - Monaco, Monaco; June 7 - Azerbaijan, Baku; June 14 - Canada, Montreal; June 28 - France, Le Castellet; July 5 - Austria, Spielberg; July 19 - Great Britain, Silverstone; August 2 - Hungary, Budapest; August 30 - Belgium, Spa; September 6 - Italy, Monza; September 20 - Singapore, Singapore; September 27 - Russia, Sochi; October 11 - Japan, Suzuka; October 25 - United States, Austin; November 1 - Mexico City, Mexico City; November 15 - Brazil, Sao Paulo; November 29 - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.
The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
