A Christmas tree in Beirut bearing the names of those who died during an August explosion that injured thousands, with some of the damage seen in the background. Reuters
A Christmas tree in Beirut bearing the names of those who died during an August explosion that injured thousands, with some of the damage seen in the background. Reuters
A Christmas tree in Beirut bearing the names of those who died during an August explosion that injured thousands, with some of the damage seen in the background. Reuters
Today marks the anniversary of a story that began 2,020 years ago in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem. It was a very different Middle East from the one we live in this Christmas. But the communities, in Palestine and throughout the region, who are inspired by the birth and life of Jesus endure.
This year, they have endured a great deal. Bethlehem suffers from a lack of tourists and pilgrims due to Covid-19 and continued Israeli occupation. In the twin Levantine capitals of Damascus and Beirut, economic crisis has cast huge numbers of citizens into poverty. In the former, the proximate cause is an ongoing civil war. In the latter, it is a failure by state institutions trapped in the swamp of sectarianism to govern effectively.
A Christmas tree erected last week in Beirut, which has the largest Christian population of any Arab capital, bears the names of victims of an explosion of a store of ammonium nitrate in August. The blast killed nearly 200 people, and injured more than 6,500 others. The city’s historic Christian quarter along with several churches and hospitals were left in ruins.
Iraq’s Christians, who have seen their population plunge from 1.5 million to 400,000 in the past two decades, have seen other hardships. One is the struggle to revive the city of Mosul. Once a paragon of diversity and co-existence, it was emptied of its entire Christian community when the terrorist group ISIS invaded in 2014. Mosul is back in government hands now, but barely 100 Christians have returned, citing a lack of jobs or other prospects until it is rebuilt.
People doing last minute Christmas shopping at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Last minute X-mas decorations and shopping before the 25th of December arrives at Oasis Mall. Antonie Robertson/The National
A Christmas tree is seen on the ornamented and lightened streets of the mostly Christian-populated Bab Touma neighborhood in the old city of Damascus, Syria. EPA
The Christmas tree in front of the Church of the Nativity, in the Palestinian holy city of Bethlehem in the West Bank. AFP
A Palestinian carpenter carves religious statues and figurines from olive wood at a shop near the Church of the Nativity, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. AFP
A Palestinian waiter dressed as Santa Claus welcomes visitors at the entrance of a restaurant on the beach in Gaza City. AP
People shop in the Christian-populated Al-Qassaa neighborhood in Damascus, Syria. The area has been decorated as part of celebrations of Christmas and New Year. EPA
People walk in the Christian-populated Al-Qassaa neighborhood in Damascus, Syria. The area has been decorated as part of celebrations of Christmas and New Year. EPA
Egyptian worker Mosaad Masoud makes glass items for decorating Christmas trees at a glass workshop in Al Qalyubia Governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt. Most Egyptian Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church and they have some very unique traditions for Christmas, which they celebrate on 07 January according to the Julian calendar. EPA
A man wearing a protective face mask rides a motorbike with a dog dressed up as Santa Claus, during a parade ahead of Christmas in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters
A Lebanese man wearing a Santa Claus outfit, entertains children at a Christmas market set up on Martyr's square, the epicentre of anti-government protests, in the capital Beirut's downtown district. AFP
Iraqis check Christmas' decorations for sale at Al Rasheed Street in the capital Baghdad. AFP
A Palestinian man dressed in a Santa Claus costume spreads happiness among the camp children amid the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, in Al Shatea refugee camp in Gaza City. EPA
A Palestinian woman tries a Christmas-themed mask in Gaza City. AFP
A Palestinian waiter dressed a Santa Clause stands next to a Christmas tree in a restaurant next to the beach in Gaza City. EPA
A Palestinian waiter dressed as Santa Claus holds a child for a photograph in a restaurant on the beach in Gaza City. AP
Palestinian cafeteria employees dressed as Santa Claus decorate a Christmas Tree in Gaza City. AFP
A woman hangs glass Christmas tree ornaments on display at a glass-blowing workshop in the old city of the Palestinian city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on December 8, 2020. AFP
A street vendor selling Santa Claus wrapped chocolate calls for customers at a market in the Old City of Jerusalem. AFP
Bethlehem lit up its Christmas tree evening but without the usual crowds, as novel coronavirus restrictions put a damper on the start of Christmas festivities in the holy city. AFP
epa08864860 Palestinians officials and representative of the Church attending the ceremony of lighting the Christmas tree in Bethlehem, West Bank, 05 December 2020, only a limited number of people were allowed to attend the ceremony due to the restrictions imposed by Palestinian Authorities of 14 days of a night lockdown in the Palestinian territories. EPA/ABED AL HASHLAMOUN
This picture taken on December 5, 2020 shows a fireworks display during the lighting of the Christmas tree in the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, closed to the public due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. / AFP / EMMANUEL DUNAND
An inflatable Santa Claus is displayed outside a shop in Baghdad's Tahrir Square. AFP
A Lebanese child dressed in a Santa Claus outfit holds a balloon at a Christmas market set up on Martyr's square, the epicentre of anti-government protests, in the capital Beirut's downtown district. AFP
People wearing protective face masks walk near a dog dressed up as Santa Claus on a kids' bike, during a parade ahead of Christmas in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. REUTERS
A woman dressed as Santa Claus stands on a decorated vehicle, during a parade ahead of Christmas in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. REUTERS
Lebanese people gather next to a giant Christmas tree which has been officially lit up at the Ashrafieh area in Beirut, Lebanon. The celebration comes amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the country's severe economic crisis, which comes four months after the blast at Beirut port. EPA
Workers restore the windows of a house as Lebanese youths dressed as Santa Clause, polar bears and Santa's helpers parade ahead of Christmas along Gouraud street in the capital Beirut's Gemmayzeh neighbourhood, one of the hardest hit by a massive explosion that shook the city on August 4, causing extensive damage to buildings and leaving scores of people dead or injured. AFP
Lebanese people gather next to a giant Christmas tree which has been officially lit up at the Ashrafieh area in Beirut, Lebanon. The celebration comes amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the country's severe economic crisis, which comes four months after the blast at Beirut port. EPA
Lebanese people gather next to a giant Christmas tree which has been officially lit up at the Ashrafieh area in Beirut, Lebanon. The celebration comes amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the country's severe economic crisis, which comes four months after the blast at Beirut port. EPA
A Muslim woman attends the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Beirut's Gemmayzeh neighbourhood. International donors Friday laid out a $2.5-billion response plan to the devastating port blast in Beirut in August, urging reforms in the crisis-hit country. The European Union, United Nations and World Bank published the plan four months after the country's worst peacetime disaster on August 4 that killed more than 200 people, wounded thousands and ravaged a huge part of Beirut. AFP
Children perform during the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Beirut's Gemmayzeh neighbourhood. International donors Friday laid out a $2.5-billion response plan to the devastating port blast in Beirut in August, urging reforms in the crisis-hit country. The European Union, United Nations and World Bank published the plan four months after the country's worst peacetime disaster on August 4 that killed more than 200 people, wounded thousands and ravaged a huge part of Beirut. AFP
Syrians shop at a charity bazaar held at the Patriarchate of Antioch and All The East in Damascus, Syria. The bazaar is held under the title 'Talk, We Are With You' as part of the worldwide 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which is an annual international campaign that kicked off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December. EPA
General view of Christmas decorations at a mall in Amman, Jordan. REUTERS
People buy gifts ahead of Christmas in the city of Fuhais near Amman Jordan. REUTERS
A woman displays gifts in her store ahead of Christmas at a mall, amid fears over rising numbers of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Amman, Jordan. REUTERS
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Christmas is rendered more difficult not by war and politics, but by circumstance. A chance mutation in the coronavirus caused the sudden closure of international borders in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Israel this week. Hopes for many who live and work in these countries of spending Christmas with loved ones abroad have been dashed.
In Jordan, home to 600,000 Christians, a weekly total lockdown has been enforced every Friday since September, including today. In Egypt, where the mutant strain has already been detected, a surge of infections has resulted in the government banning New Year’s Eve celebrations. The country’s Coptic Christians, who along with Orthodox communities celebrate Christmas on January 7, worry that the situation will not ease before then.
The story of Jesus, however, for Christians and Muslims alike, has always been one of hope. And there is much to be hopeful for in the Middle East this Christmas.
Beirut’s houses of worship were rebuilt after devastating wars in previous decades, and they will be rebuilt now as the city’s residents find solidarity with one another amid a growing popular movement for change. In Mosul, the rebuilding has already begun, with the UAE having partnered with Unesco to restore its ancient Al Tahera and Al Sa'ah churches. Mosul will also be on the itinerary of Pope Francis when he undertakes an historic visit to Iraq in March.
Mosul is back in government hands now, but barely 100 Christians have returned
And as Prof Ugur Sahin, the scientist behind the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, told The National this week, he is highly confident that the inoculation will prove effective against the new mutation. As vaccines are adopted around the region, everyone will be better off.
On Monday, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/200, declaring February 4 to be an International Day of Human Fraternity. Inspired by the signing of the Human Fraternity Document by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Mosque, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, the UN’s member states hope that the day will be an opportunity to promote tolerance and religious expression, and to end religious discrimination. It is a worthy mission to bear in mind this Christmas, and in all of the Christmases to come.
Thu Mar 15 – West Indies v Afghanistan, UAE v Scotland
Fri Mar 16 – Ireland v Zimbabwe
Sun Mar 18 – Ireland v Scotland
Mon Mar 19 – West Indies v Zimbabwe
Tue Mar 20 – UAE v Afghanistan
Wed Mar 21 – West Indies v Scotland
Thu Mar 22 – UAE v Zimbabwe
Fri Mar 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan
The top two teams qualify for the World Cup
Classification matches
The top-placed side out of Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong or Nepal will be granted one-day international status. UAE and Scotland have already won ODI status, having qualified for the Super Six.
Thu Mar 15 – Netherlands v Hong Kong, PNG v Nepal
Sat Mar 17 – 7th-8th place playoff, 9th-10th place playoff
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Golden Ball - best Emirati player: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
Golden Ball - best foreign player: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Golden Glove - best goalkeeper: Adel Al Hosani (Sharjah)
Best Coach - the leader: Abdulaziz Al Anbari (Sharjah)
Fans' Player of the Year: Driss Fetouhi (Dibba)
Golden Boy - best young player: Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
Goal of the Year: Michael Ortega (Baniyas)
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – Rally schedule:
Saturday: Super Special Spectator Stage – Yas Marina Circuit – start 3.30pm.
Sunday: Yas Marina Circuit Stage 1 (276.01km)
Monday: Nissan Stage 2 (287.92km)
Tuesday: Al Ain Water Stage 3 (281.38km)
Wednesday: ADNOC Stage 4 (244.49km)
Thursday: Abu Dhabi Aviation Stage 5 (218.57km) Finish: Yas Marina Circuit – 4.30pm.
Six things you need to know about UAE Women’s Special Olympics football team
Several girls started playing football at age four
They describe sport as their passion
The girls don’t dwell on their condition
They just say they may need to work a little harder than others
When not in training, they play football with their brothers and sisters
The girls want to inspire others to join the UAE Special Olympics teams
RESULTS
6.30pm: Handicap (rated 100 ) US$175,000 1,200m
Winner: Baccarat, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (78-94) $60,000 1,800m
Winner: Baroot, Christophe Soumillon, Mike de Kock
7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 $200,000 1,600m
Winner: Heavy Metal, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.15pm: Handicap (95-108) $125,000 1,200m
Winner: Yalta, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 $200,000 1,800m
Winner: Promising Run, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
10pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,400m
Winner: Oh This Is Us, Tom Marquand, Richard Hannon
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
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.
