The UAE committed Thursday to providing life-saving winter assistance to Syrian refugees displaced in five countries, allocating over $4 million to assist those in need during the coldest months.
The aid programme launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), will assist millions of refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Greece and Egypt.
As the refugee crisis continues to worsen while funds steadily shrink, the aid will provide a much-needed lifeline to those who have fled the violent conflict that broke out in Syria in 2011.
Sheikh Hamdan, who coordinated the participation of ERC’s volunteers, said that the UAE is prioritising aid to Syrian refugees as per the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
He added that the UAE’s initiative is in line with the international efforts to ease the suffering of refugees and improve their humanitarian conditions.
The UN estimates that more than 5.6 million refugees from Syria residing in neighbouring countries lack livelihood opportunities and depend on emergency food assistance. Due to the protracted nature of the crisis, Syrian refugees and host communities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to food insecurity and deteriorating living conditions.
Additionally, more than 11 million people inside Syria are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
Despite that, fundraising targets continue to fall short. In 2018, humanitarian organisations asked donors for $5.5 billion to support roughly 5.5 million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries and 4 million nationals from hosts countries. Halfway through the year, less than 22% of that funding had been collected.
The ERC’s efforts include distributing considerable quantities of food and health parcels, winter clothes, heating equipment, blankets, children’s supplies, and shelter materials.
Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the ERC, said that nutritious food protects refugees from the effects of winter and that the ERC prioritised the provision of food as part of its multi-stage programme that will continue throughout the winter.
The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
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A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
