ABU DHABI // A branch of the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime is to be opened in Abu Dhabi, it was announced yesterday.
The Ministry of the Interior and the UN signed an agreement to open the semi-regional office, after meetings between Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, the Minister of Interior, and Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the UN office.
The agreement strengthens technical and preventive co-operation to tackle drug crime by establishing relations between police and governments in the GCC.
Sheikh Saif's said: "The UAE's efforts in combating drugs and crime is a serious and fruitful effort that serves to eliminate the scourge of all types of addiction.
"Addiction threatens many facets of society and has an effect on the social and economic stability of the UAE. It leads to theft, abuse, exploitation, family disintegration, road accidents and unemployment."
Sheikh Saif reiterated his ministry's commitment to do its utmost to help the international community combat drugs.
He said the Goverment was committed to tackling trafficking by working with international agencies and other GCC Governments.
"The ultimate goal is to guarantee a very clean and healthy environment suitable for present and future generations," a ministry statement said.
Mr Costa described the efforts made by UAE in fighting drugs as a "model". He added that the agreement was a preventive measure as the country had low levels of drug crime.
No date was given for the expected opening of the office.
ealghalib@thenational.ae
Business Insights
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Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Company%20profile
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Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
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Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
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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Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
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TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):
Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
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