
‘Operation Chivalrous Knight 3' begins loading of 'Khalifa' aid ship for Gaza
This initiative forms part of the United Arab Emirates' ongoing commitment to supporting the people of Gaza.
The ship carries a substantial cargo of humanitarian and relief aid aimed at alleviating the suffering of civilians and providing vital supplies under the challenging conditions in the Strip.
The shipment includes a variety of food items, such as ready-to-eat food parcels and provisions to operate community kitchens and field bakeries. It also comprises shelter materials, including tents, relief kits, clothing, mattresses and hygiene kits for families and children.
Furthermore, the ship carries a fully equipped field hospital covering multiple medical specialities, along with ambulances, essential medicines, medical supplies and drinking water tankers to ensure clean water access for affected communities.
This shipment is part of a series of humanitarian initiatives launched by the UAE in support of the Palestinian people. It highlights the UAE's steadfast commitment to its humanitarian principles, providing assistance to those in need and enhancing relief efforts in cooperation with its charitable and humanitarian organisations.
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Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents recall life, struggles before country's birth on Union Pledge Day
On the eve of the Union Pledge Day, which falls on July 18, senior residents take us back to when they first heard the glimmers of a United Arab Emirates. It was 54 years ago, in 1971, when the founding father Sheikh Zayed and his fellow rulers signed the Declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution. Dr Ahmed Al Khoori, who witnessed the transformation of the region from the challenging days of the late 1950s to the birth of the nation in 1971, recalls a time when life in Abu Dhabi city was marked by scarcity and struggle. 'Life in Abu Dhabi city from late 1950s to early 1960s were very difficult, mainly due to shortage of drinking water and some stable food such as rice,' Dr Al Khoori remembered. The infrastructure that we take for granted today was virtually non-existent. Education was in its infancy, with the first school, Al Falahia, opening its doors only in 1958. Healthcare was even more scarce. 'Healthcare was non-existent until late 1960s,' Dr Al Khoori told Khaleej Times, highlighting the basic challenges that residents faced in accessing essential services. Whispers of unity But even in those challenging times, whispers of a grand vision began to circulate. Dr Al Khoori first heard about the idea of a union not through official channels, but through the informal networks that bind communities together. 'I heard it from relatives and also from my British teachers when I was studying at the Adnoc onshore training centre, which was then called ADPC,' he said. The concept of unity was being discussed in both family gatherings and educational institutions, suggesting that the idea had captured the imagination of people across different spheres of society. Dr Al Khoori's British instructors at the training centre were particularly encouraging about the prospects of union. And when he was young, Dr Al Khoori would inquire about the advantages of such an arrangement, they would consistently respond that 'union is stability and progress'. Good for us all July 18, 1971, dawned like any other day in Abu Dhabi, where Dr Al Khoori found himself as history unfolded. But the news that would reach him that day would change not only his life, but the trajectory of an entire region. 'I was very delighted and happy as my relative used to say the union is good for all of us,' Dr Al Khoori shared. The celebrations were intimate and heartfelt, rooted in the close-knit nature of the communities. 'I remember relatives were happy and congratulating each other and us children also copied them and congratulated each other.' he added. Immediate transformations The changes that followed the union were both immediate and profound. For Dr Al Khoori and countless others, one of the most tangible early benefits was the freedom of movement. 'We were able to travel to other emirates without being checked by police for ID or passport,' he noted. The union also opened up new opportunities in the burgeoning oil and gas sector. 'I remember people from other emirates were able to join oil and gas companies more easily,' Dr Al Khoori continued, underlining: "Infrastructure development accelerated rapidly. We built better schools and health care throughout the Emirates.' A nation united Perhaps the most meaningful change for Dr Al Khoori was the sense of belonging that the union created. 'We had relatives from other emirates and we said we are now one nation,' he reflected. Today, as Dr Al Khoori looks back on the journey from those difficult days of the 1950s to the prosperous nation that the UAE has become, his feelings are unambiguous. 'Very proud,' he said, when asked about his emotions regarding the UAE's transformation. News travelled For other residents, like 65-year-old Hassan Salim, the news of a united nation came only months after July 18, when the pledge was signed. 'We heard about it on December 2, but we knew that the sheikhs met for an important meeting. There was no official announcement on the radio or television.' Hassan was in school that time, then only 11 years old, but understood the importance of such a historic moment. He said that him and his schoolmates were thrilled at the prospect of a new country, one that would unite all six emirates (the seventh, Ras Al Khaimah, joined a year later). The residents of Sharjah were overjoyed to hear that their new ruler would be the late Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed ruled then-independent Abu Dhabi from 1966, with a burning desire to develop the emirate as quickly as possible. He used oil revenues to better the lives of his people, constructing improved schools, houses, hospitals, and roadways. Word of his generosity travelled to other emirates, in which Hassan said, 'When we heard he was going to be the new country's ruler, we were so happy.' Students went out in droves to demonstrate in celebration. Before the formation of the emirates, Hassan's school, Ali bin Abi Taleb School in Sharjah, would raise the flag of the emirate, a red rectangle surrounded by white borders. On that day, the new flag of the UAE stood alongside it, with its pan-Arab colours: red, green, white and black, meant to represent the nation's unity. A new anthem Aisha Salem, 55 years old, who witnessed the birth of the nation, was also in school at the time. But she was still too young to understand the historic moment that was unfolding. 'When I entered the fourth grade, they suddenly told us we will teach you the Emirati national anthem,' she recalled. 'We would sing a new anthem, and they told us about the details of the union and its establishment.' 'The UAE flag was also raised, and we didn't understand what was happening,' Aisha added. 'The teacher would sing the new Emirati national anthem for us, and we would sing after her. Later in the classrooms, papers with the new national anthem of the UAE were distributed.' The story of the UAE's union, as told through the eyes of those who lived it, is a reminder that visionary leadership, combined with the determination of a people, can indeed transform dreams into reality.


Zawya
19 hours ago
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ADAFSA launches Summer Camp at Bani Yas Research Station
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Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Family narrowly escapes villa fire; residents urged to get AC checked
A villa fire in Dubailand has prompted renewed warnings from fire safety experts and residents, urging people across the UAE to routinely inspect their air conditioning units and ensure smoke alarms are in working order. The blaze broke out in the maid's room of a British family's villa in Bella Casa, Serena, and has apparently been traced back to an internal electrical fault in an AC unit. 'There was no functioning fire alarm in the room…the fire alarm didn't go off. It's done a lot of damage. The house is not liveable anymore. We are now moving to another neighbourhood,' said Sally Maddison, a tenant of the villa. The British expat family of five — including young children — say the outcome could have been devastating had the fire occurred at night. 'If this had happened while we were asleep, we might not be here to tell the story. The most terrifying part is that the smoke detector — which should have been the first line of defence — wasn't working,' she added. According to Maddison, their cat, Molly, suffered severe smoke inhalation and had to be placed on oxygen to survive, resulting in veterinary bills exceeding Dh5,000. Meanwhile, their live-in helper, Nell, lost all her personal belongings in the fire, though her passport and birth certificate were somehow salvaged. She highlighted in a show of solidarity, neighbours came together to raise over Dh3,000 to help her (maid) begin rebuilding. 'This wasn't just one oversight — it was part of a larger pattern of neglect,' Maddison said. 'And when we started searching for a new home, we were shocked to find many other villas in Dubai also had no visible fire alarms installed. Proper AC maintenance is another essential that's often overlooked. It's frightening to go through something like this.' Routine AC, fire alarm checks critical Meanwhile, experts raised awareness about regular maintenance of air conditioning units and fire safety compliance. 'The air conditioning units should be inspected and serviced at a minimum every six months; typically, once heading into the summer months and once after the summer,' said Sam Malins, CEO of Reacton Fire Suppression. He explained that the most common types of fires in residential settings stem from electrical faults or malfunctions within AC units, particularly in circuit boards or fans. 'International studies have suggested 86 per cent of AC fires are caused by such issues,' he said. 'In addition, faulty electrics can lead to overheating of components and should they ignite, certain materials used to house the units can be highly combustible, leading to a rapid spread.' Malins stressed that residents must also 'make sure smoke detectors and alarm systems work, in line with the UAE standards". He recommends routine maintenance of AC units, including thorough cleaning to avoid dust or debris accumulation. 'In certain residences, automatic fire suppression systems may be appropriate for added reassurance,' he said. To further reduce risk, Malins suggests installing a timer on AC units. 'The government recommends a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius for personal health. It also works the best with the air conditioning unit, by putting less pressure on the unit ensuring less wear and tear, and it should be set on automatic rather than permanently on." 'There's less chance of AC units breaking down if they are used and reduced chance of mould accumulation. However, you don't want them running permanently if the property is not occupied.'