More than two million lives 'on the brink' as Gaza runs out of fuel
Israeli attacks kill more than 300 in 48 hours
UN official asks countries to cut trade ties with Israel
Hezbollah chief says group will never 'surrender our weapons to the Israeli enemy'
At least 57,012 Palestinians killed and 134,592 wounded since Gaza war began
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
DGR and UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence explore cooperation to promote cultural understanding and diversity
Fahim Al Qasimi: Drawing on its deep cultural heritage and history, Sharjah leads initiatives that foster dialogue and promote the values of coexistence. Sharjah, During a meeting recently held at Sharjah Department of Government Relations (DGR) headquarters, collaborative avenues were discussed between DGR and the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. This dialogue focused on promoting human values, strengthening principles of cultural understanding, and enhancing societal diversity; in support of the UAE's national strategies and alignment with Sharjah's developmental vision and mission. In attendance were Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, and Rashid Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, Advisor to Strategic Planning and Institutional Performance Management from the Office of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. The meeting agenda featured introductory presentations from both entities, followed by a review of key government initiatives aimed at reinforcing the values of tolerance and coexistence, and strengthening the government's role as an incubator for these values. Among the highlighted initiatives were the 'Government as an Incubator of Tolerance' and the 'Pulse of Tolerance' Award, both of which contribute to knowledge exchange, institutional best practices, and the cultivation of a culture of tolerance across individual, institutional, and societal levels. A UAE vision based on mutual respect Commenting on the meeting, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi stressed that advancing the values of tolerance and coexistence is a continuation of the UAE's founding vision; established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul; which was built on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and openness to others, and continues to guide Emiratis under the wise leadership of the nation. Expanding on this he stated: 'Our engagement with the Office of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence reflects this vision and underscores the importance of institutional collaboration in embedding these values and transforming them into tangible practices that strengthen social cohesion and support sustainable development. Sharjah plays an important role in this journey, drawing on its deep cultural heritage and history to lead initiatives that foster dialogue and promote the values of coexistence.' The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence is responsible for implementing the National Tolerance Programme and collaborates with institutions and communities at local and international levels to promote tolerance as a vital instrument for development, peaceful coexistence, and societal harmony. Sharjah sets a powerful example of how the values of coexistence can be woven into a sustainable development vision. The emirate encompasses a diverse array of religious and cultural institutions, reflecting a profound commitment to openness and dialogue among civilisations. This commitment is evident in high-profile international initiatives, including the collaboration between the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation and the Vatican Museums to exhibit rare and significant artefacts. The presence of 10 churches across the emirate further underscores Sharjah's commitment to cultural and religious diversity, bolstering the emirate's status as a key global advocate for tolerance and mutual respect.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Syria launches new national emblem signifying 'united, indivisible' state
Syria has unveiled a new national emblem which reflects the country's 'united, indivisible' identity, according to Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara. Mr Al Shara launched the new emblem at the People's Palace in Damascus on Thursday, with Syrians taking to the streets in the capital and in provinces to celebrate. The design features the golden eagle, which symbolises 'strength, determination, speed, mastery, and innovation in performance', Mr Al Shara said. Three gold stars above the bird of prey represent the 'liberation of the people'. The eagle's tail has five feathers that represent the country's main geographic regions − north, east, west, south and central − symbolising Syrian unity. Its wings are made of 14 feathers, representing Syria's governorates. The 'symbolic, symmetrical arrangement' of the wings aims to show 'the importance of each Syrian governorate and its role in the stability of the state', reported state-run news agency Sana. 'Syrian people … History tells us that the era of your decline has passed, the time of your rise has come, your blood was not shed in vain, your suffering was heard, your migration has ended, your prisons have been dissolved and patience has brought you victory,' Mr Al Shara said at the unveiling ceremony. 'We cannot celebrate this occasion without extending a sincere and grateful salute to all the Syrian youth who contributed to building this identity, to all those who participated in it inside and outside the country, taking the initiative, being creative, defying circumstances and believing that beloved Syria deserves more.' Mr Al Shara, a former militant with Al Qaeda in Iraq, came to power last December, after his Hayat Tahrir Al Sham rebel group led a lightning offensive that ended former president Bashar Al Assad's 24-year rule. The government, which is dominated by HTS figures, is trying to unify and rebuild the country after more than 13 years of civil war. Mr Al Shara said the new national emblem aims to restore 'confidence and dignity' among Syrians, both at home and abroad, and signifies a state 'that does not accept division' and where cultural and ethnic diversity is a factor of enrichment, not conflict. However, attacks on minorities in the past six months underline the challenges it faces in creating such a state. A suicide bombing that killed at least 25 people at a church in Damascus last month was claimed by a HTS splinter group that is said to operate like ISIS and is highly critical of Mr Al Shara. The group also claims to have taken part in a retaliatory killing spree against members of the Alawite minority in March, in which more than 800 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to an estimate by the UK-based Syrian Network for Human Rights.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
UAE's top high school achievers source of pride to nation: Abdullah bin Zayed
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, praised the country's top high school achievers for 2024-2025, describing them as an inspiring model of determination, ambition, and excellence. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised that their outstanding achievements deserve recognition and commendation. In a statement on the occasion, he said, 'I was pleased to meet the top-performing high school students from across the country, who have earned this recognition and appreciation for their outstanding performance. You are a source of pride to your country, your families, and your communities. Your remarkable success reflects your perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering determination to excellence. Congratulations on this distinguished achievement.' H.H. Sheikh Abdullah expressed the sincere gratitude to the UAE's leadership strategic vision, which places education at the heart of its national priorities and continuously promotes excellence among the current and future generations. He added, 'Our warmest congratulations go to all high school graduates who have completed a significant chapter in their academic path and are now about to begin a new phase that calls for even greater commitment. You move forward in a country that embraces ambition, opens its doors to every determined individual, and believes that its youth are the builders of the future and the drivers of sustainable progress. Sheikh Abdullah concluded, "And to parents and teachers who provided unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance, we extend our deepest appreciation. You provided the right environment that nurtures learning and belonging. We are confident that these excellent results will inspire a journey of continuous distinction.'
