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Zawya
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Aid cuts leaving millions without support
'Cuts in aid from major donors are close to crippling the humanitarian response in some of the world's most dire displacement crises. It is hard to articulate the depth of donors' abandonment. Compared to this point last year, just two-thirds of the humanitarian funding has been received, which itself was dramatically lower than the previous year,' said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of NRC. 'These cuts are costing lives and must be reversed.' As of the end of June, 6 billion US Dollars have been provided globally for the humanitarian response, down from 9 billion US Dollars at the same point in 2024. In total, 44 billion US Dollars has been requested for 2025. Last month the United Nations announced a 'hyper-prioritised' plan to try and ensure the most vulnerable were able to receive support. This plan aims to reach 114 million of the 300 million people in need, with 29 billion US Dollars. This prioritisation leaves almost 200 million people who need assistance beyond the focus of the humanitarian response. 'Given the funding levels so far in 2025, even many of those targeted by the 'hyper-prioritised' plan are likely to be left with their needs unmet. Alongside traditional humanitarian donors, we need to see other step up to bridge this gap, including a wider group of donor countries and the private sector. Development actors, including development banks, must also step up their investments in fragile and conflict-affected countries so that displaced people and host communities can access the support they need,' said Egeland. The consequences of aid cuts can be clearly seen across the world. In Mozambique, where Japan is so far this year's largest humanitarian donor country, aid agencies are being forced to scale down their support due to the abrupt ending of their United States (US) funding. 'I witnessed first-hand the consequences in Mozambique, where I saw water tanks that can no longer be refilled due to the overnight cancellation of US funding. Families are left without a safe supply of drinking water. This is not only devastating lives but means that good investments already made with taxpayers' money are getting lost. Our NRC teams too have been forced to scale down their support due to this halt in funding, and are now no longer able to provide safe housing for families made homeless by the recent cyclones. This is truly gut-wrenching,' said Egeland. In Afghanistan, the US has drastically cut its aid work. Last year it supported 45 per cent of the humanitarian response in country. 'Our teams in Afghanistan remain on the ground and committed to the communities we have been working with for over two decades, but having lost our largest donor in the country our teams are being compelled to make heartbreaking choices on who and where we can help. We are not alone in this challenge. Many humanitarian organisations are being forced to reduce their support at a time when we are seeing more and more families returning to the country in need of urgent assistance,' said Egeland. 'This picture is being repeated time and time again around the world as international solidarity is being forced to cede to other priorities. Wealthy nations should step up funding before more lives are lost. If we can afford to host World Cups and global summits, and if NATO members can afford to increase defence spending to five per cent of GDP, we can afford to maintain support to the most vulnerable in their hour of greatest need.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt finalizes $900mln debt swap deals with partner countries: Madbouly
Arab Finance: Egypt succeeded in finalizing debt swap agreements at a value exceeding $900 million with partner countries, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced. Part of the funds were allocated as part of the Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy program (NWFE). Madbouly's remarks came during a general discussion session at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), currently held in the Spanish city of Seville. He added that Egypt secured approximately $15.6 billion in private sector financing between 2020 and May 2025, $4 billion of which was directed to participants in projects under the NWFE's program. The prime minister emphasized the importance of creating a roadmap to enhance developing countries' access to concessional and low-cost financing. To achieve these objectives, he affirmed the need to address existing imbalances in the global financial structure, continue implementing the reform of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, and encourage donor countries to fulfill their commitments. In addition, Madbouly called for taking tangible steps to reform the international debt structure while containing the growing sovereign debt in developing countries. Finally, he urged providing the necessary tools to enable developing countries to achieve sustainable development through technical support, capacity building, technology transfer, and the promotion of the use of AI-based tools. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Building real investment trust in Oman: Beyond the headlines
Oman has made clear that investment is central to its future. Through Vision 2040, the country has set an ambitious goal: to grow a stronger, more diverse economy that creates jobs, brings in new technologies, and improves life for its people. To get there, we need strong private-sector participation, smart partnerships, and a steady flow of capital — both local and international. In the past few years, we've seen a real push to attract investment. Government entities, businesses, and media have all played a part. Large-scale projects — some worth hundreds of millions of rials — are being announced with confidence. These stories capture attention, show momentum, and send a positive signal about Oman's economic outlook. But behind every announcement, there's an important question: Are we delivering what we're promising? This isn't about doubt — it's about alignment. Not all projects that are announced are fully funded yet. Sometimes, the companies involved are still building their operational capacity. Other times, the investment figure is a long-term estimate, not something immediately available. That's fine — many successful economies do this. What matters is how clearly we explain the difference. WHAT INVESTORS (AND CITIZENS) REALLY WANT? Investors — especially experienced ones — are not just impressed by big numbers. They're looking for reliable partners, transparent systems, and projects that actually move forward on schedule. Citizens, too, want to see how these investments improve livelihoods, create opportunities, and deliver on national goals. That's why it's time to make transparency a core part of how we talk about investment in Oman. Simple steps can make a big difference. For example: • Sharing the source of financing and the project timeline. • Clarifying whether an agreement is preliminary or final. • Publishing regular updates on major projects. When people see clear information, trust grows. When trust grows, capital follows. GOOD PROGRESS — AND ROOM TO IMPROVE To be fair, Oman has made important progress. Platforms like 'Invest Easy' have improved the investor experience. Laws are more open. Institutions are modernising. The vision is clear. But some challenges remain. Investors still report facing delays or needing to coordinate with multiple government bodies to get started. More integration and data-sharing between agencies would help. A central dashboard that tracks all major projects — their stage, status, and impact — could be a game-changer. LET'S FOCUS ON IMPACT, NOT JUST SIZE Often, the success of an investment is judged by the amount of money announced. But a smaller project that delivers real results — jobs, skills, exports — can be just as valuable. We should highlight stories of real impact, not just large numbers. The goal isn't just to say 'Oman is open for business' — it's to show how business is actually being done here, and done well. A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Telling the right investment story isn't only the job of the government. It's a shared responsibility — between ministries, companies, media, and citizens. We all have a role in shaping how Oman is perceived by the world. Let's aim for a national conversation on investment that's realistic, honest, and inspiring. One where the numbers are accurate, the expectations are managed, and the projects are seen through to the end. Oman has everything it needs to become a trusted investment hub: stability, leadership, vision, and talent. Now it's time to match our communication with our strengths — and turn headlines into long-term value.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar strengthens role of private sector in recycling efforts
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is set to significantly expand its waste management capabilities and deepen its engagement with the private sector, according to Eng Hamad Jassim Al-Bahr, Director of Waste Recycling and Treatment at the Ministry of Municipality. Speaking to The Peninsula, Al-Bahr outlined ambitious plans to enhance the country's solid waste infrastructure and advance its sustainability goals. As part of this vision, the Ministry of Municipality is preparing to expand the Domestic Solid Waste Management Center in Mesaieed. 'The expanded facility will be capable of processing up to 3,000 tonnes of municipal and solid waste per day, in addition to the current capacity of 2,300 tonnes per day,' said Al-Bahr. He said that the expansion project will be offered as an investment opportunity to the private sector, with tenders expected to be announced by the end of 2026 or early 2027. 'Our future direction is focused on enhancing partnerships with the private sector by transferring a number of key services currently managed by the ministry,' he stated. 'Among the responsibilities that have already been outsourced are the operation of waste treatment stations, the rehabilitation of landfills, the development of a new engineered landfill, and the management of the Mesaieed treatment center. Several additional strategic projects will also be opened for private sector involvement in the near future,' said Al-Bahr. He said that Mesaieed's Waste Management Center, currently the largest of its kind in the Middle East, operates with a daily intake of 2,300 tonnes of waste. 'The facility features three integrated processing lines. Waste particles smaller than 45 millimeters are used to produce organic fertilizer; particles between 45 and 300 millimeters are sorted for recyclable content; and larger materials exceeding 300 millimeters are processed to generate electricity,' said Al-Bahr. He said that the facility employs the advanced 'Dano Drum' system, a rotating cylindrical mechanism equipped with blades that shred mixed waste and separate it by size, ensuring effective resource recovery from unsorted materials. 'The center produces approximately 100 tonens of compost and generates around 50 megawatts-hours of electricity per day. The amount of recyclable waste varies depending on the time of year, with fluctuations seen during Ramadan, national holidays, and school terms,' said Al-Bahr. He said, the ministry plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with a reputed laboratory, one of the region's largest specialized research centers. 'The agreement aims to support the development of advanced studies and fast-track solutions for utilizing recyclable materials in the production of new products.' Al-Bahr noted that the ministry continues to support recycling factories by providing them with essential raw materials at no cost. This initiative helps recycling plants process these materials into usable products, thus reducing landfill pressure and promoting a circular economy. In terms of local recycling production, Al-Bahr highlighted several factories already operating across the country, including facilities for recycling wood, used tires, glass, and scrap metal. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
What's new in UAE this July: Visa-free travel, remote work, new health law
The UAE is rolling out several important changes this July that could impact every aspect of your daily life, from visa-free travel rules to how you work or run a business. Planning a summer trip? There are new visa rules you might want to know. Running a business? Emiratisation deadlines are here. And if you want to quit cigarettes, you will want to check the latest tobacco-free nicotine pouches that will be available soon. From health regulations to flexible work options and public health updates — here's a quick and easy guide to what's changing this month and how it might affect you. Visa-free travel to Armenia Armenia will offer visa-free entry to residents of the UAE starting July 1. Travellers' residency visas must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Previously, only UAE nationals could travel visa-free to the landlocked country, while residents were eligible for a visa on arrival. The new visa-free policy enables travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It applies to all passport holders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and to individuals holding a valid residency permit issued by any of the six Gulf countries. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Emiratisation deadline Private sector companies employing 50 or more workers have until Monday, July 1, 2025, to meet the mid-year Emiratisation targets. According to a final reminder issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), companies to ensure that at least 1 per cent of their skilled workforce comprises Emiratis for the first half of the year, part of the UAE's strategic national plan to increase Emirati participation in the private sector. Mohre will also check whether companies are meeting other related requirements, including registering Emirati employees with the social security fund and consistently paying the required contributions. Flexible summer schedules in Dubai Starting July 1, government employees in Dubai will shift to a four-day work week or reduced summer hours under the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative. The initiative aims to improve work-life balance and productivity, and it will run until September 12, 2025. Employees will be divided into two groups, with the first group expected to work eight hours from Monday to Thursday and enjoy Friday as a full holiday. Meanwhile, the second group will work seven hours from Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday. This is not the first time such an initiative has been announced. Last year, the Dubai government launched the campaign at 21 government entities from August 12 to September 30. Ajman will implement a new summer work policy for government employees this year, introducing remote work on Fridays and shortened weekly office hours, effective from July 1 to August 22, 2025, on Mondays. All public sector employees in the emirate will work remotely on Fridays, with weekday hours reduced by one hour. Employees will work from 7.30am to 2.30pm, Monday through Thursday. However, government entities have been directed to implement flexible internal arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services. A new UAE law coming into effect on July 29 will legalise the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches. The pouches are small, smokeless products that contain nicotine but no tobacco is being introduced to support individuals looking to quit smoking. Nicotine is an addictive substance. These pouches release dopamine, the 'feel-good hormone', which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, thereby aiding smoking cessation. New health law for Dubai Dubai has enacted a new law to curb the spread of infectious diseases that will come into effect in late July. It aims to minimise health risks by controlling the spread of communicable diseases and regulating travel for individuals with such conditions. Individuals infected with or suspected of having an infectious disease are required to avoid contact that could spread the illness. They must refrain from travelling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, without the approval of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The law also prohibits concealing infections or spreading them, whether intentionally or unintentionally. School summer holidays Schools in the UAE are gearing up for the long summer holidays, which typically begin in early July and last until the end of August. Most schools follow the academic calendar set by the Ministry of Education or respective educational authorities like KHDA (Dubai) and Adek (Abu Dhabi). As schools across the UAE begin their long summer break, working parents often lookout for summer camps to keep their children productively engaged during the two-month holiday. With families staying in the country to avoid peak travel costs or work commitments, summer camps have become a vital solution, offering children a structured environment to learn new skills and stay active. At the same time, many families also travel abroad to cooler climes, either to escape the sweltering summer heat or to spend time with relatives, making the most of the extended school break. The UAE enforced a ban on outdoor work under direct sunlight from 12.30pm to 3pm daily for three months, starting June 15. This midday break initiative, introduced to protect workers during the country's peak summer heat, will continue through July until September 15, 2025. Companies found violating the rule face a fine of Dh5,000 per worker, up to a maximum of Dh50,000 if multiple workers are involved.
