Saboor Ash's Blog

Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007 when Hamas took control of the territory. This blockade restricts the movement of people and most goods, including fuel, construction materials, and many food items.  The blockade, combined with periodic military operations, has devastated Gaza's economy and infrastructure. Over 2 million Palestinians live in the narrow coastal enclave, over half of whom are considered food insecure by UN agencies. In recent years, conditions have severely deteriorated with rising unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity. The pandemic and conflict with Israel in May 2021 have only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.   Reports indicate about a third of agricultural land in Gaza has been made unusable due to Israeli restrictions on imports. This has harmed food production capacity within the territory. Aid groups and human rights organizations have long called for an end to the blockade, saying it amounts to collective punishment prohibi...

  UAE passports are issued to citizens of the United Arab Emirates by the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA). UAE passports are dark green in color with the UAE coat of arms emblazoned in the center of the front cover.  The passport contains 32 pages and is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under the age of 18.  UAE passports allow visa-free or visa on arrival access to over 170 countries worldwide. This includes most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.  To obtain a UAE passport, the applicant must be a citizen of the UAE and must provide their Emirates ID, proof of UAE citizenship like birth or naturalization certificate, passport photos and the application fee. Passport services in the UAE are provided through EIDA centers located across different emirates like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah etc. Online and mobile applications are also available.  Details mentioned in the passport include the passport number, date of issue, date ...

H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of the UAE, headed the Emirati delegation to the 40th meeting of the Interior Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The meeting was held in the Sultanate of Oman.  The meeting discussed a number of issues related to security and counterterrorism cooperation among GCC countries. They reviewed regional and international security developments and ways to enhance cooperation between the Interior Ministries of GCC states. The ministers also discussed GCC cooperation to combat cybercrime, money laundering and terrorist financing. Furthe rMore, they addressed bolstering border security management and exchanging expertise in the field of civil defense and protection of vital facilities. The 40th meeting of GCC Interior Ministers reflected the depth of cooperation between the Gulf states and their commitment to developing joint strategic policies and plans regarding security c...

 World Trade Organization ministers met in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for trade talks. The 13th ministerial conference of the WTO aims to make progress on key issues like fishing, agriculture and electronic commerce. However, major deals are unlikely due to disagreements among members and current geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine and inflation.  The director general recognizes the talks will be challenging. During the last ministerial in 2021, deals were reached on fishing subsidies and patent waivers for Covid vaccines. Replicating this success will be difficult. Negotiations on reform and updating the dispute settlement system are also hampering progress.  With the US elections this year, this may be the last chance for agreements before a possible new administration. However, the US cannot be expected to make large concessions. Instead, smaller advances may be achievable, like accepting new WTO members. Many countries also published declarations on fac...

 Puppies are undeniably adorable and bring immense joy to people's lives. These energetic bundles of fur have a special way of melting hearts with their playful antics and innocent charm. Here are some delightful aspects of puppies that make them so beloved: Cuteness Overload: Puppies are the epitome of cuteness. From their tiny paws to their button-like noses and wagging tails, they possess an irresistible charm that can brighten anyone's day. Their fluffy fur and innocent eyes make them incredibly endearing. Playful Nature: Puppies are known for their boundless energy and love for play. They approach every new experience with enthusiasm, turning even the simplest activities into fun-filled adventures. Their playful nature encourages interaction, making them wonderful companions for children and adults alike. Unconditional Love: Puppies are experts at showering their humans with unconditional love. They have an innate ability to sense emotions and provide comfort and companion...

  UAE  experts shared success stories about organic farming and health. The event was organized by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) as part of their "Inspirational Sessions".  Experts from SCHS spoke about their journey in organic farming and growing crops free from pesticides and chemicals. They discussed techniques like crop rotation, companion planting, and utilizing natural fertilizers. They shared how they overcame challenges in the initial stages and are now able to produce pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. Their produce is in high demand. SCHS experts also spoke about their efforts in promoting physical and mental well-being through exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques. The aim of the session was to inspire and motivate attendees to adopt sustainable organic farming methods and maintain good health. It was part of SCHS's efforts to spread awareness on these topics. Experts believe awareness events like these can encourage ...

The aid convoy on February 21st was the second one to pass through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt into Gaza that week, after the crossing reopened. Concerns about conditions in Gaza and preparations for an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah city prompted increased aid efforts in recent days. Over 1 million Palestinians have taken refuge in Rafah after fleeing intense bombardments and attacks further north in Gaza. Humanitarian groups have warned that an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah could turn it into a "graveyard" and further heighten the risk of famine. In addition to the bakeries, the UAE has also set up 6 desalination plants in Gaza that can provide 1.2 million gallons of potable water daily.  Under Operation Gallant Knight 3, the UAE has so far sent over 15,810 tons of supplies to Gaza via trucks, cargo flights and ships. The  Emirati field hospital in Rafah has treated more than 5,400 medical cases since opening in November.  Officials said they hope the Ra...

Music is a universal language that has been part of human culture for thousands of years. It exists in some form in every known society. Though the styles and instruments may vary across cultures, the experience of engaging with music is fundamentally human. Music has the ability to profoundly express, communicate and elicit emotions. A beautifully composed piece can move listeners to tears of joy or sadness. Music plays an integral role in cultural rituals and traditions around the world from celebrations to ceremonies. It brings communities together and is passed down through generations, preserving cultural heritage and history. Scientists have extensively studied the cognitive and physiological effects of music on the human body. Listening to enjoyable music can lower stress levels by reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. It can also temporarily reduce feelings of anxiety or depression by stimulating the release of dopamine. Studies show that music engages multi...

Pakistan's food exports to the UAE have increased by 40% in the past year, according to Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE. Around 100 Pakistani enterprises related to the food industry are participating in the annual Gulfood exhibition in Dubai.   Gulfood is one of the world's largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, bringing together industry leaders from around the globe. The ambassador inaugurated Pakistan's pavilion at the exhibition, highlighting new food products being showcased.   Major exports like rice and meat from Pakistan to the UAE and region have witnessed sharp rises. Pakistani dairy products are also becoming increasingly popular in Gulf markets.  The ambassador praised the participation of dairy product exporters at Gulfood to tap into lucrative Gulf opportunities. Pakistani agro businesses and farmers to focus on boosting exports by targeting new potential markets. Pakistan seeing a sizable rise in food exports to the UAE, and its participat...

Amped Up Adventure: Jet Car Dubai Provides a Thrilling Way to Experience Dubai's Coastline Speeding Across the Waves: Jet Car Dubai Offers an Adrenaline-Fueled Exploration of Dubai's Waters The Ultimate Water Experience: Jet Car Dubai Lets You Feel the Rush of the Open Sea from an Exhilarating Perspective   Safety and Thrills in Perfect Harmony: Jet Car Dubai's Instructor-Guided Rides Provide Edge-of-Your-Seat Excitement with Peace of Mind Fulfilling the Need for Speed on the Open Water: Jet Car Dubai Satisfies the Thrill-Seeker Within Through Powerful and Agile Marine Vehicles An Escape into Nature's Beauty at High Velocity: Jet Car Dubai Provides a Memorable Ride that Captures Dubai's Coastal Scenery with Whiplash Speed

  Dubai's flourishing startup ecosystem is cementing its status as a leading technology center in the Middle East. With a rapidly growing number of local startups and increasing investment, Dubai is building an innovative digital economy.  Over the past few years, Dubai has launched several entrepreneurship programs and hubs to support emerging businesses. For example, Dubai Future Accelerators by Emirates Airline funds and grows startups working in fields like transportation, education and healthcare. Google's Campus in Dubai provides mentorship, funding and working space for early-stage startups.  As more entrepreneurs launch ventures in Dubai, expertise within fields like AI, fintech, healthtech and edtech has surged. This has attracted global investors looking to back regional players. In 2021, Dubai startups raised a record $375 million in funding, double the previous year. Major players like Uber, Careem and Souq were all founded and initially operated out of Dubai....

  Sheikh Zayed Road is the backbone of Dubai's business and commercial activities. It connects all the major economic zones like Dubai International Airport, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Dubai Internet City, International Media Production Zone and Dubai Healthcare City. This has made it very convenient for the flow of trade, tourism and investments in and out of the city. The clustering of different industries alongside the road has been key to Dubai's emergence as a thriving trade and business hub. The road is lined with some of the most iconic architecture in Dubai including the record-breaking Burj Khalifa and numerous other supertall skyscrapers. Their futuristic designs are a symbol of the city's vision and innovation. The concentration of high-end offices, hotels and apartments in these buildings attract professionals and businesses from around the world. This has added to Dubai's cosmopolitan and multicultural character.  Sheikh Zayed Road provides superb infr...

 Pakistanis in the United Arab Emirates form a significant community of expatriates who have made the UAE their home. With a population of over 1.71 million, Pakistanis are the second largest national group in the UAE, following Indians. They make up 16.73% of the country's total population, making them the second largest overseas Pakistani community after those in Saudi Arabia. The Pakistani population in the UAE is diverse, representing various regions of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan. The majority of Pakistanis in the UAE are Muslims, but there are also significant minorities of Christians, Hindus, and followers of other religions. The Pakistani community is primarily concentrated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with a significant number residing in Sharjah and the other Northern Emirates. Dubai alone is home to approximately 400,000 Pakistanis. The community has made substantial contributions to the developm...

 The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants continues to escalate. Israeli forces have intensified their bombardment of the crowded city of Rafah near the border with Egypt. Over four months of conflict have killed thousands and wounded tens of thousands in Gaza. International organizations have voiced alarm at the humanitarian situation and worsening civilian toll. With Israeli forces appearing poised for a ground invasion of Rafah, concerns are mounting that many more lives could be lost. The International Criminal Court chief prosecutor has stated that his investigation into events is being treated with the utmost urgency, warning all sides against breaching international law. Officials from Pakistan and Turkey have strongly condemned the latest Israeli attacks on Rafah. Both countries will seek to push the international community and UN Security Council to intervene and bring about an immediate ceasefire. They argue the assault on Rafah violates a rec...

  In response to the expected unstable weather, Dubai schools were instructed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to offer online learning on Monday, February 12, 2024. The directive aimed to ensure the safety of students, families, and staff, allowing them to avoid potentially hazardous road conditions caused by the forecasted storm. The KHDA urged schools to be adaptable and flexible in considering the needs of parents, staff, and students, emphasizing the importance of staying safe during the inclement weather. By implementing online learning, Dubai schools demonstrated their commitment to maintaining educational continuity while prioritizing the well-being of their community. This proactive approach allowed students to continue their studies remotely, mitigating disruptions caused by the weather conditions. The KHDA's directive reflected their dedication to ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all during challenging circumstances.